Motorcycle Repair: 1984 honda 750, rod bearings, honda 750

Question
i am looking at buying a 1984 honda 750, but the engine makes a ticking noise which sometimes goes away when it is totally warmed up , i was told this was normal for that year and model bike,do you think that is true???

Answer
Hey Steve,

Engine ticking could be from a number of things. First and foremost, if the engine is ticking, then it indicates that something is wrong...how severe this is will depend on how long you can ride it before maintenance must be preformed.
The ticking could be from something non serious, like valve ticking. Or it could be the cam chain or even more serious...it could be rod bearings that are going.
Since you've indicated that it goes away when warm, then I'm inclined to think its not too serious and possible just valve ticking or cam noise.
Bottom line though, is ticking is not 'normal'.

Hope this helps,
-Jeff