[krupster]

First, thanks for the help on my XR250. My 96 XR200 has a knocking noise in the head. I've checked the valve clearance and it's fine. Could it be a broken spring, warn cam or something else. Hope to have both bikes running so I can get out an ride.

[dpunched]

i have a 96 xr 200 also it has a knocking in the head also im wondering if its the valves hitting the head but i dont think so i just put it back togeather after doing a timing chain and sprockets so i have no idea what the knocking is so im in the same boat

[JimDirt]

Welcome to the site depunched !!

Check the cam and cam bearings , usually in the XR's that is the cause of the noise , if it is on fact a knocking and not "tapping/ticking" which would be valve lash is loose and needing adjustment , hopefully its the tapping not knocking your hearing as if it is knocking you would most likely be needing to find a new cam tower , or possibly even a new head which could get expensive

Also verify the noise is up top in the head , not in the cylinder , if its lower it could be the timing chain or tensioner that is bad

krupster , the same would apply for your issue