getting started on my first vfr

Just thought i'd introduce myself and ask a few questions. I'm Carl, 24 year old former soldier turned student for mechanical engineering. Thought I'd get back into riding after a few years of not owning a bike and picked up a decent 83 VFR750F and matching parts bike for $500. The good bike has 29k miles on it and still runs decently once it warms up and hopefully will run better soon enough. I'm concerned about a ticking sound I've heard along with a constant whirring, sounds to me like possible lifter/valve noise and think it has a loose timing chain too. I pulled the rear valve cover off quick to take a look and everything looks good and tight- cant see any wear on the cams and the chain appears good to me. What are the valve clearances supposed to be? How do you check timing chain tension? Also, who makes the best shop manual for these? I've been looking around online, but cant find a manual for VFR's before 86, and the ones posted on here dont like me in the least. Can anybody help? And for those curious, I'll be posting the pics I took of the two bikes later on tonight.
Thanks,
C

 

Honda's factory service manual is better than any other for this bike; but if you have any money, get a newer Honda......you'll be happy you did.

 

Check your model, I only see '83 VF750F not a VFR (it's ok, we still love you). Valve clearance 1983 VF750F: IN - 0.15mm(.006 in.) EX - 0.15mm (.006 in.). The cam chain tensioner should be automatic. Go with the Honda service man. I'm not just saying that. I used to be a Honda tech, and they are the best. Get a hold of a Honda dealer, they should be able to order you one.

 

thanks for the gentle error correction pjvtec...youre right, its a vf750f. silly question though- arent cam chains like any other chain in that they stretch and i have to keep an eye on them for that? i'm pretty sure theyre good, overall everything under the rear valve cover looks like new, we'll see how the front is though tomorrow when i get it opened up further. thanks for the specs, and im going to order a genuine honda manual tomorrow. hopefully the pic i'm attaching works, couldnt get a real good shot inside my basement, but you get the idea...

 

A little top end "rattle" is normal on the early Honda V-4. I've had 4 of them and still have 2. They both have a little rattle and have had it for years. If the cams look good and the cam chain tentioners are working, you should be fine. Keep up the good work and bring that classic back to life. It'll be a beautiful bike when it is all done. Here is a pict of my old '83.

 

first let me say thank you for serving your country U.S.A. :first: then we are not all donald trumps here the bike has 28k that is not alot of miles i put over 100k on an ole hurricane 600 dragit everything no bullsheet needed 2 cam chain tensioners thats normal ticking could be valve adjustment time if you can do it by the book go ahead but i think they have hydrolic tappits as always have the shop do it thats what they do and if money is issue run 20-50 synthetic oil see if that helps i swear by that and mt rwb 07 is gettin that next oil change.. honda manuel is number one from what i see your bike is in good shape just needs some tender luvin care good luck and keep us posted.