Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Shadow Valves?, honda shadow, cam chain

Question
Hi William, I've had my Honda Shadow 1100 ace 1999 model, for a little over a year now, I baught it with very low miles and has about 5,000 miles on it now. Recently I've noticed when the engine is warm and at an idle there seems to be a noticable clicking/rattle, sounds to me like valve noise, I would be surprised if it needed a valve adjustment, but can't think of anything else that would be causeing the noise, any ideas would be very much appreciated! Thanks Steve

Answer
Steve,

Thanks for the question.

From your description, it does sound like some valve noise, and perhaps a cam chain is a bit loose (that would cause the rattle). However, since I can't give it a listen first hand, it's hard for me to be real precise.

Although the bike has only 5000 miles on it, it is also 5 years old. Sometimes it not the miles, it's the time spent sitting that gets a bike out of tune. You did not say if you have had it tuned up, or if you know if the last owner tuned it up (if he ever did at all).

I'd run it by a Honda dealer and have a certified Honda mechanic just give it a quick listen. It is most likely a valve that's a bit out, and again, perhaps a loose cam chain. Not huge problems, but you should consider getting a full tune-up just to be sure, and to see if there are any other problems you might not know about. If the bike is still running strong with no smoke or other noises, it does sound like it's just a bit out of tune.

Ride smart,

Bill Roberson