2003 v-star 1100 65,000 on it NEW ticking is driving me nuts.sounds like a valve tapping.valve train is silent (with a stethescope)appears to be coming from starter clutch side...in that area.oil pump drive chain seems excessively sloppy...could that be the mystery noise ?or does the starter clutch make a tapping noise when on the way out ?

A "ticking" would typically be associated with the valve train, possibly a failed or poorly adjusted lifter.
A "knock" is commonly associated with connecting rod bearings at the crankshaft.
Using a mechanics stethescope and listening to the engine while it is running at an idle will assist in identifying the problem.

Ticking sound is typical of slack in the valve train. Try using a wood dowell "stethescope" and touch it to the rocker arm cover over each cylinder. If a rocker arm adjustment is too slack, you'll hear a clicking sound rather than a muted murmur. If you find the noisy lifter you will need to remove the rocker arm cover and adjust it. CAUTION NOTE - It is possible that a hydraulic lifter may have some grit in the internal valve. That would stop the lifter from functioning properly.

Sounds like you maybe broke a valve return spring?

i may say is not from the valve train could be ticking sound if the valve has problem. tapping noise has when the head gasket leak develops.

The ticking sound when the engine is cold could indicate worn lifters. It could also be caused by a timing belt slap when the engine is cold, when the belt heats up the sound goes away. If you have low oil pressure when you hear the ticking sound it could indicate a bad oil pump. Another possibility is valve lash when it is cold - all of these conditions will disappear when the engine heats up. The ticking is more likely to come from the valve train or the lifters - unfortunately these are not items you can easily check on your own unless you are a skilled mechanic. It is better to take it to a mechanic, tell them what you think it may be and ask them to look specifically at those items.

A lot of people describe the valves at the correct position as a tapping, should still be there as rpm's go up but may be drowned out. When was the last time the valve clearances were checked?

You may want to get a mechanics stethescope to help pinpoint it, they're under $5 if there's a harbor freight near you

The v twins do have some valve train noise it is a charistic of the v twins.

If you have an adjustable valve train you may need to adjust the rocker arms. Remove the valve covers and look to see if there are adjusting nuts on top of them. If so, get a shop manual and a feeler gague and a couple of wrenches and screwdriver and follow instructions in manual carefully.

You can check where it is by using short piece of hose and listening at the other end (like dr's stethescope). I would assume that it is in the valve train system. Hope this helps, Rick

Sometimes the fuel injectors make noise simular to lifters