With 12k miles, it could be time for valve adjustment or it could be the cam chain. When was the last time you checked valve clearence? The manual states every 7,500 miles for adjustment and check. As for the cam chain, theres a quick trick to see if that is the problem.

Cam chain manual adjustment: Use either A or B
A:
1. Locate the cam chain tensioner
2. Remover center bolt and spring
3. Stick a long nail inside the hole
4. Push nail forward until you hear 1x click
5. Reinstall spring and bolt

B:
1. Locate the cam chain tensioner
2. Loosen 1 of the 2 smaller bolts on either side of the center bolt
3. Start to loosen the other bolt until you hear 1x click from the tensioner
4. Retighten both bolts

After adjustment, restart the engine and hear if the sound has gotten better.

 

Learjet
If the sound has not gotten better that may indicate the noise is not from the cam chain and I would think it would be a good idea to remove the tensioner reset the ratchet pawl all the way back in with the spring removed. Then reinstall the tensioner then spring then center bolt. Otherwise the extra click of tension that was just put in with method A or B would be excess tension.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Cheers Jim
PWI-963

 

I tried the adjustment and the sound seemed better..but I think my ears at this point were wanting to hear my bike fixed. I am taking the bike in next week for the 12k maint and they will check the valves as well. You can hear the sound then it will go away as I drive, almost as if oil pumped up and lubed the metal and the engine sounds normal. I know it is not normal ..... I guess I have t wait and see what the shop says...other than "pay up sucker"

 

would that be where the noise is coming from on my bike between 5k-6k rpm on the bike or is it the valves? i know when the oil gets low the more it makes noise. i have over 15k on my bike and never did anything to it but oil changes never checkeck the valves.

 

I am at just over 6000 miles on my 09 and have manually adjusted the "self adjuster" twice. coudent take the noise anymore was driving me nutz!

 

If the sound is still there after the cam chain adjustment, then it is best to check valve cam clearences.

digitaloverkill
The cam chain noise is most at the 5K~6K rpm range.