1983 CSR (now SR resto'mod) 650 / cam chain tensioner

greetings from Whidbey Island WA .....I just ordered a new (factory, not manual) cam chain tensioner for my beloved 42 yr old 650, which I bought new in 1983, but have gone thru a few times, last time about 3 years ago extensively.....she has 67,300 original miles on her, but sports her factory cam chain and factory cam chain tensioner .....no real problems, or clinking or chattering or the norm when cold starting or cold idling but just a little bit so figured it was time to swap out the tensioner (oddly, the 650 big book simply says "79 and on has auto adjust cam chain tensioner" and gives zero remove & replace instructions)...she has CR smoothbores and it looks like I'll be able to get it swapped out without removing the carbs, we shall see ....my question: will I ever have to swap out the cam chain ? .....last time I had the engine off the frame was to do the starter clutch, that being about 27 years ago .....thanks for the info & assist 

There is no specified "mileage" for chain replacement (unlike a timing belt) but there is a "wear limit" specification in the FSM

Kawasaki states that the average life expectancy for the camchain is around 40k miles and the 75k on the primary in the factory service schedule.
This is subject to how well the engine has been maintained and the type of riding it has been subjected to.
At 63k i'd expect the camchain to be heading close to the wear limit if it's not already there or beyond  and i always replace original camchains as a matter of course especially when doing a full engine overhaul.

zed1015 wrote:

Kawasaki states that the average life expectancy for the camchain is around 40k miles and the 75k on the primary in the factory service schedule.
This is subject to how well the engine has been maintained and the type of riding it has been subjected to.
At 63k i'd expect the camchain to be heading close to the wear limit if it's not already there or beyond  and i always replace original camchains as a matter of course especially when doing a full engine overhaul.

Are you able to replace the chain with the top on and only remove the valve cover and the cams?