Reply To: Valve clearance, camshaft, camshaft tensioner – a problem or a serious fault?
Put a screwdriver pointy part on to the engine where the noise is , then the handle side on your ear , can you hear the sounds changing as you rev ?
If pistons where hit = it would likely be thudding hard and you will feel it when your hand is on the engine.
If you leave the bike on full choke, does it ride even a little bit ?
And does the smoke stay constant on the exhaut, or does it only puff smoke when you rev fast and let go (throttle blips) ?