the bike:'02 F4i, 11k mi.
the problem: riding home from work, it started to rattle at a stop light. sounded like it was coming from on top of the head (like a rock rattling around on top). The rattle didn't increase or decrease in frequency when applying throttle. Next day it was still there, so I removed fairings to have a look, no rock or road debris. Listening closely, I throttled up and down, still just a constant rattle. Went riding around the sub today to check on it, and the rattling got a little louder, and the bike actually stalled on me. I restarted the bike with no problem, but the rattle was still there, rode to the house very slowly. Removed both fairings, and fired the bike up, now the rattling sounds like it is coming from the oil pan, and being churned up inside of there. I searched the forum with no success, thought maybe the CCT, but descriptions of sounds and failure modes are different (CCT won't cause the stalling).Any ideas will be appreciated

The rattling happens in and out of gear

 

its probably the cct-lifter. you wouldnt stall if you had this issue and this noise and rattling persists for all the time the bike is on.

 

Upon closer inspection, it sounds as though the rattling may be coming from inside the right side engine cover.

 

o.k. you were right. i may have been off on my diagnosis. it exhibits the cct issues. time to change it.

thanks