ZXR750 camchain rattle / rocker cover removal

[Fifer]

So this kitted bike is sounding a bit too rattly for rare kit part comfort, so decided to have a quick look at the camchain. Except unless I've missed something, we can't get the rocker cover off without dropping the motor - took the top mounts out and top rear, tilted forward but still not enough clearance....

On the rattling, are the kitted motors likely to be noisy in the camchain regard anyway?? May be a case of tension /adjustment??

[Wattie]

Does it have flat slide carbs?

[Wattie]

They are rattly at idle and low revs.

[Fifer]

Yes does have flat slides and was the first thought but we'd pretty much ruled them out as the cause.

[Wattie]

Madkaw had an M with flat slides.
He dropped it off at a reputable dyno operator for a tune.
Came back to get it and the guy had been too scared to run it as he thought it was about to blow.
Haha

[Kev]

Doesn't have gear driven cams by any chance does it????

[Fifer]

Sadly not!

[Kev]

Bummer, that would be a nice rattle you could learn to live with.

[ZXRPI]

I have an ex-TKA motor and don't find it particularly rattly, so definitely check out the tension of the cam chain to eliminate a possibility.

Braced frames are a bugger as they have plates welded on the inside of the frame spars around the headstock. I can't get the rocker cover off mine either without dropping the engine. However, with bruised knuckles and a bit of cursing I can angle the cover enough to be able to touch the cam chain with the tips of my fingers and vaguely check deflection of the timing chain.