Motorcycle Repair: engine rattle

Question
I have a 1993 Honda CBR 600FP with 32,300 miles on the clock. Engine starts and runs OK but when starting if engine is warm there is sometimes a rattle which seems to be from the top end. Could this be a cam chain or tensioner problem or perhaps a valve problem.Perhaps it may be something else, any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Russ, it is highly likely that the camchain tensioner has failed. However if the bike has been making his rattle for a long time, the loose chain and mileage on the engine may require a new camchain AND tensioner. Try a mechanical tensioner first...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYnO_T5jQX0

http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=135386

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_kw=Honda+CBR600F2+Cam+Chain+Tensioner

I believe that Honda has warrantied many of the later model CCTs, but yours may be too old or wasn't included in the recall actions.

Bill Silver