Always check the obvious

I'm in Ft. Collins, CO. I will provide recap of previous rides shortly. Preview of the scenery:

This was taken on the way up to the summit of a ride through Bighorn National Forest (Granite Pass). As I was climbing, Bert was rattling like he had a can of rocks in his stomach. Once I arrived in Sheridan, Wy, he was making rattling noises when at a stop sign or in first gear. Not overheating, no oil temp light on, etc. I was worried because these were new sounds and I didn't like them.

Arrive at the hotel, check in is a total cluster, I'm starting to melt down, have to go back to front desk three times before my keys will open the door. Throw all my stuff in room and walk to a place for dinner. Thinking this will be the last supper, I order a filet and another softball sized baked potato. 

Return it my room and spend the next 2 hours on the internet researching "BMW 1150 rattle". There are dozens of pages and forums related to this symptom. 

• It is chain tensioner 
• Remove your starter and check ...
• Bad gas causing the ping
• You are in too high a gear, downshift and it will go away
• My bike has sounded like this for 50,000 miles
• Buy a Harley and the exhaust noise will drown out everything else
• Don't ride it another mile; you can safely ride it home (1500 miles)
• Starter is defective
• Clutch is defective
• And 50 more causes 

I'm now really worried, leave messages at three dealers (two in Denver area, one in SD). Don't sleep well.

Get up in the morning and remember that the dealer in Seattle said my oil level was low. I assumed they had toped it off... Poured 1/2 a quart of oil into the crankcase. Fired Bert up, rattle is gone. We cruise from Sheridan, WY to Ft. Collins, CO at a steady 85mph. Life is good.