83 cb500 engine noise

[Denley]

ok i have an 83 cb550, 29,xxx miles. i have recently been hearing a noise coming from the engine after it warms up a few miles. at first i thought it was a small exhaust leak but the more i listen it seems to be more like a cam chain noise. its very noticeable while riding at 30-40mph, anyone have any idea what it might be? im not experienced with motorcycles so i dont really know what might be changing as it warms up. any help is great!!

[fortyhourdays]

A quick video would go a long way in helping us diagnose your problem.  It's hard describe a noise in words sometimes.

[Denley]

im having trouble uploading the video. You cant really hear it in the vid anyways, it can really only be heard with the engine under a load while driving. Its loud enough while driving im sure people can hear it over my exhaust. besides that noise the bike runs like new.

[fortyhourdays]

Can you narrow down a location where the noise is coming from?  The top or bottom of the engine?  Is it a rattle, a tapping or clicking sound etc, does the noise speed up or slow down with the rpm's?  How long have you had the bike for?  Is the noise something that has been happening since you've had it, or a recent occurrence?  Sorry for all the questions, just trying to narrow things down a bit.  Mystery noises are particularly hard to diagnose especially when you can't hear them for yourself.

[Denley]

ive had to bike a few months, its coming from the top left of the engine, more from the valve cover closest to the front wheel. yes it does increase more with rpms but mainly when im in 5th or 6th gear and the engine is under a load when given gas.

[fortyhourdays]

Sounds like it could be a hydraulic tappet but it's hard to know without actually taking the valve cover off and looking around.