Engine Tap when cold

[merchjo]

Hey guys, I am new to the GS family and I have read there was some tapping noise on the older bikes when the engine is cold.  I want to verify the noise I have is normal.

I have a 90 GS500 with 15K miles.  The guy I bought it off did a frame up restoration on it in 2003 and had the motor redone as well.  The engine when cold make a tapping noise (compairing to a car) it sound like lifters tapping.  Once the eninge is warm the noise is gone and is very smooth.  I have put on a little over 1500 miles on it and have not need to add oil yet so I am not leaking or burning any.  So is this normal?  I did a search and came up with 37 pages so if this was covered a long time ago, I am sorry.

[scratch]

Most of us would actually have to hear it in person for us to be able to tell if it's fine. Your next valve adjustment interval is coming up in a thousand miles (16k).

[aslam]

I think I hear it occaisionally on mine also (97).  I recently adjusted the valves so that's not an issue.  I really haven't done anything about it though.  It seems to come and go every now and then, very low level sound.

ASLAM.

[The Buddha]

OK is it a Tap tap tap... distinct tap sounds... that seem to come from the top of the motor ... sit next to it when its making that noise and see... If yes see if it varies if you move from right side to left side and also see if it sounds different from where the front wheel is... if its comming from the top part in all cases... its valves... and even properly set valves make that noise. If its a sorta blender full of pebbles noise... more trrrr trrrrrr trrrrrrr than tap tap... and again try to locate it... and its not exactly from the top... its impossible to pin point it... its cam cahin tensioner...
Cool.
Srinath.