Motorcycle Repair: 1999 zx-6r Ninja, ryan cameron, zx 6r

Question
My bike has 6300 miles on it.  I was riding in about 40 degree weather and when I went to start the bike once, it made a loud pinging noise/clicking noise.  The sound is louder than the exhaust.  I don't think this is a knocking noise.  The noise happens when the bike idles and goes away at 4,000 rpm (I am not sure if it completely goes away because of the exhaust getting louder).  I took off the tank to hear it better and it sounds like it is coming from the right side of the engine by the crankshaft or up to the pistons.  I am not sure why the sound goes away at 4000 rpm.  Maybe a chain inside is rubbing or something.  I am trying to decide if i should take it in to a dealer or just drain the oil and take off all the engine covers.

Thanks for the help in advance,
Ryan Cameron

Answer
Hi Ryan,

I cannot diagnose sounds via the internet. It's too difficult to describe and interpret sounds with text.

I recommend having a local tech listen to the sound. They may not even charge you to listen and give quick opinion. After a tech listens, talk with him about costs for repairs, etc...

Respectfully,
Mark Shively