TOPIC:

Hey guys, I got the Z running but I'm encountering interesting noise when the bike finally warms up and settles down at idle (shy of 1000RPM varying), once the engine slows down enough there is a grinding noise in the top end against what sounds to be the valve cover guide and sometimes it even slows the engine a little/stalls it if it isn't warm enough, is this really bad? I seem to remember reading somewhere that cam chain rattle is a characteristic of the KZs...

Any insight is welcome.

cam chain noise is all too common on all makes of 70s and 80s inline 4s.....have you followed the protocol for slack adjustment?

do tell... ??

I think you already know the answer to that question

All I know is that my auto-tensioner felt pretty tight when I installed it, havn't touched it since.

You can pinpoint a noise by using a crude stethescope like big screwdriver - put the blade against the cam cover and the plastic handle up against your ear. If that is indeed the area of noise - and "grinding" does not sound good - then perhaps it's time to remove the cover and have a look ?