To all of the experienced Guru's, I have an issue with a hard rattle when de-accelerating. This is until it warms up and after that it is almost gone. the bike has 93000 miles on it and I am sure it has been well taken care of. I have heard of people calling them a "box of rocks", and this is what it sounds like. I thought it was coming from the timing chain area, so I have pulled the cover, taken off the guides and there is almost NO wear. No rubbing on the cover either and the ratchet tensioner was working as the chain was tight when taken apart. Is this a normal sound that I should get used to? was I hasty to pull the cover? I do really Love the machine, and it rides better than any bike I have owned! I get it! Any ideas?

Beamer, you need to complete your profile to include your year and model of bike. If you have an early K, the 6 rivet output shafts will give you a growl until the bike is warmed up and tolerances diminish. Wadaya got?

Sounds like a very common defect in almost all early K's......gear lash between the crankshaft output gear and the driven gear on the output shaft. There is a bulletin available on how to correct it. It's a major bit of work.
After reading the bulletin you'll understand that other than annoyance it probably won't hurt anything.

Most, including myself ignore it until something requires a tear down Transmission has to come out, rear housing has to come off + Bottom 1/2 of the crankcase has to be removed.....big job, mostly labor though.
Ride On!
Regards, Ibj...

Yes, it will do that when cold. I usually refrain from "engine braking" until the motor is fully warmed up, usually after about 3-4 minutes of riding.

Pop a question in the Engine & Transmission section as not all the gurus read the new members section and you may miss them commenting.
Regards,
K-BIKE

I've had two that had that cold rattle. It's already been said if you can live with it don't worry about it. I never let mine site there and rattle, I'd just start the bike and ride taking it easy till she's warmed up.

Al