cam chain or valve gaps?

My baby (K3 SV650S) has taken to making a rapid ticking sound while idling.

I've never heard what a dodgy cam chain or increased valve gaps sound like but they are what sprung to mind.

If it is the valves I will be extremely ****ed off as it had a dealer service in December (14500m) where this should have been done.

If it's the cam-chain then the bike is still in the 24month warranty period and I will push for it to be done for free.

Any advice?

cam chain rattle happens around the 4000rpm mark if i remember correctly, valve clearances would tick regardless of rpm i think

Considering getting the heads off to make sure all the valve gaps are within tolerance.

I don't really trust a dealer to do it properly. I've done valves before but that was on an old CG125 which had tappets and locknuts to adjust, never dealt with shims before.

I don't have a garage so am a bit worried about crap getting in.

I suppose I could take it to the boys at Essential Rubber but they are really only convenient for tyres because you can ride in and ride out.

If I DIY i'm a bit concerned about elbow room for the rear cylinder. I guess I need to order replacement gaskets before I do anything.

TBH sounds more like cam chain. The valve clearances often dont go out of synch that early.

If your really not sure how to adjust them properly or get the cam chain adjusted then a knowledgable person would be better doing the job. If you mess it up then you will be spending big money to get it corrected.

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

TBH sounds more like cam chain. The valve clearances often dont go out of synch that early.

If your really not sure how to adjust them properly or get the cam chain adjusted then a knowledgable person would be better doing the job. If you mess it up then you will be spending big money to get it corrected.

not to mention surly it would be better and cheaper for you to get it done by a dealer espicially if it is in warranty

Ok I phoned the dealer and they say they are fully booked so can't look at it till May 5th.

I suppose since it's a warranty job I can take it to any Suzuki dealer but they aren't exactly plentiful around here

Most are quite busy this time of year working on peoples bikes that have just been released back out onto the road after the winter..being busy is often a good sign...like not eating in empty resturants etc etc

Try suzuki-gb.co.uk for dealer listings in your area.

As expected, all the alternatives are in Central London.

Anyone got anything to say about these guys?

CHELSEA SCOOTERS LIMITED
334-336 WANDSWORTH BRIDGE ROAD
FULHAM
SW6 2TZ

DAYTONA MOTORCYCLES
ANGEL HOUSE
ISLINGTON
N1 9HJ

METROPOLIS
5-63 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
VAUXHALL
SE1 7TP

Originally Posted by curium

Considering getting the heads off to make sure all the valve gaps are within tolerance.

why would you take the heads off to check the valve clearances? that would only add to the parts needed to rebuild it like new head gaskets, head bolts, coolant, oil + filter etc, when he can just pop the cam covers off and get in there with a feeler gauge

Originally Posted by curium

Ok I phoned the dealer and they say they are fully booked so can't look at it till May 5th.

I suppose since it's a warranty job I can take it to any Suzuki dealer but they aren't exactly plentiful around here

why is it a warranty job??? bike's are supose to make noises.