Motorcycle Repair: engine noise, ground electrode, kawasaki 750

Question
Michael, My bike is a 95 kawasaki 750 vulcan.A week ago I changed the oil, filter, and plugs.All parts were purchased from a dealer and referenced from a manual. The oil was a bulk oil sold by the dealer. The plugs were gapped at the recommended .035 .After the initial startup ( I let the bike run approx. 45 min.s) I shut the bike off and everything was fine. About 4 days later I went to start the bike again. It cranked right up and sounded fine. But after about 5 minutes I noticed a pecking sound.  The best I could determine the sound was coming from the left front cylinder. It doesn't noticeably do it at idle but the frequency increases as the rpm's are increased.My main question is should I ride the bike to a dealer or haul it on a trailer to have it looked at?Also, any ideas on what's going on and what caused it?Just a novice on this end but somewhat mechainically inclined.Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tony

Answer
Tony,
 Most probably nothing serious.  Make sure your plugs are the same heat rating, threaded portion same length and ground electrode same hight as the plugs you removed.  It's possible you are experencing a little pre-ignition.  This is what happens when the fuel mixture lights prematurely from an overly hot cylinder or glowing ember of carbon in the combustion chamber.  Be sure cooling is sufficient and that your timing is correct.  The only other things I can imagine are leaking head gasket or incorrectly adjusted valve clearances.  Hard to say without hearing.

Good luck,
Mike