On fairly high mileage bikes where the chain tensioner has reached its limit, a gradual increase in cam chain noise is acceptable – replace cam chain as soon as possible.


On low mileage bikes, a quickly increasing cam chain noise should be should be addressed with some urgency.


Tension is kept upon the chain adjuster by a small spiral spring. If this spring breaks – the small spring locating tag can break – the tensioner is allowed to wind back. To continue to use the bike could be catastrophic.


If the spring has broke, it is possible just to replace the spring – if you can get one – without replacing the cam chain. I think Honda only sell the chain tensioner as a complete unit.


My spring broke at 7000 miles. It was replaced under warranty and the original cam chain was still working OK some 50,000 miles later