engine clicking sound

[hondaman160mph]

After a ride today while the bike was idling I noticed a random clicking sound in the right front near the spark plugs.I listened to the tach cable with a stethoscope and it sounds ok. Sounds a lot like a plug wire snapping to ground but there is no engine miss so I don't think that's it.
It seems to go away once the engine is above idle.
Could this be normal valve spring noise?

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Exhaust leak?

I don't know "normal valve spring noise".
Have you done a valve adjustment lately? Maybe just needs a proper sized shim.

[hondaman160mph]

Haven't done a valve adjustment. It sounds just like a spark plugs wire occasionally arcing to ground but there is no engine miss at idle or while cruising.

[daves79x]

As Steve said, do check your exhaust flanges. It is also possible for a wayward plug wire under the tank to contact the tank and intermittently short. I've seen it happen a couple of times, especially with aftermarket coil/wire setups.

Dave

Dave

[hondaman160mph]

Exhaust gaskets are good. It's definitely a plug wire occasionally arcing to ground. I ran it in the dark but can't pinpoint the exact wire so I will be replacing all the
wires.

[Jeff Bennetts]

Check your coils for hairline cracks while you’re at it.

[hondaman160mph]

Will do, if a coil needs replacing any thoughts on after market coils? A Honda OEM coil is $146.00 from Partzillia, a reproduction coil is $40.00.

[daves79x]

Are you absolutely sure it's not your alternator clutches? The sound they occasionally make has been described often as 'clicking' or 'chirping'?

Dave

[hondaman160mph]

I only hear it at idle when I'm kneeling down right in front of the motor. It sounds exactly like a spark arcing to ground. It's puzzles me why there is no engine misfire though.I will inspect the coils when I install the new plug wires.

[tevan]

Run engine at night and look for arks.