normal and abnormal VFR engine noise question

My 86 VFR750 sounds ok when idiling however when at speed between 3200-4000 it sounds like a steady loud ticking. If I go from 4000 and up no noise and if I pull in the clutch when when traveling at 3500 it stops and when I release the clutch the noise continues.
The previous owner has owned it for like 15 years and it only has 26000 miles. He said the valves were checked 3500 miles ago and were ok. If this was out of spec valve noise wouldn`t it be noticable regardless of the rpm range from idle upward and not at 3000 rpm range only? if it was an exhaust leak that would same also?
Do the cam gear train make weird ticking noises...just trying to make some sence since I read the VFR sound ticky even when valves are set.

 

my 86 sounds " ticky" and the valves seem to be in spec too ... only outta the #1 head tho ...

 

cams

You need to isolate the noise in the engine from top or bottom noise. I know it is easier said than done but you need to figure that out first. That being said the cams have a split gear that is spring loaded to keep the lash in the gear from making noise. If the spring breaks it will cause a knocking noise. Not a common issue but I have seen it many times and it can be very hard to figure out, the first one I battled with took me for quite a ride before I figured it out.:thumbsup:

 

Did you end up with a California machine? I did. I noticed what I thought was an engine noise, sort of like a tappet sound, but when I got close and listened I realized the noise was coming from one of the pollution control devices, some valve in there I suppose.

<later>
Woops, that was the fuel pump clicking away. :redface:

 

I just got my second 86 VFR700. The first one was quiet, but the second one, although meticulously maintained by an adoring owner, has this same noise you describe. The service records he gave me with this bike show that the Honda dealer adjusted the valves only a few miles ago, so I figure it must be close to right. Also, it is absolutely quiet at idle. 4000 rpm is so noisy that I'm concerned. Runs like a champ, though. What spring do you speak of?

 

The cams have a thin gear that is spring loaded to take up the back lash to prevent noise. It is not common but the springs can fail and you will get a top end noise that can be chased until you go crazy.I have seen it several times and is tough to figure out but would only jump to that after checking the lash first hand. With all VFR's you can't trust that a dealer knew what they were doing with a service they performe once in a blue moon.No stones thrown....please do not take me wrong....not bashing dealers.....just the way it is.VFR's do not grow on tree's and never have.

 

Thanks for the info. I talked to the previous owner and he told me that the last 2 visits to the dealer(including the one where the valves were adjusted) the owner's favorite technician remarked about how noisy the bike was, although the owner thought that all VFRs sounded that way. I know they do not since I had a quiet one before this one. I have a factory service manual and maybe next week I can tear into the top end and see about the cam gear spring you guys speak of. You probably just saved me from 2 years of searching for this noise. Thanks!!!