Tick, tick, tick..
 

I know that the SV is supposed to be a ticky engine, but I need some reassurance.

My SV ticks at idle quite loudly. Loud enough that I can hear it over the sound of the exhaust. The tick is not audible once you rev it over 2-3k. Ticking is rapid and increases as the revs do and is consistent (doesn't slow or speed up without more gas).

No performance problems. Engine idles steadily with no fluctuation and it runs as sweet as a nut. It's not burning any oil (has not needed any additional oil in the 4000 miles i've done since I got it). It has done this since I got it, when it had just over 3500 miles on it.

Normal, or not normal?

Sounds like this (when he gets near the engine you can hear it) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpyPG6uVbOA

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

it will all be ok, dont worry. That good enough

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

Is it the cam-chain (if so, is it fixable, or will it come back), or is it something else? Will leaving it cause damage?

Should I just ignore it and get the **** on with riding it? :D

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

I think you need to investigate the possibility of a faulty ca-chain adjuster. You can hear which one may be faulty by listening down a screw driver, when its pressed against the engine (press it against each cylinder block)

Other sources of ticky=ness are the final drive chain; clean it, and lubricate it. Also ensure your oil is at the correct level; I find that if the oil is towards the upper limit, the engine is quieter.

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

Aye.. i figured that was what it was. I just wanted some reassurance that the cam-chains can be ticky, and that it's okay just to leave them rather than replace them if the noise doesn't bother me.

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

This sounds serious. The way to solve your problem is a louder exhaust:p

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

MIne does it and did from new.
Does it ease off when the clutch is pulled in, if so then I think its normal.

Louder exhausts are a cure can't hear a friends thou with his exhausts.

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

Read here:
http://www.twfracing.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=492

Only thing I would disagree with is I have heard of one or 2 going bang. That is not to say engines that went bang were not already knackered in some other way.

Re: Tick, tick, tick..
 

That's just what I was looking for. Thanks :thumbsup:

I'll leave it until the next service when the garage will be opening it anyway. They can have a look then. For now, i'll stick to the loud exhaust and earplugs.