[r1_dav3]

ive replaced a cam chain and a tensioner before although not on my R1, i had to do it at 30000miles

the original problem showed up as a rattle from the motor esp at certain rev ranges- certainly sounds exactly like your problem

the tensioner was all gunked up so first i had it cleaned up and the problem was a bit better but still there

next i replaced the tensioner and the chain and problem solved

ive also snapped a timing chain before and the entire motor was a write off- the carbs were ok i spose

if your mechanic knows what he is doing he will be able to check the cam chain when he checks the tensioner but imho may as well replace them both while the motor is opened up- basically if the chain has play in it side to side then its stuffed but i would replace it anyway for peace of mind. after 16000miles it wont hurt to replace it

 

[r1_dav3]

oh when it first shows up, the cam chain rattle can be hard to tell from the rattle caused by your bottom end starting to wear, ie slap in your big ends

the easiest way to separate the two is to dump your oil and refill with 60 weight monograde oil and go for a ride

if the noise is gone then its your bottom end, if its still there its prob your cam chain/tensioner