noises.....

I've always had a valve tap w/ this bike @ low RPMs and @ startup, after it ran for awhile (20 min +or-) it went away. Now it isn't going away and is getting quite noticable @ the higher revs too. Last night I started hearing a noise like something was vibrating badly @ 4500 - 6000 rpm. I checked the bike & couldn't find a thing loose. I'm not much of a mechanic, but this doesn't sound too good to me. The bike is all kinds of stock. I've done the maintenance (oil, air filter, plugs, etc..). Anyone heard of this before?

We need the year of the bike to be able to help as now we have no idea of what the problem is other than valve clearances should be looked at.

Also do you have a shop manual for your bike? If you are planning on keeping this machine for a while a factory shop manual(FSM) can be purchased through the dealer if the bike is not too old or at a website www.repairmanual.com

I recently ordered and received a manual on my 82 GPZ1100 B2 as my old manual was getting tattered and oil stained.

More than likely,timing chain,but like Mfolks mentioned...get a manual for that bike for sure,as it will guide you through the steps on how to adjust the timing chain(tensioner).
Have the valves been adjusted?
What you've done for maintenance is good,BUT...there IS more maintenance to be done.

Make sure it's not something outside the motor. Check your exhaust manifold where it bolts to the engine exhaust ports. When the seals crush, the pipes can get loose and cause a rattle. Also, clutch/brake levers buzz, and sometimes mirrors do too. My $.02.

It's an 1984 KZ700. No valve adjustments have been made. I've been looking @ the manuals & can only find the Kawasaki mechanic's repair manual. Will it assume i'm a mechanic, or is it similar to the Clymer type manuals?

I've found (my opinion) the Clymer manual lacking in many areas. It's good for basic information but the wiring diagrams are in black and white and hard to trace while trying to figure out Kawasaki's color coding transcribed to some difficult to understand terms.

The Haynes manual(my opinion again) is almost the same, again basic information but not as good as the factory manual.

Thanks! I'll get the Kawa manual asap. *UPDATE* Any idea on where to get one?

a factory shop manual (FSM) can be ordered at www.repairmanual.com It's up to date and last month I ordered and received one for bike. Try the dealer first if that dosen't work www.repairmanual.com should have one.

It might be a few $$ but the wiring diagrams are in color and it shows what the others lack.

I have the manual on order, but have been trying to find out where the noise is coming from. It only happens when the bike is in gear and running around 4 - 6000 rpm. It sounds like it's coming from the transmission, but shifts fine. Any ideas?

Is drive chain in good condition, well lubed, and not kinking?

Looks that way to me. I'll lube it up & give that a shot. Thanks

I've tried to adjust the timing chain tensioner, lubed the chain, tightened the chain a little (it was kinda loose), and inspected the chain. I've changed out the oil and inspected the bike for loose pieces, but can't seem to figure out waht this noise is. I shot a video to try and capture the sound, here's the link:



Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all the help so far!!