Motorcycle Repair: 2003 vulcan 800A9 cam chain, diesel mechanic, harley dealer

Question
I have a light knocking noise coming from what seems to be the front center jug since around 500 miles. Bike now has close to 8000 miles on it. The noise is more prominant when the bike is warmed up and am sitting at a idle or going low speeds. If the bike is sitting still and the clutch is released out the noise mostly goes away.
I have noticed no loss in power.  Pluggs have been replaced, and seafoam has been added to remove the carbon(if it had any).  I have read that the problem may be one or both of the cam chain tensioners(the noise coming from the cam cahin smacking things).  If this is the problem, can it be fixed with no part replacement.  Kawasaki/Harley dealer said the noise is normal but I dont here the noise in other similar bikes.  I am a diesel mechanic but am interested on fixing the problem myself if I can get a honest answer.  

Answer
Hi Steve,

Some cam chain and tensioner noise is considered normal. It may increase in frequency and volume with wear or mileage.  

Your Vulcan's cam chain tensioners are self-adjusting. Only replace them should they become defective. How do I know if they are defective? Have the local dealer check them for you. There may be a recall, warranty, or tech bulletin on the Vulcan tensioners. Dealers get this intel from manufacturers. Some Kawasaki recall/warranty work goes unreported to owners. It's on a customer complaint protocol. They wait until the parts becomes defective and owner complains before authorizing warranty. This happened while I was service manager for a kaw dealer. Applies to recalls that are non safety related.

You know as a mechanic that you would need to hear the noise before making a prognosis of the problem.

I recommend the purchase of the service manual. You'll recover the expense with the first work you perform on the MC. The manual will give specific intel on servicing tensioners for inspection. Also visit "buykawasaki.com" to view microfiche parts on line.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively