Motorcycle Repair: noisy honda, loose clutch, clutch baskets

Question
I have an 87 honda xl 250rfvc with what sounds like a noisy rocker when first starting,if I let it idle 5-10 minutes noise will stop.when I get on the throttle alittle,noise will come back but when on it hard seems to quiet down.when it comes back down to an idle noise will come back and then go away.

Answer
Mark,

is this a tapping noise or
a rattling sound?
Have you checked the valve clearance?

It could be rocker or camshaft noise
or most likely a bad cam chain or tensioners.

Also a loose or collapsed piston or rod bearing can
knock. Does it look oily in the top end? Is oil pumping?

Loose clutch baskets can rattle as well.
It is hard to diagnose when I can't hear it.

I suggest taking a long screwdriver to your ear or get
a mechanics stethascope and try to pinpoint
the area the sound is coming from.
From there it might be easier to narrow it down
to one thing or another.