Today out on a ride (58 degrees and sunny) so it was a very nice day here in the Northwest. I noticed a slight ticking noise coming from the what sounded to be the left side. Not positive so I decided to get back home and look over the bike.

Couldn't find nothing.

I had already bought all the parts (new cam cover gasket and exhaust gaskets) so I decided it would be a good time to check my tensioners (34,800 miles) I know alot of people would say I am riding on borrowed time. Took the pipes off and the cam cover. Tensioners are barely even grooved. Glad to see that.

I replaced the exhaust gaskets ( which were very tight and creased just alittle when squeezing them in) and put the bike back together. I started it up and was listening for exhaust leak. Nothing. I went for a quick ride for about 20 minutes. Heard just a small amount of poping coming from the right pipe which has always been there. Slight ticking noise still there also.

When I got back to the house I thought I saw a small amount of smoke for a second coming from the front pipe header. (not positive though, was starting to get dark) Blew smoke at it and nothing.

Is a ticking noise normal and I just never paid attention to it until now?
Do new tapered exhaust gaskets have a break in period where I have to check them after every time I ride to make sure that the torque is still 120 in/lbs (or 10 ft/lbs with wrench I have) or did I not seat the pipe correctly?

I'm pretty handy with a wrench, I just lack experience. Maybe I'm just being overly alert, What do you guys think?

 

I think you need a beer and to relax, if its running good.plugs look clean and your not using excessive oil enjoy it