I had a quick read through the workshop manual and couldn't see any mention of the timing chain on the maintenance schedule. My bike had the timing chain "done" whatever that means at about 60,000km and the bike is now at 105,000km. The ticking dies down eventually so I guess it is fine for now. When should I expect it to be due for overhaul and how much might it cost?

 

There is no maintenance schedule. Just replace when it starts to rattle. Mine has done that religiously between 43,000 and 45,000 miles. I've heard of 25,000 mile to 50,000 mile intervals for others. Once it starts, plan a schedule to replace. It will only get worse and is dodgy to run when it's bad.

 

oops, double post.

 

seeing as it looks like you have CCT experience, how much workshop time do you think it would take someone (with decent non-specific mechanical experience) to do a CCT, and what is the cost? like 400$, and lets say for time
2 hours to remove the engine from frame
1 hour cleaning
1 hour to tear the top end apart
2 to tear down the bottom end

3 to put bottom end back together
3 to put top end together
2 to put engine back in frame
2 hours fiddling and tweaking

Total of 17 hours.. or two good days does that sound about right? this is looking at the haynes manual and seeing what all has to be done

My bike has 40000 kms on it, so I figure I should start thinking about this

 

You do the chain in the frame, same as a valve adjustment plus removal of the intake cam and then the chain itself. You use a replacement with a master. Using a chain tool, break the original and re-install the new with master. I've used one from Motion-Pro that has all of the pins and such for just about any chain size you'll encounter on a motorcycle.

Do a search on timing chains or just scroll a couple of pages for a LOT more info. There are several threads that have covered just about everything on the subject. You may decide just to do the tensioner which doesn't require any of the chain breaking.