Hi everyone!

Writing to you from Mendoza, Argentina. My plan is to head up to Asuncion Paraguay stay a few months, then finish my trip through Brazil/Venezuela.

HOWEVER, while I was repairing the bike, the shop owner came outside and told me that the engine sound didn't sound healthy. I have a Suzuki V-Strom 650 2005 with 62,500 miles on it. I took the bike to three separate mechanics all of which told me the cam chain slapping noise was obvious and that I should replace the chain and/or tensioners ASAP or risk destroying the engine. To be honest, I think I've had this noise for awhile but always thought it was a normal engine noise. It's a constant noise that varies with speed depending on how much I accelerate; and I hear a constant "tich tich tich tich" sound.

So I figure given that I have about 5000-6000 miles left to do, it's probably a good idea to get it fixed. However while mechanics here have quoted me around 2000 ARG Pesos to replace the two chains ($200USD or so), the problem is getting the parts. They don't really get imported parts here too easily. Maybe there's a way I can get the chain/parts here. For instance:

0) A Chilean girl is coming to visit this weekend or next. I could have the mechanic open up the bike and tell me if I need the chain, the tensioners or both, and then maybe have the girl bring the cam chains and/or tensioners across the Argentenine border.

The other two options are:
1) Go ride about 300 miles to Santiago de Chile in the opposite directoin where I'd like to be travelling to (I want to be heading north east) where a trusted mechanic quoted me 140.000 pesos chilenos ($251) to replace the chains, and has assured me that even though I haven't found a lot of luck calling around I-Moto and ProMoto (Chilean part places) that we could find a similar model of chain to throw in there that would probably cost around $100. So $351 plus the cost of getting to Chile.

2) Ride 2000KM o 1200 miles to Asuncion Paraguay where its likely I can get the parts or maybe send them from the USA down there. Find a mechanic and repair/replace it there.

What would you do in my place?
Many thanks for your advice in advance!

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

The audio files are here:
Audio recording 1
audio recording 2

Youtube video at the gas station. Youtube video

Here's the youtube video in the garage (uploading now but should be ready later tonight):
Second youtube video

I appreciate you taking the time to look!

My next move is taking it to the mechanic asking him to open the engine and learning what he thinks the problem might be. I feel like this is my only option, otherwise, I'm just supposing different possibilities without knowing the actual result.

Best,

Best,
david

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

Yeah so I have decided to do the following: On Monday I'll take the bike to a trusted mechanic referred by a different trusted mechanic.

We'll take the tank off and look at the cam chain. As I understand it, it should be tight and well tensioned. I shouldn't be able to pick up the chain and it should be tight against the engine. Then I can look at the tensioner and see if its worth out, and also to see if its on its final adjustment. If it looks like its in the final adjustment that pretty much guarantees the cam chain is toast.

In that case, I've located two 82RH-2010 Morse (manufactured in Japan and original Yamaha parts) cam chains 136 links each. At a cost of around $50 per chain which seems like a bargain considering the OEM runs $126/chain. The mechanic quoted me $160-200 to do the work which includes some kind of valve sync. This seems relatively in line with how much it would cost in the States. Anyway, that's my new gameplan.... for maybe $260-300 I'm back on the road again.

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

Just so you don't think you are being ignored .... :-)

To my unaccustomed ear, this sounds more like tappets/shims.

Have you contacted any SV650 forums (or such that use the same motor?) You will get a lot of good advice and opinions on them.

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http://www.ytc1.co.uk

Hard to tell..... Its definitely noisy though.

Would it last 6000 miles. I think so. But if you like your bike, you should have it looked at.

I've done valves on a vStrom. Its a bitch of a job. Lots of hours.

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.