Airhead engine tapping
 

I have a 1986 R80 in pretty well stock condition (other than various spots of rust etc.).

I have noticed of late - the bike is just back from 13 years off road - that there is a tapping noise when the engine is ticking over. the noise comes from the left hand side only so I assume that something is amiss on the tappers on that side. The engine pulls well enough and seems quite sweet otherwise but I don’t remember it doing that before the long lay up.

Is this normal or something I need to investigate?

Something you need to investigate.

Usually just a valve adjustment. Once you have do that .. check that the noise has gone, then do the other side.

That’s great, thank you.