Motorcycle Repair: Knocking/Ticking sound, torque specs, pushrods

Question
Mike, just replaced rear and front rocker box gaskets on a 2000 sportster 1200cc evolution. When I fired it up there was a distinct knocking/ ticking sound. It appeared to be coming from the upper front jug, but I shut it down quickly in fear of causing more damage. I used all the proper torque specs what could this be? I did this to my 1340cc night train a few weeks ago the same exact way and it runs great. Are the sporters different?

Answer
Sounds like a valve is hitting the piston. Did you bleed the hydrolic lifters? Any time you remove pressure off the pushrods you should bleed them. Also, if you took the pushrods out did you get them back in the right place?
To bleed them, install the first plate so you have pressure on the pushrods. Lift the rear tire off the ground, remove the spark plugs, put the bike in high gear and rotate the tire until the front exhaust is open or there is pressure on the pushrod. Now let is sit for about 15 minutes. That will bleed it down. Now go to the next one and do the same thing. Keep doing this until you have all 4 done. you should do this for a sportster as well as a big bike.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike