with 50,000 miles my bike runs good. however, when it starts running in cooler operating temps (190-205) i can hear a valve or two start rattling away. when it runs at higher operating temps (210-225) the valves stop rattling and the engine performs a bit better. is that anything to worry about? can anyone explain this?

 

Valves rattle... Cam Chain Tensioner going bad?

 

na, i know for sure thats not it. i know exactly how that sounds. thanks for the response though.

 

Could be something as simple as valve lash adjustment. I know you don't really want a lecture on metallurgy or whatever lol but as with anything, metal expands when it gets hot, and the hotter it is, the more it expands. Therefor, anything not adjusted correctly could be loosely slapping. Have you checked the clearances lately?

Edit: I have seen weak valve springs create a similar occurrence in cars. Especially cars that have been over revved or had too large of a cam installed for the valve springs. They get compressed too far and it weakens them by quite a lot, causing valve float well before red-line. Not saying this has happened in your case, but it gives you some ideas to look at.

 

When was your last valve-adjustment? As long as they're *in-spec* you're ok.
A little tick is ok...& normal, especially given the conditions you describe. FWIW, my F4 valves are in-spec & does what you're describing. I *know* my bike is good to go.