[Wheelsca]

Ok I have adjusted the valves and adjusted rocker shaft end play.

When I start the bike up cold I have a valve tick for 30 to sixty seconds.
As the engine heats up the noise goes away and all is fine.

All I want to know is is this normal for this bike, it is a 2005 rt 1200 and
should I be concerned.

 

[prostreetdon]

I have a 2009 R1200RT and it has never done that. Are you sure the valves are set correctly, especially the exhaust valves? They should be at .012 (intakes at .006).

 

[05Train]

Loud valves save lives!

 

[steveaikens]

I'm with Don. Let the bike sit overnight so it's stone cold and go back and recheck clearances. Should be no tick, tick. My 07 has 80,000 plus miles on it and it's quiet.

 

[Wheelsca]

I have double checked the valves and they are right on spec.

 

[New2rt]

Most of the issues I've read is when the rocker end play is adjusted. It's not a machined end so it can be loose in one position then bind when rotated. BMW gives you a pretty big leeway between the min and max, split the difference and set it there.

Make sure you are at TDC compression for the cylinder you are adjusting or they will be very loose.

My 09 had no noticeable tick from the valve train.

Once in a while a chain tensioner can fail and cause valve train noise but if it wasn't there before the valve adjust that's probably not the cause.

 

[hopz]

I have double checked the valves and they are right on spec.

Two things, no... make that three:

1. No they all don't do that. In fact mine never does.

2. End play adjustment is : a) not often needed, and b) should not make the noise anyway.

3. Are you absolutely certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you did not mix up the intake and exhaust feeler gauges?

#3 happens. Exhaust is the front side- right up there where the big ole brown pipe is. Check it again. While you are in there do like New2rt said- check the end play again split the difference. Be certain you are at TDC. When you actually did the end play how did you tighten the nut? Did you actually do a torque wrench THEN a Torque angle finishing step?

If you are certain that you did this entire procedure absolutely correctly... meaning You know with certainty you were at top dead center on the side you were working on, and that the rocker arm was loose on both sides, and that you used the exhaust gauge on the front side top and bottom and that the other side was done with the other gauge on both top and bottom, and you then rotated the engine to do the other side... and that you did follow the rocker arm tightening sequence perfectly then you have what we call a mystery.

Please Keep us up updated.

 

[Wheelsca]

I think I have done everything properly, but it has been mentioned the engine must be precisely on TDC. I was very close but it may have been of a few degrees. When I have a chance I will check again.

Thanks for all of your input. I now know it is not a normal condition.

By the way the bike only has 22,000 km on it about 14,000 miles.

 

[mwood7800]

they all make that noise, most of us are just use to hearing it, If you leave it on the center stand it gets alittle less when you start it, all boxers have some valve noise, use some 50/20 oil and you hear it less.
I have a 05 and have checked the valves and end play but still never enough outa wack to fool with, im at 50,000
My buddy has a newer gsa and it scares me when he starts it cold..

 

[pipestone]

I have a camhead and it makes noise, 'ticking'...way hard especially after oil change and first start up with filter filled with oil, just for a few moments.

Guess what I'm saying is it may be normal... ticking is O.K. If Its not out of your norm range of your familiar sounding machine.