Rattle rattle

[nickp]

Hi, I just bought an H2 with 18,000km's on the clock. Just before I bought it the previous owner put a new chain on and did an oil change. I've picked up now that the motor makes a chain-rattle/loose chain noise when idling or very low revs. Kind of like when you change gears on a bicycle, that rattly chain noise. It's sounds like its coming from the petrol tank area. From what i've read it sounds like the cam chain? Is it vital that i get it seen to right away, or is it not too serious and ok to ride it until i can afford to get it sorted?? I can't really hear if it goes away above anything more than about 3-4000 revs cos the bike is so dam loud. Thanks

[RedexRobB]

It sounds like the tensioner has worn down, but i wouldnt leave it for too long as it keeps the cam chain tight. Hence when the tensioner wears the cam chain becomes loose and rattles, if it becomes too loose its possible that it could jump the sprockets and that will cause some serous problems when it goes wrong.

A few people here have done it themselves, but im 100% sure what involved not having ever done one.

[Random]

pull the clutch lever in does the noise go ?

[Henchy]

if it happens only up to abour 3000 revs then check the starter clutch in the left engine casing, though loctotoed the bolts in these sometimes come loose, you can either tighten them up and put some fresh treadlock on or just junk it and make her push start only. worth checking as if this is the problem it is a very cheap fix.