Knocking noises.

[Jimbob]

Hey guys I've noticed a few people post about knocking noises. Just so we can have a post to hopefully cover some of them if this was happening to your bike what would you check going from easiest to hardest? For example valve clearances

[JAS6377]

Valves are the first thing I'd check. Followed by cam chain/tensioner.

[frylockjim]

if you hear clicking on the valve cover gasket at idle, you have a loose timing chain and probably a bad chain tensioner. If you hear something that sounds like that while you are slowing down or changing gears, then your drive chain needs replacing.