Poorly-Defined engine noise(s), HELP!!

[HerpityDerp]

Howdy All,

first post and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner, I did try on another account but it never went through as it was awaiting admin approval(?).  But it has come to that time where I must seek the advice of the forums, because I just can't trust mechanics.  For the record, the username is a pisstake on myself, not a dummy account. 

Details:

Model:  2009 GS500F
KM's:  Just under 50,000
Servicing:  Regular (last service < 500kms)
Riding Style:  Commuter but hard commute as I am a heavier sort so high revs and splitting with launches to get away at the lights
Changes:  Levers are shitty aftermarket foldable stubby's that need to get replaced as I believe they are causing clutch cable issues (i.e. altering tension)
Major service highlights:  Air Filter/Spark Plugs - 44,000kms | Battery, 46,000kms | Tyres, 46,000kms | Magneto gasket, <500kms | Chain, 42,000kms | Clutch Cable, <500kms

So as you can gather, the bike is no show pony and is a daily commuter so unless it's absolutely necessary; I try to do the work myself as I have no way to get to work without it, plus I can breathe easy knowing I did the work and I control the budget. 

So, what has been happening (and I'll have to get a sound recording to clarify), is the engine is making a whistle and rubbing sound as I'm riding.  It is amplified by the helmet and earbuds blocking out the rest of the noise but it's something that I am concerned of.  The rubbing sound is what I can only describe as taking a scourer pad to steel and the sound from that.  I haven't rushed to pull the engine apart just yet as:

1) Barring a fully blown engine I would have no idea what to look for once I get it open
2) Oil is fine and healthy (always using Silkolene 10w-40 Pro fully synthetic)
3) When I had the tyres changed, the mechanic couldn't hear/feel anything that seemed out of place, but a lot can happen in 4,000kms
4) I have weekends to perform repairs on the bike, that's pretty much it.  Failing that I need to take holidays.

So after trying to search I haven't seen anything on the forums that would come close to what I am experiencing.  I am inclined to think that the cam chain/tensioner might be linked but as I am by myself, in the literal sense of the word means I am reliant on diagnosing myself. 

The other sound I have been hearing is around the 4k - 6k rev range, if I pull the clutch in at that range I get a tapping noise while I'm cruising.  What makes this particular noise frustrating as hell is that when I pull up and attempt to replicate, doesn't make the noise AT ALL, so I am inclined to think either a loose bolt or fairing panel somewhere that only becomes audible at that rev range and either above or below it just won't happen. 

I hope I have described it properly, any help that someone might have I'd really appreciate. 

Derp

[Watcher]

The other sound I have been hearing is around the 4k - 6k rev range, if I pull the clutch in at that range I get a tapping noise while I'm cruising.  What makes this particular noise frustrating as hell is that when I pull up and attempt to replicate, doesn't make the noise AT ALL, so I am inclined to think either a loose bolt or fairing panel somewhere that only becomes audible at that rev range and either above or below it just won't happen. 

It seems to me that when speeds are moderate and engine RPMs are low the drive chain may be noisy, it's just a noise that isn't apparent at low speed or when the sound of the engine itself is covering it up.
Double check your chain slack and alignment and see if that may be the cause.

I've also experienced the tank make a vibration at a specific RPM because the rubber frame mount was worn out.  Could also be a key-fob hitting something.

[HerpityDerp]

I was thinking that, the slack is about 1/4-3/8" play +/- and looks to be in alignment (it's on my list of things to get is a laser alignment tool). 

As far as key fob, I keep the key by itself and attach to a carribiner clip with the rest of my keys when I hop off the bike. 

I definitely need to check the bumper rubbers on the tank, wasn't really paying attention to it when I was doing the magneto gasket. 

[ajensen]

Does the sound come when you are riding, revving up the engine in neutral, or both? Worn brake pads can make some strange sounds.

[HerpityDerp]

As far as the when Ill segregate the sounds into idle/rev/run or ALL where appropriate

Rattle:  rev/run
Whistle: ALL
Rub:  ALL

[1018cc]

I was thinking that, the slack is about 1/4-3/8" play +/- and looks to be in alignment (it's on my list of things to get is a laser alignment tool).

Are you sure you measured this correctly?

[HerpityDerp]

now that I look at what I wrote......definitely not, but I will have to re-measure


I've just gone