Cam chain tensioner noise

I have noticed that during the cold weather I get a 'tappet' noise from the left hand cylinder when I start the cold engine. As soon as the engine is warm, the noise disappears. I am pretty certain the noise is the left cam chain tensioner.

Is it part of the character of the bike, or is it liable to do some damage if not changed?

The bike is a 1150, 02 showing 42k miles

Cheers

Mike

my r1100r does that on cold mornings 170,000kms later still no probs

They all do that sir

There is an upgraded cam tensioner thingymabob which is really easy to fit - it made no discernable difference to mine. (it is on the LHS I recall). There is a guide as to how to fit it on this site somewhere.

If you have left the bike idling for some time on the side stand then apparently the RHS valves get oil starved and start to rattle and no matter what you do it will not go away.

Mine is balanced as both sides rattle despite the valves tensioners etc etc all being spot on. I only notice it when I have not put in ear plugs.