Rattle, valve train noise?

[Benjamin96]

I have a 2005 Buell Xb9sx and ever since I bout it last year, it’s had this rattle that’s especially noticeable on the right side of the bike. It had 21k miles when I bought it and it’s now at 25k. I’ve adjusted the primary chain and that didn’t help the noise. Is there anything else it could be? I’ve read that the valves are not adjustable and that’s what I thought it was. I’ve heard other peoples buells run online and they don’t have the noise mine does. Does anyone have an idea of what this could be? I’d like to get it fixed before the warmer weather comes. Thanks!

 

[Cooter]

A primary chain will make a whirring noise when unadjusted or especially if its too tight (and too tight is VERY bad).
Buell XB engines have hydraulic roller lifters so they need no break-in and should make no noise at all for the life of the bike.

It does have a lifter ticking type sound though. I'd guess exhaust leak. Check the exhaust flanges and gaskets. At cold start (so the head pipes aren't blazing hot) use a light rag or blow a stream of smoke at them to see if it's pumping air out of those flanges or has any broken studs.

 

[Pieters86]

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could a worn oil pump drive gear also cause this noise? Or can't you hear them even when they are about to break?

 

[Cooter]

being a soft gear, I wouldn't think you'd hear anything, much less a 'ticking' type of noise.