TOPIC:

I've been trying to figure out what is causing a rattling clattering noise when I let off the throttle while in gear. Folks have suggested the cam chain tensioner and I have adjusted it to the manual's specifications. Not much change in the noise.

The manual warns not to screw in the pushrod guide more than will make the pushrod just flush with the end of the guide when the pushrod is all the way in. Is this still good advice for a 30,000 mile bike that's bound to have a lot of internal wear? Should I try a little more tension or does this mean the cause is elsewhere?

Cheers, KZ gurus....

No, do not screw it in any farther, it will eat cam chain guides if you do.

Checked the valve lash? Does it do it in neutral when you rev the motor up then back off of it, or only when moving?

No noise when I do it in neutral. The noise does continue some if I am decelerating and pull in the clutch, but not as strongly. No noise when travelling at a constant speed, or when accelerating (though its harder to tell then).

I haven't checked the valve lash, though the guy I bought the bike from supposedly did about 1500 miles ago. Maybe that should be my next step. I can also inspect the top of the cam drive system.

How's the condition of the drive chain? If it's worn or misadjusted it may be lashing when you let off the power and rubbing the chain guard.

If it don't do it in neutral, then it's drive train related. Like Shaner said, check the drive chain first.

That's great advice. I checked the chain tension in the spring, but the bike hasn't been ridden in years so I wouldn't be surprised if its stretched. I'll check that next.

So the slack is about 38mm, slightly outside the 25mm-35mm that the manual recommends. Think that's likely to be the problem, or would the chain slap only if it were way out of tolerance?

You might find it's just hitting the chainguard. Mine did that a lot. The fix mainly involved tyre levers, which was verrry satisfying

DLC Also remember to check your chain at the loosest point. If chains have been sitting around on a parked bike for a while, it's best to just replace it. But like LT said it might be hitting the guard

you always adjust a chain at the tightest portion of the chain not as the above message states. if you adjust anywhere other than the tight spot you will have a problem with the chain being shorter than the distance needed between the sprockets.

Sorry Wolfman, All I meant was for him to check the chain and tighten it for diagnosis, not to ride on for any length of time and to find out if that was his problem with the noise or not.

np, just wanted to make sure he didn't ride with the chain adjusted that way. I can understand just making sure that that is where the noise is coming from. kewl keep it uprite and ride safe