REJECTED by Honda Shop in Portugal! What's wrong with my Motorcycle? Dominator 650 Dual Sport /18 

Well guys, this day didn’t go as planned at all! What do you think about the Honda Mechanic?…not cool I’d say!

My Honda Dominator, which is exactly the same as Yours, made that noise for thousands of miles. I replaced the cam chain, front guide and tensioner eventually, and it was all quiet then. Keep going !

I’m really sorry for that bad experience. Évora is my hometown and what I can tell you is that shop is garbage, the owner is super arrogant and full of himself his not nice to costumers. You are not the only one that had a bad experience in that place. People in Portugal are nice and welcoming. Welcome to Portugal and ride safe 🇵🇹💪😉

When the knocking noise comes and goes, it is very likely to be a worn cam chain tensioner. I had this several times on Honda 500 and 600 cc singles.

Got to appreciate the 1st mechanics assessment, instead of holding you up, he sent you to a more qualified shop. Some less scrupulous people would've taken your money, and botched it up.

Assuming you can get feeler gauges and have basic knowledge of setting valve gaps. ( it’s easy ) Follow these instructions they give good results every time 1. Remove the spark plug and both allen caps on left side of case. 2. Turn the motor counter-clockwise with a 17mm socket until the motor is at top dead center on the combustion stroke. (Right after the intake valves close) There is an indicator you can see through the smaller inspection cap, TDC is reached when the T mark is lined up with the notch you'll see. 3. Adjust the intake valves, and then the LEFT exhaust valve. Intake: 0.10mm / 0.004in & Exhaust: 0.12mm / 0.005in (this is for every year) 4. Turn the motor counter clockwise very slowly away from top dead center (at this time the right exhaust valve is barely opening up to let the compression out) until you hear a "click" (at this time it just closed). Then STOP immediately! 5. Now adjust the right exhaust valve to 0.12mm / 0.005in

Hi Marc....great videos. Almost definitely wear on cam chain tensioner. Almost since the beginning of time Honda have struggled to build a RELIABLE tensioner on their bikes. Pretty bad for a manufacturer that specialises in four stroke bikes. As for the mechanic....in common with most big bike shops....they don't want to work on old bikes. I think the main problem for them is if they find the fault then finding the replacement parts can be a major issue for them. Takes loads of time and time is money. Hope you can find a 'real old school' bike shop soon. I wish you well....so refreshing to see an old bike being used for big adventures. Forget the Africa Twin....you already have a classic bike!

Hi Marc, Portuguese fan here (and f800gsa owner 😊) Just some notes: The first mechanic - it was a small village, it would be virtually impossible for him to help you on the flight, those guys don't even have stock of anything, he would need to order spares from a warehouse somewhere and it would take days. Lunch break - the guy said to the girl that would take some time, because he would have to dismantle the deposit first and it would no be so simple. They told you to come back, so you can have your bike for a few more hours. You could leave the bike then, but they will start to repair, than close the shop anyway for the lunch break, so it would be unproductive time for you. It was a kind move. No noise - The guy said there was no noise then, so he couldn’t repair. It would be like going to the doctor without any symptoms, sure the doc could run a bunch of tests but it would not be anything immediate, and that guy if definitively not that kind of doctor. He should be more helpful thought… It was a tough day, it that’s part of life... Anyway, you are still in Alentejo region and it’s like an inside joke they are the slowest people in the country in anything (especially regarding work). no smoke without fire. Keep up the good content and spirit! 😉 PS: Dominator is way way cooler than Africa Twin. That’s what makes you special.

Sometimes if you hold a screwdriver against the motor and put your ear to the screwdriver, you can pinpoint where the noise is coming from.

Sounds like the top end. Valve adjustment or cam tensioner. I’d use my time at the hotel watching YT videos on how to adjust the valves and research if your bike has an external cam chain tensioner. I also recommend you change the oil and filter. Cheap and easy insurance for a single cylinder bike. If your going to travel in remote areas, you really need to know how to do the minor stuff yourself. When you do find a shop to help you, I’d ask if I could watch the repair / service.

When I was living in Ireland and UK the shops were taking also 2 hours of lunch break. You were so lucky to be in Portugal where almost everyone will do the best to help you or even speak English. All the best

Hi Marc, check the cam chain tensioner first, it can stick intermittently causing the cam chain to make a noise. It’s an easy job as the tensioner is on the back of the engine on the outside. Check to see if it clean and freely moves in and out. Any mechanic could do this job, if the tensioner is ok it must be the cam chain or guides a much bigger job. Anyway good luck really enjoy your videos. Mal, Australia.

Bravo Mark , I bought a 1998 Honda Dominator five days ago and I'm planning, like you, to go around Europe…I did general work on the engine, replaced vital parts, did a service, big and small…I wish you all the best, greetings from a Serb from Paris

Cam chain loose so cam chain tensioner. That's why you can clearly hear it at idle but not so much when revving it or when riding. If you jumped a tooth it could be catastrophic. Good luck

Hello Marc! I used to have a 1992 Honda Transalp with the PD06 engine and i bought it with a few problems. The rear cilinder was dead. Só me and a friend aeronautical mechanic, we opened the engine, changed the piston rings on both cilinders, repaired and rotate valves, new rings and gaskets, all with the original Honda maintenance manual. After that and all the work, the engine was smooth and ok. After 400 kms it started to waste oil thru the rear cilinder, because the spark plugs had oil deposits. A little after that the front cilinder started to make a noise almost like your bike. It was the timing chain on front cilinder and after 100 kms the rear cilinder did the same. I got tired of that and sold the bike. But man, i loved that bike. It was a hard decision to sell it. Hope you can repair your bike. It's a great bike.

It's difficult to hear. But it's may be the chain tensioner. Sometime the engine can make more noise due to less chain tension. A few kilometers later, the tensioner index move to the right position and the noise disapear.

Hi Marc, I'm from Portugal, and I can say here in Portugal when you go somewhere and ask for help and their first concern is that's almost lunch time, or other excuse rather than solve the problem, don't comeback, just go another place, find another shop, somethimes the not oficial shops have the best people with the best knowlage. I'm sorry that you have to experience this, us portuguese love to help, but there is allways this people. He first sayd "Now its not making any noise", and didn't care to go further to try to understand what was the problem.

Up to 20K subscribers… Hope a good technician will find the issue with the bike. I know the feeling when you hear something on your machine. I had an issue with the shaft drive, was making noise and the dealer found it normal.. A few 1000Km’s later it broke, that was the proof there was an issue… Just subscribed 👍

To adjust valves for Dominator - it is easy. Take off gas tank, open valve adjustment nuts and that is it... easy 30 min or work. Was driving without valve adjustment for one year (couple of thousand km). And nothing happen. It is normal for this engine to have some tik-tik-tik sound. It could be that you need valve adjustment. Yes, do not worry too much, keeep going! Honda Dominator is ultimate survival, hybrid engine works on oil and petrol. We all will be old and dead, but dominator will keep going and going. :)

Keep going Marc, just want to highlight that in Portugal people use to be nice and like to help, you knocked to the bad door… Nice videos by the way!

hey there my name is Troy, i Live in Canada and ride a XR 650L and had the exact same problem in my bike... what it turned out to be was a valve seat in the cylinder head was loose and would fall out, hold the valve down and give excessive clearance in the rocker arm. hence the noise, then it would cool off, slip back int the seat spot in the head and sound normal... i found ir after i decided to pull the valve cover off when the head was noisy, one rocker arm was VERY loose and showed me which one to check. i pulled the head off and seen the seat hanging out of the head. caused by previous owner over heating the engine a few times. my fix was not cheap, a new head straight from Honda with some machine work later and back on the engine.. now it runs awesome and gave me the confidence back in my XR650L!! Now it has been thousands of miles and never been a problem.

Hi Mark! Love your videos! Keep up the great work and wonderful travels. The sound coming from your engine sounds a bit like a Cam Chain Tensioner issue to me. I'm not a certified mechanic but have played around alot with old motorcycle engines for fun. Hopefully you can find a honorable shop that can help you with your bike soon. Sending great travel vibes!!

Good video, don't know much about bikes but allways loved Portugal and its people and climate and food and their laid back attitudes to life, everything is Manyana ( tomorrow) if I spelt it right.

The noise is propably your cam chain tensioner or the decopresion mechanism. Both can't be adjusted or anything, they need to be replaced.

Hi Mark. I was the exactly same problem on my Dominator. It was a pain in the ass until I found the origin of that noise. I it a loose valve seat! And probably the on on the right exhaust valve. It's a documented problem that happen some times. It stats from nothing and making noise some times went the engine is hot, and becoming more frequently as time goes on. Went the engine is cool the head and the valve seat get tight and the noise stops until it get hot again. The only solution it to disable the head and put new valve seats. Hope it helps you

The noise could be a crack in the exhaust header. That often sounds like an ”internal engine problem”, but it's the exhaust air escaping through the crack. The crack will be more open or closed depending on temp. Which explains why it's only hearable sometimes.

There is an awesome mechanic 1h hour away from where you shot the video. But the only way to know would have been trough groups and forums. Hope it all worked out. I have a Transalp and these Hondas are awesome machines.

Hey, Mark. Clearly that mechanic just didn't want the work, so very poor service from a Honda dealer! Really sorry for your troubles, mate, but these are the challenges of motorcycle travel. Check your oil levels, because low levels can also result in clicking. Definitely sounds like either sticky valves or cam chain timing. Next town, next Honda dealer! Loving your channel, so keep your chin up!!

Hi Mark first thing to do drain your oil if you have a filter change it and add a heavier weight oil so your hydraulic cam chain tensioner will have a little more pressure on it to keep it quiet see if that solves the problem for now eventually you have to change the cam chain tensioner and cam chain if you have low oil pressure you might have some other worm parts

That’s a shame that you were turned away. I’m sure you would have had more peace of mind at minimum knowing what the issue is and if it’s possibly safe to continue and address it in the future. That dealer unfortunately made a bad decision and missed a huge opportunity to help a lone traveler on his journey. They could have been the hero in the narrative and when the next man or woman passes through their part of the World they could know there is a safe haven if needs be. I hope some of their local clientele watch your channel and reconsider their patronage. In the future, don’t be afraid to explain what you’re doing, where you’re from, and that any help would be greatly appreciated. Maybe then someone caught in their day to day misery might engage and be a good human and help find a solution. Not only do you stress about the issue, there can be and already are real consequences. Your down time and schedule modification not to mention hard costs for unexpected accommodations etc. Best to try to move beyond it, which you’re doing. Keep it going man! Lots of people in your corner including me and I’m now newly subscribed.

We all have bad days mate “ try and have a positive outlook “ look 👀 your off riding your bike around Europe, your not working a desk job , your seeing new stuff every day . Look at each day as an opportunity to meet new people and new experiences .

I have a feeling they didn't want to work on it since they probably don't stock gaskets and parts for this bike on hand (since it's older). In your last video I really thought it was the valves as well. I would check the oil level for sure if that hasn't been looked at and possibly maybe just get some fresh oil in it until a shop can look at the valves. I don't think it would be a timing chain or guide (but it is a possibility) - I think you would be hearing that more frequently. Good luck Marc!

The face of that girl shows that she is sorry for you - because of her big boss 😒 I felt your anxiety and stress in my own chest, when we saw the answer coming.. I hope you can finish the track without problems and that the Honda will be repared zoon! Greetings from Nineke (Zuid-)Holland. 🙋🏼‍♀️

I know it's frustrating, man. I'm Portuguese and I can feel that bad will in people. There was a fake mechanic in Amadora who took my CB125 when I was 22. He said he would fix it but one time I was there and he said someone has stolen it from the shop and I never saw my bike again. Watch out with those people. In Faro you can find a motorbike shop for sure.

The issue is, if the mechanics open your engine, they become married to the problem with your bike and the time in diagnostics and finding replacement parts for an old bike. This seemingly simple issue can turn into a huge and lengthy process that will required a mechanic a lot of time and not to mention cost to you. You would have been better off trading in your bike for that shinny new Honda African Twin.

That engine sounds fine , no lose valve seat problems there , from a mecanic , carry on !

My guess is Cam Chain Tensioner is going out. It's very easy to replace this on your bike but you will need the new tensioner & tensioner gasket. If no gasket, then just use Gasket-Maker compound. You will need to RU-vid How-To videos to give you an idea of how it's done correctly. BTW, adjusting the valves on your bike is super easy. But if the noise just comes and goes, it's not due to valves needing adjustment.

Bet it was the cam chain tensioner in the end? Excessive valve clearance wouldn't cause a noise that comes and goes (once noisy valves stay noisy) but a sticking tensioner blade/spring/plunger would. Can't believe the Honda dealer didn't work that out.

The noise is not to be worried it’s from cam chain. These engines are so reliable

I had this issue with other Honda dealer in the north of Portugal unfortunatly. In older motorbikes, if the workload to fix something is too much, and if you are not an usual customer, they will sent you away. Watching your video made me remember how frustraded I felt back then. I understand the part of not beingle able to fix it right away ( usually you must schedule ) but sending you away is not ok.

Dont let it get you down Mate, Cam chain tensioner is Most Likely, Valves would Most Likely be Bouncing around and 'Clacking' Hot or Cold.... I have 2 old 1993 Transalps and a 1995 Africa Twin,... I also have a local Honda Dealer .. And iv found Unless you are Buying a New Africa Twin They are really Not Interested in Helping out with Old Bikes, Even for Parts... Stay Positive Mate.... Maybe Time to start learning Motorcycle Mechanics.. These old bikes are really easy to work on.... Just an idea but i would contact the Guy's who sorted the rear wheel bearing, Get them to order a Tensioner, and head back to them..They seemed like good guy's who wanted to help, Plus You would be Helping out the independent Bike shops who appreciate the Work... Good luck Marc

A mechanic needs to hear the noise to understand but by your description I know what the issue is and it's literally a five minute fix for now. If it gets worse later then you replace the timing chain guides and possibly a new timing chain and adjust the valve clearances. The cylinder head must be removed to replace the timing chain and guides. But seriously first thing I'd do is adjust the tensioner at the rear left hand side of the engine. Easy with a few tools.

That noise is the timing chain tensioner and guides loose, they are adjustable on the LHS, adjust it then possibly adjust the valve clearances, not a big drama, with some knowledge you can fix it yourself. But otherwise get it done by a trained mechanic. 👍

I'm no mechanic so it's only a suggestion. Have you got the correct grade of oil? Does it need thicker oil to let it run at higher temperatures? Hope you can solve the issue before it gets too bad.

Marc, I agree with the mechanic - I would not tear into that engine sounding that good, although it is hard to hear from a video. In your position, I would try these things first: check spark plug is not loose, check exhaust gasket not leaking - simply ensure header nuts or bolts are not loose and spark plug is tight, change oil and filter with right grade and amount of oil of good quality. If that does not fix the intermittent sound, only then would I start looking at the cam-chain tensioner and chain, which in any case would not be a hard job on your bike, but probably not a repair you would want to do yourself on the road.

Marc, take it easy, you have to keep in mind that the years affect motorcycles just like it affects us people, you just have to understand it, surely you have a trustworthy mechanic in your country to whom you can send a video recording the noise when it appears and that at least guides you if it really can be the valves or not, from my experience it sure is. Look for an official Honda workshop in a larger city and they will surely solve it for you there. Strength and patience!!

The cam chain tensioner on these XR600 type engines is a pin with a “ one way “ bearing on the tensioner dog leg arrangement that does tensioning …….I know as was selling Honda’s back in those late 80’s early 90’s. Anyway the pin gets worn along with this one way locking needle bearing and you end up with a slapping cam chain . If your bike has done a few km’s , am quite sure it’s the problem. System is nothing like later CRF250/ 450’s and nothing like early XR250/350/400’s 👍

Hi Marc, Sorry to say, but these sort of days are sent to test, but be brave we are all behind you, stay safe.

If its the cam tensioner and its a screw type you can force the tension in it. If the noise goes away its a bad tensioner. Some tensioners rely on oil pressure to mantain tension,could be at fault. Usually valves are noisier at cold as with heat they expand and get tighter,silencing the noise. Hope you sort it out. Valve adjustment is a rime consuming job and we dont know if they had bikes to deliver that day so dont be so harsh.

Can I also say to everyone (motorcycle dealers, riders, subscribers, average folks inhabiting the Earth) my interpretation of motorcycle travel and exploring is about community. If you’re any of those mentioned above and you don’t understand the concept of vulnerability out in the field on a trip like this, maybe it’s time to reevaluate where you’re at. If that fella cracking your throttle repeatedly was the service manager, obviously able to see you’re loaded for a bigger than average ride and from a different part of the world and couldn’t shift a few things around to get you back on track he needs to go see a good eye doctor and get some new glasses. If more people took a minute here or there and helped each other the world would not crumble. In fact I predict just the opposite would happen. He clearly has a job to do and he’s got to keep the schedule and make the profit for the owner. He himself I’m guessing isn’t a rider or hasn’t pursued a big ride. If he was he’d get his ass in gear and make something happen. Lots of people only work for a pay check. Very sad really in the scheme of things. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no villainy here, just selfishness. I hope the owner of that Honda dealer see this or that Honda itself sees this and has a conversation about it. How stupid. Without you, me, the next guy or girl, they (dealers and manufacturers in charge of their global dealer networks) don’t have a wildly successful business nor is there the pursuance of the motorcycle adventure travel lifestyle itself. Final piece, be kind, help each other when able and don’t let the minimum be the norm. Phew.

I agree with you it's frustrating when you go to a mechanic with a problem but he says it's ok.

Me identifiquei muito com você. Eu sou neurótico com ruídos e comportamentos estranhos, mas melhorei bastante ultimamente, vivendo mais cada momento. Sou solidário a você e à sua Dominator, desejo solução em breve. Continue essa bela viagem. Cheers!

Hi Mark, my wife and myself really enjoy your video's. She drove a Dominator 250 around Europe (myself a TTR 250) for more than 100k km's and reconize a lot in your beautiful edited movies. Good luck on your travels!

8:51 Angle. The Angle :)

I’m a client at that Honda shop and they are good professionals. That’s one of the owners and he has a strange mood, but he knows about bikes. They would charge you a lot for no big changes, so I think it was better that way. Ride safe and call if you need for help in Alentejo.

Hi Marc could you write please how many km is already on your odometer? When was the last engine inspection ( valve clearance, cam chain etc) I'm really sorry that honda workshop pissed off on such legendarny model like yours. Keep it up !

Hi Marq, I'm Portuguese, I'm sorry and I apologize. Your problem was stopped at MOTODIANA, they thought they were experts in the Honda Gold Wing. If not to sell a Gold Wing they are not interested in receiving the customer. Too bad HONDA JAPAN doesn't see this way of working from some dealers. Am sorry.

I'm so confused as to why they wouldn't want to do it. I don't want to be mean to the mechanic but it's almost like they just didn't feel confident in fixing it and sent you on your way. Never seen this before.

I agree with most comments that it more than likely is a cam chain tension issue iv had same thing on Hondas iv had in passed and once a valve is noisy stays noisy but do check oil top if it needs some oil good luck 👍🏻

the honda dealer is to easy . to say its nothing, he has to take more time , its not good for the brand honda such mechanics. i hope you dont have any big troubles under way , so if the noise is back , try to find another good dealer , thanks for the video marc! pertol now here 2.18!!!! so stay there . lol

I had a fantastic dominator back in the day ...except for the day the chain came off and threw me in front of a passing Belgium motorist...man his bumper tasted plastic but I survived to live another day .. safe travels

I like that everybody is listing their experience of a noice fix around that area lol.. if you would listen to the comments too much your bikes would be entirely rebuild! hahaha

Cam chain tensioner, swap the auto with a manual one adjustable. And of course you should start to think replacing the cam chain in a near future, have done that job but keep the manual tensioner

Hey! Ich habe Kfz mechatroniker gelernt und hatte auch schon diese Honda dominator nx 650 dominator rd08. Ich denke es ist ein defekter bzw ausgeschlagener Ventil Sitz. Das Ventil wird nicht richtig geführt. Ich hoffe dass du deinen Service bzw Ölwechsel regelmäßig durchgeführt hast. Es könnte auch sein dass das Spiel zwischen kipphebel und Ventil nicht richtig eingestellt ist. Lass dies überprüfen das kostet nicht viel uns geht innerhalb 30min in einer Fachwerkstatt. Grüße Philipp

Yes, it has to be cold to adjust the valves. You can ride, but call ahead and schedule the service, do the guide and tensioner along with an oil change. Fresh air filter too.

You did what you could and was reasonable to do. Just for a honda dealer handling mostly new bikes your problem is not interesting. It has happened to me as well… you need to find perhaps a smaller garage however then they will not have the spares that are needed. Again I talk for experience. If one rides a bike like yours one cannot hope to keep a travel plan because there are uncertainties. So don’t get mad or worried just keep going.

Marc if the problem are the valves it is a big time consuming problem .. it can be fixed but much time is needed in order to do it.. they cannot do it on the fly.. sometimes the problem with that kind of engine are that the valve actuator tend to wear out (the hardening threatment on the surface i mean) .. and the only way to fix them is to open up completely the head of the engine and replace them.. plus the last time i did it it cost me 90E each.. and inside you have 4 of them.. I hope all will go well for your trip.. if the problem is what i think the only trouble you are going to encounter is more noise from the engine.. but it will run anyway .. find another mechanic that can tell you if the problem is the one i told you ... in that way you can still use the bike but with more noise.. Sorry but.. old bike does have parts that are going to wear out ... The smaller shop will be glad to help you.. Big shop or dealer they are more oriented into selling Honda .. and do periodical maintenance instead of fixing issue like the one you got ... Hope my info are helpful... Stay Safe Man ... Big hi from Italy

Teribly frustrating for you Marc. In an ideal world, a Honda representative should now contact you to try to help your situation here. You were badly let down by a disinterested main dealership.

You are on an adventure on an adventure motorcycle and it is complemented by other adventures, e.g. valve clearance! Be happy for every day you can ride your Dominator. You gain knowledge on your journey about your motorcycle.

Chain tension. Have you change different oils. With different or older oils it can be louder. Don't worry be happy. If it stays quiet whem cold then oil change could help. Old oil is thicker when hot. Make sure there is oil and go on... Nice video again. -Thänx!

Era bom que ele contasse a história toda e com as partes verdadeiras. Esteve 3 horas à espera, porque duas foram as de almoço... Além disso o que foi feito na outra oficina foi troca de óleo. Ele não podia parar e um tensor não se troca em meia hora. Ficou tão bem resolvido que depois nem a Elvas chegou e ficou na mesma. Reparar motores com a moto a andar?

My guess as others have said its a cam chain tensioner causing the problem, its not too hard a job it means removing the rockers a locating bolt and pin. Make sure the engine is at TDC and the cam sprocket marks aligned before you remove it and again when replacing it. There are youtube vids on how to do it.

To hear the clicking of the tappers is normal. Bikes with solid lifters are louder. Also in certain areas they seem to be louder due to the acoustics of the area. Your bike is going to go tick tick so don’t worry about it. Just do your scheduled maintenance.

Those older aircooled bikes can be picky about the oil you use. Aircooled engines run much hotter than liquid cooled. When the engine gets hot the oil gets really thin and it can make engine quite a bit louder. I have had best success using oils that are meant to be used in an aircooled motorcycle engine. If i remember correct i think the one that made my old TTR knocking quiet down was Belray thumper 15w/50. Any 20w/50 motorcycle oil would also be a good choise and thats propably available most places that sell oil.

The first shop basically told you to ride the bike easy (so as not to exacerbate the problem). It’s very optimistic (if not, downright arrogant) to expect someone to leave all his other projects and immediately help you with your problems. Shops like that have priorities and keep a tight schedule when they are full of customers’ bikes like he was. I don’t speak Portuguese either.

It always goes away when mechanic listens to it. Fact of life. Just wait till it totally fails, then fix

I worked as an auto mechanic for many years. Every year a branch of the provincial government in British Columbia where I worked required employees of a businesses working around excessively loud noise get hearing tested. The very day I had my hearing test performed, and had passed with flying colours, a customer requested I go for a test drive. The customer concern was an engine noise at a specific rpm and speed. After getting up to highway speed the customer said “Hear that?” I listened but couldn’t hear what he was hearing. We continued on down the road with the customer asking “Do you hear it now?” This went on several times but I couldn’t hear anything out of the normal. Finally I could see the customer was getting irritated and he said. “Why can’t you hear that?” “You must be deaf!” Funnily I had the certificate of testing in my coveralls. I said “Nope, here’s my certificate to prove it”.

In times gone by, people would say of Hondas when it stops making a noise , that's when you worry... as others have pointed out.. older cam chain, cam shift, guides...coked up valves, clearances probably out of serviceable gaps... but with a good oil change.. and a bit easier on the revs when off road.. it will continue to do what they do best... take care 👍

Just to add, 2 mechanics also told me that all si good im imagining things. But then i torn it apart my self and saw that cam tensioner was basicly broken. I bought one and had it replaced.

Problems with the engine suck. If you have people who are not interested in it at all, it's even worse. I hope your bike keeps going and going. Thanks for your cool videos though. It always takes a lot of time but I think you are doing a great job. I'm going to the ACT Portugal and Spain in May and thank you for your tips. Keep up the Happy Face Marc :-)

And yes. Do a full oil change. Make sure oil is correct grade.

Sorry about your motorcycle! Hopefully you can continue your journey? Stay happy!

Keep up the good work! Please continue the way you do, be yourself, be honest and stay cool. After rain, comes sunshine..

Äußerst gelungene Kameraführung vor dem Honda Laden. Man hat alles gesehen was wichtig war

Cam chain , the auto ajustment has reached its end , needs a new chain but as long as you keep rpm down will be ok for a while Reason noise stops and starts is engine hot cold and spring adjuster sill working a bit , valve noise is loud when cold then getts less as it gets hot Last thing , oil consumption?

Check the exhaust monifold balts.it May be loose. The gasket may be leaking when the motorcycle heats up.

Just saw the video and got really amazed by the fact that an official honda dealer treated someone that way. Only unacceptable. New or old bike, the way you deal with customers should be the same. And not all Portuguese dealerships are like that in Portugal. Honda should now about it. :). Stay safe and good trips around the world. Keep doing your great videos. Cheers.

That guy at the garage. What a ******! If he was any good he would understand that noises come and go, especially with heat and especially around the head. He just didn't want to help someone who wasn't a proper customer. Speaks volumes about the business really. Sad.

I grew up with the alger paris dakar rally, I lived just next to the port, every year there was the event, the participants arrive with their racing bikes and their equipment and the racing cars too, it was a great event the algiers Paris dakar rally with very tough racing conditions the only star of adventure motorbikes was the bmw, I felt its confidence and durability as much as children

Here in Brazil this bike was called NX350 Saara. I had one in 90's. I really loved mine at that time and I can tell it was a war tank.

Man maybe the chain tensioner in the motor is just blocked. Check it out is a pretty easy check. just then put everything back together as it was before. And change your engine oil with something of better quality

I also have that same problem with my motorcycle.... It's just a China motorcycle, not a branded one. That clicking sound. especially when you travel for a long distance, but when the engine cols down it will be gone. I brought it to the Casa, but then when they start it it's like what happened with your motorcycle, it sounds normal, so basically they didn't touch it. In the end I just ignored it even if the sound keeps coming back, but 8 years later my motorcycle is still running.

I have had a ticking coming from my engine heads on a kawaski once and a suzuki once. On the kawasaki it was a stretched cam chain. On the suzuki it was a tappet on the valve that was worn. The tappet came off , the valve drove through the piston head, blew oil through the exhaust, and I got the trade in value on the bike, bought another one and kept on going. Go to an independant motorcycle repair shop and lift the heads off and check the valves and clearance. You can still order parts from honda if needed and pick them up at honda parts counter and bring them to your repair guy. Or you can go back to the dealer and ask them again to check the tappets. Cam chain replacement may be a bigger deal if your tensioner is at maximum. Good luck.

They weren't even professional. If you had more choice he would have lost a customer right away. Fortunately not all are like that. keep it going

take in consideration that the bike is old,after 10-15-20 years ticking tocking apear.If not influencing the performance than just keep going.Im the same type of man,soon as a noise apears I want a mecanic to take it to parts and screws all to solve it,but sometimes just "need to volume up the music" as my father says

Hi Marc, Your taste regarding to motorbikes is definitely right! The model of choice is the Africa Twin in tricolor white (what else?)! And I am ridimg exactly this and love it! 👍 Especially the double clutch gear box - try it! 🏁🏁

Valve checks and adjustments must be down on cold engine.....leave it overnight and do the valves first thing the next morning, prior to running the engine

Man ! Look for the right side of the page, you visited Evora that is a very beautiful city in Portugal 🇵🇹 regarding the engine, basically the problem is intermittent, when the boss checked the engine nothing wrong happened. The boss said that the engine sound was ok. If the problem is when the engine is heat, then you need to say that to the mechanics. More clear

I was once in a Honda Shop in Romania or Moldavia I can not rebember, but they first say they have no time bla bla bla, but then they did it but for 150% of the price. I think that a official dealership hast to do such work in between, because it's Part of a good service.

Use a stethoscope to listen to the engine. Make sure the oil is clean and set to the proper level. Make sure the valve lash is set properly. Have a clean air fillter and air box. You can touch the stethoscope probe to different points on the engine to determine if it's the valves, timing chain, chain tensioner, piston slap, rods or mains. I used to be a mechanic on marine engines. The stethoscope was a very valuable diagnostic tool and not very expensive. You could tell the mechanic that you wanted the valve lash and timing chain checked. That would have eliminated two very possible causes of the noise. I have also rebuilt Honda and triumph motorcycle engines and worked on Kawasaki 900 engines. Ignition timing should also be checked as this can make the engine run hot.