[RCW]

I would suspect you need to adjust the valves, and the cam chain tensioner likely needs to be reset at the same time.

The engine also uses an automatic decompression device on the exhaust cam. The spring that handles the tension sometimes gets a bit loose and will begin to allow the decompression lever assembly to rattle. If the lever assembly itself begins to wear it is necessary to replace the entire exhaust cam assembly, or some people just remove the decompression components and run a really good AGM sealed battery and keep it well charged. That is a bit more stress on the starter with the decompression device removed, but as long as the starter is in good shape it handles the chore pretty easily with one of the new technology batteries. The old style batteries that were around when the machine was built will not handle the load with the decompression system removed after about 60 days of age, as they sulphate and loose too much capacity.

You can get the valve lash specifications off the owner info section of Kawasaki.com, but I would spring for a service and repair manual to get the procedure for adjusting the cam chain, and for a place to keep service notes as you become acquainted with the machine.

You can get the manual at a discount if you contact the sponsor at the top of the page and give them your membership id.