Topic: 75 cb550F, annoying clicking sound?

[550conman]

Looking to identify the clicking sound I experience.  Almost sounds like an exhaust leak at the front left header, but I know that would be far too easy.   A friend who is a long time bike mechanic and actually has done quite a bit of work on this bike and I are perplexed as to what it could be.  Thought about a noisy lifter, valve, etc.  I don't think that is the case either.  Any suggestions welcome...thanks.
MC

[greenjeans]

Exhaust leaks are cheap to fix/test  -  just go get a new ehaust gasket & try that first.
Took me 2 tries on one of my pipes to get everything sealed up & tightened properly.
They (exhaust leaks) can really sound like loud/ticking valves.....
Give that a shot first, followeed by checking your tappet clearances & cam chain tension

[fastbroshi]

Or hold a small candle or lighter in front of the suspected pipe and look for a waver in the flame.

[TwoTired]

To isolate an exhaust leak, get yourself some aquarium tubing and hold one end in your ear canal.  The other end can be used as a probe to isolate where the leak, or noise source is.

Given that it is a 75 model.  Lets' hope you don't have cam cover rocker wear, that can allow the tappets to hit the cover.

Cheers,