Motorcycle Repair: zxr 250 cam chain, zxr 250, cam chains

Question
Hi Mark,
My question is about cam chains. My bike is a zxr 250 1995 c model. I realise the cam chains on these bikes tend to give reliability problems. When the bike is idling it gives off one hell of a rattle. It sometimes goes but sooner rather than later its back again especially when the revs come down. Its so noisey and annoying. Do i need a new cam chain? or would i be able to adjust the chain myself. I do not know if it is a manual tensioner or automatic. Considering they are supposed to be self tightening i am guessing its manual. Just to let u know Mark, i do not even know what the tensioner looks like or where it is.
Hope u can help me,
Regards
Mike (in desparate need of help)
P.S. I have not brought the bike to a garage to get it fixed but i did get them to tell me what they thought it was and they said it definately was the cam chain. I live in Ireland and the bike shops in my area are pure gangsters and charge a fortune for the smallest job. Hopefully u can give me a solution. Thanks again Mark

Answer
Hi Mike,

It must be a conspiracy. Shops in the USA charge hefty fees, too.

The cam chain tensioner is automatic, no adjustment needed. Check valve clearances, too. Loose valve clearances cause noise.

Get a copy of the service manual. Learn about maintaining and repairing your MC.

Visit Dan's free online MC repair course here: www.dansmc.com

See parts microfiche at these sites:

www.buykawasaki.com

www.bikebandit.com


Respectfully,
Mark Shively