[Zedlizard]

Hey folks. My wife just got a 2010 and loves it.
I have noticed a couple things I was hoping you could help me with though.
It sounds like it has a tap, but from what I'm reading this model has hydraulic valve adjustment, and does not require periodic valve adjustment... is that right?  Anyone have experience with this tapping noise?
Also, when I rev it up it sounds like a metal shield is rattling, but I don't see anything to rattle. It could be in the motor, for sure, and that's what also got me wondering about the valves, pushrods, etc.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers!

[HUdson51]

Yes, they have hydraulic tappets that do not require adjustment, and no they are not as quiet as most hydraulic tappets. I wouldn't be concerned about a mild tapping. As for the rattle noise, carefully check the heat shield on the muffler as they have a tendency to lose the screws that attaches them. Enjoy the bike, they are a most unique riding experience and are a very relaxing ride on secondary roads. Not so great on freeways.

[Bert Remington]

I concur with HUdson51 on tappets.  WRT rattle, in my C5 experience it was a loose rear gas tank mount.  I fabricated from flat aluminum plate and installed a second frame-to-engine head steady bracket which removed the looseness and eliminated the rattle (https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php/topic,7829.msg303856.html#msg303856).  You can buy a second head steady from Hitchcocks (http://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/2719, http://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/accessory-shop/Head-Steady-electra-EFI/34252).  I recommend you wrap your head steady in tape or heat shrink as the wiring is kinda crowded in that area.  BTW just tightening the original bolt was not sufficient -- a second bracket was required.

[Subbu-500]

I would also check the battery box cover on the right and that beautiful oval shaped one on the left. They are both rectangular on my B5 and have been rattling since day one...they both have their own music note post 60 kmph and i have just accepted to like it and live with it  ...so just rev the motor and place your palm firmly on the boxes to see if that stops the rattle...if it does, well...just live with it

[longstrokeclassic]

Hi, dependent on model,  the front end of the heat shield can rattle profusely if the locating tab on the down pipe breaks off.
I've a B5 and secured mine tight against the down pipe with a couple of stainless steel zip ties. In the short space of time before securing it with the ties a 3/8" fracture developed between the larger and narrower section of the shield.

[Richard230]

No rattles on my 2011 B5. No stock muffler, either.   

[mattsz]

I concur with HUdson51 on tappets.  WRT rattle, in my C5 experience it was a loose rear gas tank mount.  I fabricated from flat aluminum plate and installed a second frame-to-engine head steady bracket which removed the looseness and eliminated the rattle (https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php/topic,7829.msg303856.html#msg303856).

On my 2011, the front fuel tank mount rattled - I had to add some spacers between the front tank flanges and the headstock to get the mounting bolt to hold it secure enough to stop the rattle.

Now, of course, the tank's front mounting hardware is a distant memory...

[wildbill]

yeah but I bet your vibration equals mine....LOL

[Zedlizard]

Thanks folks-appreciated! Both helpful and hopefully.
I hope to get on this on Sunday, I'll let you know how it pans out.

[longstrokeclassic]

While making an additional exhaust support I found another rattle today - the topside of the brake pedal on the underside of the down pipe 

[Zedlizard]

Hi, dependent on model,  the front end of the heat shield can rattle profusely if the locating tab on the down pipe breaks off.
I've a B5 and secured mine tight against the down pipe with a couple of stainless steel zip ties. In the short space of time before securing it with the ties a 3/8" fracture developed between the larger and narrower section of the shield.

I think we have a winner. It did appear to be the front heat shield making the noise. I can't see where there would have been a locating tab, but I bent it up away from the pipe and that may be enough right there. Thanks again!