Engine Sounds

by Anita Woelfel
(Chesterfield, MO )

I just learned to ride this October, through the MSF course and bought a 2003 Honda Shadow VLX with 5000 miles on it. It's had an oil change for sure last spring, but prob. nothing else as far as I know. I've noticed the engine sounds like it's knocking a bit. When I first start it up, with the choke out, it doesn't do it, then, after it's good and warm I hear it, not while the throttle is open, only at lights or when idling. It sounds like an unhealthy metal on metal "tick tick tick". I rode by the local shop for the mechanic to listen to it and he said all Honda Shadows do that, it's normal. He seemed unusually dismissive, like he just didn't want to be bothered. I could be a bike hypochondriac, but I'm also not stupid and I've heard a variety of engines run... but I'm just not sure. An old biker dude I work with said there is definitely something not right. He thinks it may need a carburetor adjustment or it could be the lifters. AAGGHHH! Anyway, should I ignore it and enjoy my new ride, or should I pursue a new mechanic before I lock the engine up on the highway, killing myself?