Hey guys and gals,
so my bike seems to have a noisy engine sort of a rattle. The bike just seems to be noisier than it should be. The bike runs fine and seems to be okay. I am curious if anyone has had this problem and what it was. Also a fix would be great to know.

thanks,
sam

 

Could be the cam chain...read this thread and see if it sounds like your issue.

https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...stalled-36477/

 

First step is to see if you can isolate where on the engine it seems to loudest(source). That will help to isolate the cause. Sometimes a long screwdriver or something similar can be used as a stethoscope to listen.

 

If you live near a Harbor Freight you can get a mechanic's stethoscope for well under $10, I'm thinking even under $5 to do the diagnostics for where the sound comes from.

If it clearly is from the right side it is the cam drive. If up in the head area, in toward center it is probably loose valve clearance. If from the left side at low idle it can be the compression release. The 650s will rattle at low idle, I don't think the 250s do as often.

If it is the cam drive, the manual tensioner is both the least expensive and easiest first step since it is not invasive. The original tensioner is unbolted and the new one bolted in and adjusted. Full instructions with the part.

Like the Hair Club for Men speil, not only do I sell the part, I use it as well. Have them in all three of my Kawasakis - necessity, not choice. The 650 and Zephyr are how I got into this whole thing. TNC and another rider got me doing the 250 and eventually I ended up with a 250.