Valve/Top End Noise Normal? New to 4 strokes

Just bought an '82 XJ650 Maxim today, and I am not used to working on 4 stroke engines so I just wanted to make sure some noise the engine is making is normal. The bike is in quite good condition, the previous owner is a mechanic and knows what he is doing, so it has been well taken care of. Is it normal for a not really clicking or knocking, but just general mechanical sound to be coming from the valve cover area? It isn't very loud and I can really only hear it when the bike is idling, or usually even only with my head right down near the head/valve covers. Seems to run and drive normally with plenty of power (actually a hell of a lot of power, the acceleration just tears your face off in the lower gears ) and you cannot hear the sound over the stock exhaust, even at very low speeds. Sorry again if this is a stupid question, i'm pretty sure this a normal sound, I just want to be sure because I know very little about what a 4 stroke engine like this should really sound like, and I already love this bike to death!

 

Hi jsngrimm my XJ makes a top end noise too although the valve clearances are in spec and the cam chain is in good condition and the tensioner and guides are good too. The noise is a weird sort of humming when the bike is accelerating but mechanically it is in great condition. I think the primary chain tensioner on some models can have age related problems but I would have to remove the engine to check this. You could also use a big screwdriver against the cam cover and put it to your ear to see exactly where the noise is coming from. Years ago I had a Honda CB 750K2 and the clutch gear was noisy on these bikes but they all did that. It will be interesting to have other XJ owners opinions on your question.

 

Sounds normal to me. Valves make a little noise an if properly adjusted, usually a slight ticking sound at idle. Sounds like your engine is in good shape.

 

Properly adjusted valves make noise, its when they don't make noise is when you should be worried. Go ride.

 

maybe you don't have enough noise, you should check the valves

 

Clappy valves are happy valves . There is ALOT of moving parts cams,valves ,chain crank, pistons etc ...relax and ride it all normal noise .

 

Yes bike is fine.

 

Thanks guys, sounds like all is well and I put a lot of miles on it today! I stalled and ground a gear a bit though :'( I somehow managed to zone out and forget about the clutch when slowing down for a turn CRUNCH, STALL, #*%!. Thankfully it seems alright, and it's put up with my stupid mistakes while getting used to the new bike with no problems. It's built like a tank and I would not hesitate to buy another XJ

 

Enjoy the ride ... different than a 2 stroke the power band is different. With the xj650 hit around 5k and she screams.