Cam chain tensioners

I take it you have the cam sprocket marks (FE and FI) facing away from each other and the cam lobes facing away from each other also (at approximately ten past ten, looking at a clock face)

If you can just about get the FE mark lined up with the top of the cylinder head OK, but not the FI mark it would suggest to me that the inlet cam is one tooth out.

If the cam chain has stretched that much IMHO both the FE and FI cam sprocket marks would be out, not just the one

Before trying to adjust it, what you need to do is have a close inspection of the cam sprocket and chain to see if it is out enough for a one tooth adjustment to put it right.

This photo shows what one tooth out looks like:-


hope this helps

John

I'd stop riding it til the issue is resolved or you may seriously damage the engine!
It might be something as simple as the timing chain slapping because the tensioner isn't working right, or it could be something much more serious!
If you are mechanically inclined, check the timing chain tensioner and then see if the cam bearing bolts are loose or stripped.
Check the cam sprockets too.
If it's not that, then it's probably much more serious and will require a tear down to see if it's a crank bearing or piston rod knocking.
If the bolts in the mentioned areas are loose, but not stripped, you might be able to fix it by just tightening some bolts. If they are stripped, you should be able to get away with putting heli-coils into the bolt holes (after they are heli-coil tapped... see this page for more information : http://www.emhart.com/brands/heli-coil/ .
If you are not the mechanically inclined person, then I highly recommend getting the bike to a mechanic ASAP.

Manufacturer recomeds tensioner @ 40k but please change them at 35k. My rear tensioner failed @ 40150 ks and two bent valves, valve stem seals, head gasket + the two 50$ tensioners + labour, i was back on the road.
as for the servicing i personally have been doing 5k oil and 10k oil and filter change. As long as the service intervals are with in six months apart i dont think you wil have a problem. If you dont do many k's change your oil at least once every six months-oil is cheap.

here is an online manual for you bike

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/2002-honda-vtr1000f-super-hawk-alternator/o/m2916sch90811

good luck.

hi as this runs on an automatic tensioner arangment there is no set time for checking, if the chain becomes noisy or you suspect early failure then this would be a good time,

sounds like a cam chain is making that noise..your cam tensioner may not be operating properly..may need to in stall a new one.

you will need to release tensioner, and remove inlet camshaft and re align at TDC then put cam back in and tension.
timing chain cannot just slip check for chain, guides, or tensioner wear

Some VTR1000's had a problem with the cam chain tensioner on the front cylinder. If this is left the chain can become so loose it skips a few teeth on the cam sprocket and bends the valves. If you can locate the tensioner, remove the centre screw with sealing washer from it, insert a small flat blade screwdriver in and run the engine. you will feel the screwdriver shake about if the tensioner has gone.

5 inch pounds

Its probably the automatic cam chain tensioner. Honda told me to ignore the noise because nothing bad is happening. My bike shop said I should replace it with a manual tensioner. I have 15300 miles and will leave it be.