Valve clearances increased dramatically after cleaning shims

[mr72]

IDK how the cam chain tensioner is going to cause low compression.

But it might cause a rattle.

[Frankiechops]

Okay, some positive news. After pressurising the the chamber with my compressor and being unable to find any leak, I decided to do another compression test. Instead of using the screw in hose I used the straight shaft with the rubber head that you just jam into the spark plug hole. 145-150 psi repeatedly on both sides!  So there must be an issue with the hose connecter on the compression tester.

I also went around the bike torquing every bolt. The engine mounts were way off spec. Not loose, but way off. Went for a ride this morning, minus fairings, and its sounding and feeling noticeably better. Still noisier than before all this business but oh well. Just in case anyone suspects the fairings, I've had them off before and they were not the culprit. No doubt they amplifycthe sound though

[mr72]

Did you check the header nut torque? From your description, the noise could be an exhaust leak at the header.

My personal philosophy is to ignore all noises which are not accompanied by a performance change. My Bonneville sounds like it's got a cup full of loose nuts and bolts attached to the top of the valve cover. I'm sure my GS is the same, except the exhaust is so loud I can't hear it. So maybe the solution to your problem is louder exhaust

[Frankiechops]

Yeah that was my first thought too. Torqued and no leaks. I'll look into a louder muffler

[The Buddha]

Put a 2nd gasket in the exhaust ports. The thing can leak at higher speed where you really cant tell. It also can leak when hot, or when cold etc etc. The 2nd gasket wont hurt anything either.
Cool.
Buddha.