Loose cam Chain?

[Cal Price]

My '03 has developed a rythmic noise, something between a gentle metalic slapping and a ticking sound, the drive chain is OK and I can't find anything slopping around loose. It is most pronounced at low revs when starting to increase a little, any ideas?

[The Buddha]

Cam chain makes a serial chain dragging noise. Because ... it is.
OK when you have the valve cover off, turn the motor over a few times. If you ever see the cam chain slacken between the cam sprokets, the cam chain tensioner whould be checked out. Mine had to be re wound at 22K miles. Its anchor was the problem, it was OK otherwise. I used a bit of copper wire to anchor it. That rewind and re anchor deal lasted till 48K till I sold it.
Tapping can also be end play or valve adjustment.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Cal Price]

Cheers Srinath. Further investigation reveals that this only happens when bike is moving and gear engaged so i think it might be something else. What bothers me is that if it was valves or cam chain i would be able to hear something whilst engine is running and bike is standing still   

[The Buddha]

You think drive chain wheel bearings brake pads
Cool.
Srinath.

[gsJack]

A worn front sprocket sounds like the noise you are describing, just takes a minute to pull the cover and look at it.