Hydraulic chain tensioner query

[tim0409]

Hi there

I’m in the process of selling my bike (BMW G650 Xcountry) which has a 650 single rotax engine. I noticed today that there is a metallic rattle on start up which has only just developed (sod’s law) so I want to get it fixed before I sell the bike.

A quick google suggests it could be the hydraulic chain tensioner; it did it this morning when the bike was cold but has been fine since. The noise goes away within a few seconds and the bike sounds absolutely fine when it’s running. There are quite a few forum posts suggesting that it is “normal” but mine has never done it before.

So, is this likely to be the hydraulic tensioner and is there any tests I can do to confirm it? The bike has done 37k miles and has had the oil changed every 5k. What would cause it to fail?

Thanks in advance.

[trickywoo]

Could be just that its between clicks. The tensioner will be on a ratchet so it might just be waiting to click on to the next one.

I'd not worry about it.

[Krikkit]

If it goes away after a few seconds I wouldn't worry. But yes it'll be the tensioner - as above it's either just under a click on the ratchet, or it's not holding the tension as well.

The running tension is held by oil pressure, which is why it stops in a few seconds when the oil pressure comes up

[tim0409]

Thanks for the replies; it’s stopped doing so I guess you were both right!