Motorcycle Repair: 1996 Virago 1100 ticking, virago 1100, aftermarket pipes

Question
I have a 1996 Yamaha Virago 1100. It currently has 44,000 kms. The bike runs great but there is an annoying ticking sound coming from the engine. Would this be coming from the valves and can it, at least, be toned down a notch. I was thinking of adding aftermarket pipes to drown the noise out.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Harvey,

Try adjusting valve clearances to quiet the ticking noise. Much cheaper than the pipes.  

Excessive valve clearances cause tapping/ticking noise.

Send me an email address as requested. I'll return valve clearance adjustment information.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively