Tapping engine

[Lorry]

I let my bike get a little low in oil yesterday, and i'm kicking myself, let me tell you, because now it's developed a knock in the motor. A mechanic mate of mine had a listen and said it sounded like the top block or pin on the piston's loose in there. The tapping sound is in time with the revs, even at idle. Is this very bad? I have been mechanic-ing the bike by myself up till now, I think this one's a little out of my league but I really want to understand how it works. The bike's a Daelim VR 125, only had it about six months second-hand.

Something else that is probably relevant; it's also leaking oil from the bolt on top of the motor. Lots of oil.

[Lorry]

Just for the curious, I got into the engine and the cam shaft was scored like crazy, practically into a lip. I've got the parts and replaced them and hey presto, no more tapping. It's a temporary measure though, all the metal dust from the scoring is in there still, I don't think i can get it out without completely deconstructing the engine and cleaning it out, and that's a little over the head of a beginner mechie like me. Looks like it's time to start saving for that upgrade...

[Maico Shark]

Never heard of that brand...where's it made? Do you have a photo?

[Lorry]

It's not very well-known, I've only seen four or five others and only one was the same model as mine... It's korean-made.
It won't let me post the link till i've posted another five times, heh... I'll just get to work on that.

There we go! http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Daelim_VR_125_1998.aspx

Mine's not quite so shiny though, heh...

[CB750F]

That looks cool i think! Like a mini sport-tourer.