Noisy Engine

[filupsd]

Working through different issues with a 34 year old motorcycle one at a time. Cleaned the carbs and reinstalled and it runs better with no hesitation. Fuel mileage still stinks but that's issue three.
Issue two is that the engine sounds terrible. It makes a racket when Idling. Only about 65,000 miles Regular oil changes and maintenance.
Could it be the Timing? Can I check timing without removing the radiator and belt covers?
I'm also going to have the ignition system check out to see if the coils etc are still good.

any suggestions are always helpful

And if you have any thoughts on poor gas mileage let me know

[Aussie81Interstate]

I would suggest a carb sync if you have removed and cleaned and reinstalled them - if they are out of sync they do sound like a bucket of bolts when idling.

I presume the noise goes away as soon as the revs pick up a bit?

[filupsd]

I do need to sync, you are right. I am having trouble finding someone who can do it. May be that will help the mileage too. I’m only getting 25mpg.

[CrystalPistol]

Timing belts (there are two) will flap at idle like speeds, too tight they'll sing.

[filupsd]

I'll see how it runs and sounds after a sync. As I said before my trouble in a smaller town in central Missouri is finding someone who can and is willing to do a sync. My regular MC mechanic is fantastic but he doesn't like to do multiple carbs. My neighbor mechanic (old school guy) can do it sometime in the next month. The local Honda shop is so busy they are 3 weeks out and "think they have someone who can do it." For $90 and hour.
Just might have to go buy the mercury gauges and watch a video or two.