I have never had an inline 4 motorcycle, being more familiar with V-Twins. Just got a XJ750, and wondering how much if any valve train noise I should hear. On my V-Twins, I knew what was "healthy". My XJ seems to have some, but I would not call it loud. Just hear it a bit I believe. Any idea? Could I be mistaking this sound for something more serious. Bike is in very good shape for its age, and has about 20K miles.

I have always been told that the valves chatter. I have always heard it on my Seca or Maxim. I can hear it more with one helmet than another. So the volume can be relative. Quiet valves can be a sign of tight valves and that's not good. Most of the engines need a valve check at 20K miles and then again at 30k. It is easy to do and only takes me an hour. That includes applying RTV to my head cover also.

Is it common to have to add RTV to your gaskets? Good source for them? Also, since I have never adjusted the valves on this bike, is there a good book that I can reference?