I have this vf500 i picked up a few months ago and it just started making this ticking noise. I have noticed its rev dependent and im currently trolling through the forum right now to find an answer but nothing is coming to me at the moment. Here is a youtube video that was taken with a potato. Im thinking its a cam chain or tensioner since the bike can start and there are no noises until the idle kicks up to 3k and after it happens can be heard at idle. Im guessing if it were valves the it would sound different and be at a much lower rpm even after a cold start.
Hi. Sounds like camchain. I believe this engine has an automatic tensioner; I do not know if the problem can be fixed by replacing the camchain or the tensioner, though. Either way, it is a bit of a job. What's the mileage?