bowietwin
XS650 Member
I just picked up a 1975 xs650 that is bone stock. When I saw it on Craigslist, I just had to have it. That was the first bike I purchased new. There have been quite a few since, but that one has a special place in my heart. Now I have a bike to go with all the pictures from so many years ago. Now to my question. I have a rather loud ticking coming from the top end. I have adjusted the cam chain, checked the valves and timing. Changed the oil and plugs, just in case, but nothing changed the noise. It is a steady ticking, kind of loud and it does not seem fast enough to be anything in the valves and it is not a knock. I am thinking the front cam chain guide might be broken, but before I go to the trouble of pulling the engine, I thougt I would ask the panel's opinion. The odometer shows 4200 miles but we all know that may or may not be correct. The gasket between the jugs and case looks like the original. I say that only because it is gray, about the same color as the case. Other than the noise, the bike runs fine. The plugs indicate it is running rich, but not passing oil. Any advice would be great. Thanks.