Is the cam chain the source of the sound? Yes
Will replacing the cam chain stop the sound? No
Is the tensioner the cause of the cam chain making the sound? Yes
Will replacing the tensioner stop the sound? Yes

TROPhouse is completely correct about the OEM tensioner. It is oil actuated and provides pressure (tension) on the cam chain. When the tensioner fails it no longer keeps the right amount of pressure on the cam chain. Slack develops in the cam chain and the chattering you hear is it slapping against the guide. Replacing the cam chain will not correct the issue unless the tensioner is fixed / replaced (there is a way to jimmy the OEM tensioner but throwing a new one in is easier)

The cam chain only needs to be replaced if there is real cause (wear / failure). And it is a lot mot involved than replacing the CCT.

 

wow thank you guys so much for your help, you guys have definitely welcomed me very warmly to the cbr world and i cant appreciate it more!!

everyone tells me to go with the APE tensioner. which i plan to do but does anyone have a write up with pictures on how you install this tensioner?

 

Ah, it's probably just a worn out muffler bearing.

 

wtf is a muffler bearing??

 

A bad joke at a newbie's expense

That's why I clarified about the cam chain. The OP was inexperienced with this problem. And I was concerned he'd be paying the stealership a wad of money for no reason.

I mean you're a stealership mechanic and a guy walks in saying he needs his cam chain replaced because of weird sound. Do you tell him bout the $50 fix? Prolly not

 

Yea I thought it was an attempt at a joke. Didn't want the OP to be thrown off...

 

haha so does anyone have a write up with pics on how to put the APE tnesioner in and how to adjust it after install? any help would be greatly appreciated