top end tapping

[martyn242]

Hi all, I noticed today that my 03z1000 has developed a tapping noise on top end. The tapping is fairly constant and goes faster and slower dependant on revs. It taps with clutch engaged and not engaged. It seemed to get a bit worse as the bike got hotter. Any ideas please?? I have never tinkered with an engine on an inline 4 but am fairly capable in the tinkering department.
I am running modified air box with K&N filter, power commander3 and modified stock cans.

Cheers

[zed1015]

More than likely shims need doing but could be any number of other things. Shouldn't be anything too serious though due to age of bike. Considering your not familiar with modern fours you should take it for a proper dealer service as they will have the correct special tools and shims etc on hand.

[floydsz1]

How many miles has it done, ?? Mine's done 22,000 mls and sounds ok, Its due a shim check though, Me mate who is a bike mechanic has serviced a few and they dont need anything at the 16,000 shim check so i never bothered, Its next on me list off things to do though. same as yours with pc111 and k&n but home made silencers.

does sound like shims need looking at like ZED1015 says, though could possibly be camchain tensioner sticking though hard to say without actually hearing it.

[Ginger Bear]

I'm gonna jump on the Zed1015 bandwagon & suggest shim's/valve clearance.

[martyn242]

cheers chaps - will have it serviced - it has done 9500 mile but im not sure of the history. Shims! - is that valve clearences?

[Pigford]

Yes... shims sit on top of valves & are different thicknesses to adjust gap/clearance

[hillbilly]

check yur oil

[floydsz1]

cheers chaps - will have it serviced - it has done 9500 mile but im not sure of the history. Shims! - is that valve clearences?

wouldnt think it would need shims doing if only 9500mls
Might be a good idea to get a bike mechanic to have a listen