TOPIC:

The engine of my 1984 ZG 1300 DFI is sounding a little rattly these days the bike has done 54500 mls, about 500mls ago I adjusted the valve shims and did notice the plastic camchain sprocket is looking a little worn but still had teeth, it has the upgraded tensioner, over the winter if I change the spocket do you think it will sort out the rattle or should I consider a camchain replacement ( not really wanting to do a complete strip down to be honest.

Thanks in advance

Gavin

Lots of "things" can rattle. Replacing the chain won't get rid of the rattle. You need to measure the strech in the chain to determine if you need to change out the chain. I have replaced the camchain without disassembly. It requires splitting the chain and feeding it around the secondary shaft, then reassembling the chain with a masterlink. Requires a $35 tool to peen the pin on the masterlink. Not too bad to do.
Rattles are not good and you need to find them if for no other reason than "just knowing". The primary and secondary chains have no take up tensioners. The waterpump drive shaft chain has a tensioner but it's a tiny chain and you probably wouldn't hear it rattling but I'd be checking the tensioner just the same.

The clutch lever adjustments made when I installed new friction-plates included an adjustment to the "set-screw" which takes out needless "slack" to the push-rod and thrust button; which is what I believe was the main source of my rattle. Page #20 in my manual.

Coincidentally I fitted new friction plates and springs last year and the rattle does appear to have intensified since then