Motorcycle Repair: front cylinder has a knock (ping), honda shadow spirit, honda shadow spirit 1100

Question
I just bought a 1998 Honda shadow spirit 1100 (52K mi.). It has a knock in the front cyl at all RPM's and spits and sputters at mid to high rpm.I thought it just needed some servicing. I changed the plugs, oil,filter and have tried differant fuel mixture adj. the plugs in the front cyl were white and the ones in the rear cyl were black carbon. The manual says that there is no valve adjustment. Any ideas on what I can do besides a rebuild.
thank's Tom
metcalfet68@aol.com

Answer
Hi Tom,

Sorry... sent you the wrong reply.

Repair the engine (if necessary) before tuning the carburetors. Cylinder compression and valve clearances must be within specifications before the carbs will work properly.

Perform a cylinder compression and leak-down test to determine the condition of the engine.

Valves are hydraulic auto-adjuster type on this model. If defective, the above tests should indicate any problems with them.

Once you have verified the combustion chambers are working within specs, begin tuning the air-fuel mixtures of the carbs.

I'll send several tech files to your email.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively