Motorcycle Repair: Valve Noise?, valve clearances, valve adjustment

Question
I own a 2001 Kawasaki 800 Vulcan with 7,500 miles on it. On the way home from work, it developed what sounds like a bad valve tap. The noise started after the engine warmed up. The local dealer thought it might be a problem with a cam chain tensioner, but they both looked o.k. I've been riding the bike, and now the engine makes the noise when it's cold, and then quiets down when it warms up. It sounds like it's coming from the top of the engine, maybe the back cylinder. Could this be a valve adjustment problem?
lk.gish@excite.com

Answer
Hi Dwayne,

I suspect the tapping/ticking sounds are excessive valve clearances. Check valve clearances by measuring with engine at room temperature. See Service Manual for specific procedures.

Valve clearances (lash) decrease as metals expand with engine reaching operating temperatures.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively