Lazy cam follower

Looks like the source of all the tapping was a lazy cam follower.
All the valve train gear is in remarkably great condition given the age/mileage of the engine.

We've checked all the rockers, lifters, push rods valve seats, guide and the camshaft and nothing is overly worn. Decided to clean out and refit the followers.

Restarted it last night - god awful clatter for about 10 seconds then the followers pumped up with oil pressure and things were much better. I used a mechanics stethoscope to have a listen to the rocker covers and there's a massive difference. The engine is quite and all I can hear is the faint (normal) tapping of the valves. Oil pressure is much better now too. There is still a minor tapping which I think is an exhaust manifold - got a set on order.

The reassembly went well with the exception of one water hose that was a bit loose causing a minor water leak.

Tonight I'm going to replace the oil pressure sender and do a full oil change. Also going to try and get the motorbike up and running and ready for sale.

What lies beneath

...the rocker covers?

Today I set about looking under the rocker covers to try and track down a tapping noise.

So far I've managed to get the passenger side cover off (I'll post some pictures later).

I've started on the drivers side but that's quite a bit more involved.

The passenger side looks good - no rocker arms are missing any pads and the engine looks clean and very well cared for despite it's high miles.

I'm hoping the drivers side is the same - which would point towards my failure to identify a blowing exhaust gasket - that would be considerably cheaper than new camshaft, tappets, lifters, rockers etc.

Photos to follow...