I am curious as to when the timing chain on the GS500 needs to be changed out, Are the valves such that if the timing were to get messed up that the piston would hit the valves? or is there clearance between the lowest point of the valve and the highest point of the piston?
How often do the valves need to be checked, any tell tall signs it needs to be adjusted, I just bought my bike and I feel that the bike is noiser than I would like it to be, seems like its got a little bit of a tick tick tick to it at around 4,000-6,000 rpms...runs very smooth.
Not sure about the timing/cam chain durability; over 37,000 miles on mine, and the adjuster is almost halfway out, so I figure I'm good for 65k.
Yes, if the timing was out of place between the piston and the valves, the piston is going to eat a valve, but usually this only happens if the camchain is mis-aligned, or off a tooth, which is unlikely to happen due to the automatic camchain tensioner; but is more likely to happen due to a mechanic not paying attention during a top-end rebuild (or anything else requiring the removal of the cams).
The manufacurer (and I) suggest to check the valves every 4000 miles. The noise could also be from low oil. Check your oil every week, after a ride, on the centerstand; do not screw in the dipstick.
Yeah, the chain should last a long long time, The noise you're hearing is probally the cam walk, anoying but harmless. These engines are louder than many, but they last a long time regardless. +1 on the oil and valve check