Noisey engine

Hi just got my Z500 on the road it has a little cam chain rattle on start up
but goes quickly From cold it runs fine but warmed up there is an even rattle
under load and cruising but disappears when closing throttle
I think it could be top end but not sure
Could this also be a cam chain problem

Any help would be appreciated thanks

I believe your model bike has the wedge type automatic cam chain tensioner. These are not a great design. You may want to take it off, clean it, and make sure it is operating properly - sometimes the spring weakens. You may want to consider replacing it. In either case, be SURE to consult the Kawasaki Service Manual before removing it. Ed

Thanks Ed for your reply I think it could be cam chain I'm not sure when it would rattle the most
engine under load or on overrun.
I have already checked the tensioner and it seems ok as far as I can tell,as you say this double wedge
Tensioner dose not seem to good. I would change for manual type if I knew for sure the chain was the
Problem. Perhaps some body with engine knowledge could advise please

My 650 rattles a bit, but it's only the clutch. Try pulling in the clutch and see if it stops. It took me weeks to figure this out even though the answer is easy. Something about seeing the forrest through the trees.

Thanks. Maddkew for your reply I think I have found the problem pinking or detonation I had a MG that
Suffered from this problem and to cure it I used to retard the ignition a few degrees .
I retarded the timing just a few degrees on z500 and took it for run it was much improved but still there
I am now going to try a higher oct fuel or Castrol additive with oct booster
I have checked and it seems Kawasakis have used low oct fuel since the 1970s
So it should run on premium petrol

Thanks again for help

I use StaBil ethonal treatment