Chain slap vs. PV rattle vs. Clutch Chatter
 

Got a question for you all:

I have a new to me (low hours, under 10) 2011 GG EC300. I noticed some type of rattle / chatter when riding a gear high in low RPMs. This isn't a squeel or squak, and it occurred while ridding when the engine is loaded up in low RPM. Only other thing I can think of is maybe the my plate was rattling - I will isolate that.

I vote for chain slap. Might be a bit loose but they still can make noise at low RPM, high load situations.

Any way to actually diagnose chain slap?

You can try tightening the chain, see if the noise changes.

You can look down and watch the chain when trying to replicate the noise, the movement of the chain might match the sound your hearing. I have a fresh chain and sprockets on mine and will still hear chain slap when lugged, it's easy to do on a blacktop road ride.

good point - I will try this.

Is chain slap an issue (assuming chain tension is correct) or something to live with

Chain slap is a non-issue as long as your chain is properly adjusted.

Definitely sounds like a slack chain, no big deal. It may only need tensioning slightly to eliminate the noise.

Put a strip of 1/8 x 3/4 (3 x 20mm) closed cell foam weatherstrip along the front top of the swingarm. This will tone down the rattle. Don't go too thick on the foam or you may need a couple of washers under the chain guide mounting bolt.

Do you mean under the plastic chain guard thing?