i have a 04 honda rancher 350, its been ridden very little since it was bought new.
when it is at idle the engine is noisy, its not a knocking but just a overall noise, is this normal, or should i get it looked at ? should i expect some engine noise ?

 

the rancher engine has a distinct pingy-type-ticking coming from around the camshaft, closer to the right side of the engine, seems to do it more after warmes up a bit. My 2004 did it, my 2005 does it, and my buddies 2003 does it. i think it's the decompressor mechanism on the exhaust lobe of the camshaft, it works automatically so nothing to worry about. it also could be clearance in the engine that Honda designed into it to lower engine friction and stuff. also remember that the pistons are getting shorter and shorter on these machines, causing them to rock back and forth quite a bit, again less reciprocating mass, less friction.

bottom line- i wouldnt worry about it, it sounds like the same noise mine makes.

 

I'll bet you have never done a valve adjustment, right? Should be done first time at 20 hours, then every 100-200 hours after that....

 

mine does the same thing,i never noticed it till recently tho,when its decellerating i hear a noise coming from the back right side of the engine

 

That's how mine is when decelerating and that seems to be when its the worst the machine is new to me and I did the valves once but may not have snugged the keeper enough, high mileage also.. all the power seems to be there though