Rocker noise

if you change your oil and filter on a regular basis, and have no other issues, such as a failing oilpump, there shoudnt be any loud clatters from the valvetrain. there will be some noise tho. find a buddy or someone with the same type of engine with about the same miles, see how his sounds.....hope this helps some..

Get a mechanics stethoscope, online or at a parts store not expensive, listen around the motor make sure it's in the rockers

sounds travel on bikes, and can fool you.

Look for any loose parts, muffler clamps, heat shields, pegs, floorboards, etc.

I had a rattle I couldn't find up front, drove me nuts, found it last night one of the little round covers on the oil tank lines had slipped down and was rattling, I swore it was coming from up front.