Noisy R1150R

[Crocker2]

I have a 2004 R1150R that just received it's 600 mile service. From day 1 it had a light tapping noise that sounded like the valves needed adjusting. The valves were adjusted and the noise continued, the dealer told me it is typical with the oilheads. I had a 1999 R1100R prior to this bike and it never made this noise.
I removed the valve cover expecting to find an valve incorrectly adjusted valve, but not the case. What I did discover are very loose/sloppy valve lash caps, apparently by design. I assume that this is the annoying noise that I have been hearing.
Can anyone shed some light on this subject and let me know if anything can be done to silence the tap, or do I need to learn to live with it?
Thanks

[Capt. Blackadder]

Sounds like a bit too much rocker end play. Get thyself over to the ADVRider Hall of Wisdom and look for "OREPAD."

[jonothan]

...and the noise continued, the dealer told me it is typical with the oilheads...

It is typical. Mine does it.

The dealer told me the same.

But to confirm that, I asked a guy called Russ Thomas, a local mobile motorcycle mechanic who services all bikes but specialises in BMWs (he uses a van in winter and an R1150GS in the summer) when he came to fix my son's scooter.

Yes, he said, they all do that. Don't worry.

So I haven't.

It's a light tippity-ticking that only happens when the engine's hot. Right?

J

[boxermania]

Crocker2....what are ....."loose/sloppy valve cap covers" as per your definition.

[Dauntless]

My bike is an '04 and it does it too.

[Loki]

My rockster has the same problem.
But, that's not a problem if you enjoy the "noise" : )

I used cheap engine oil before 30000km service and I don't like the noise.
Now, I am using expensive engine oil (Castrol RS) and it sounds a little bit better...

[Mikeben]

My 2002 w/ 30,000 miles has been making the same noise at least for the past 20K. Everyone tells me what an incredibly reliable engine it is and that it will run forever. I've never had a problem so I guess they are right. I just wish it didn't sound like it is ready to vibrate apart at any moment. Solution....good ear plugs!

[leno]

I suspect there is some slop built in, if I raise the revs from idle by the smalest amount and then let it drop the noise is less. But then again you bike could be saying I'm bored and you need to take me out more. A year to do 600 miles it's going to rust away before it wears out.