[RidewithDnB]

I have a 2012 zx10r and had a odd tapping/ticking noise form over the summer. Took it to my local kawi shop and they checked the top end of motor. Said it was within spec however it does have low compression in cylinder 1, and I'm guessing in bottom end. Any idea what the possible culprit could be or what to look out for when my friends and I decide to tear into this motor? Thank you in advance

 

[RidewithDnB]

So the bike has a manual cct on it and was reset and readjusted when the noise first started. Didn't change the sound at all sadly, the noise doesn't get louder with rpms, it actually goes away with rpms and you can't hear it. Once you bring the bike to idle again it comes back at a faster rate than slows down again. We are thinking shims or retainer? Scout I tried the method you suggested and all I heard was the chain on the swing arm lol worth the try so thank you for suggesting that.

 

[RidewithDnB]

So we pulled the motor and it turns out the that my local dealer didn't pull the valve cover at all or check the valve clearance. Bottom end of motor is in good condition but the valves were super tight, .11mm feeler gauge barely fit. Got a guy about to sell a head to me for 500 but has 28k on it, im curious should I buy it or pay to get the head redone?

 

[RidewithDnB]

Well the timing chain was tight as well which was odd but the guides were good which was a lucky bit lol but was advised to buy new valves and redo the head and prices are painful lol

 

[RidewithDnB]

Sooo bought a used head with low miles and new gaskets, new cct, and a new cam chain with new guides, put it all back together, timing is 100%, adjusted the cct and it still sounds like ass, any ideas? Compression test was done as well as valve clearance and all within spec.

 

[RidewithDnB]

Have you drain oil check for any metal?

We pulled the oil pan off before messing with top end as the local dealer here said the bottom end might have a spun bearing, no metal in oil and bearings seem to be fine. I'm just gonna send it to Chris hall here in Florida and have him look at it as he is a kawi specialist and while he has it have him tune it as well lol, once I know what it is I will post the update, thank you to everyone for your input.