My GS makes a disturbing cam chain noise. The chain can be heared - it tickles at every rev.
Bike has seen the world for 55000 km / 34000 miles and the cam chain or tensioner has never been renoved, as I know. The chain noise is constant with helmet on and below 80 km/h or 50 mph. Above that speed it doesn't bother - the wind of freedom releases me from the noises of the engine and worries in my head :)
I've heard that some amount of noise is normal for air/oil cooled engines, but what is normal? Any sound samples about fine working engine recorded beside the cylinder, not exhaust, would be fine.
I hope my english is understandable - I'm from Finland.
edit: Removed a dot
These things can be kind of noisy and it's pretty normal. At 34,000 miles you shouldn't need to do anything to the cam chain or tensioner, but at your next valve adjustment just make sure there is some tension.
Also some of the engines have excess end play on the camshafts which can allow them to "walk" back and forth causing some noise but supposedly it's harmless. Again, at the next valve inspection you can pry the camshaft back and forth and if the play is excessive you could order the propper size shims to reduce the slop and noise.
Just get a louder exhaust to cover up the sound. :cheers:
Almost forgot. If there is loud clacking, that could be a sign of a failed tensioner and it'll usually be acompanied with bits of alluminum in your oil filter.
It's also pretty easy to remove the tensioner and make sure it's functioning properly, it could put your mind at ease.