84 vf700f ticking on right front cylinder

Sounds like a valve tap as far as the timing and type of sound. On closer inspection the sound is not just at the top under the valve cover,but sounds more like the timing chain.
I intend to adjust the valves when I pull the carbs for cleaning/ jetting (assuming factory jets w/ K&N , also plan to drill factory pipes between the rivets)
I do have a copy of the 1st gen shop manual

Obviously I would want to check the timing chain as well. Not quite sure how to go about this just yet.

What else / where else should I look while I am at it.

One thing to note the right front header pipe has a pinch (about 2 inches long and deep enough to reduce flow) just past where it turns to run straight back toward the collector box. By the look of the matching dent in the cradle it has been this way probably since the PO got it in 2002. I am afraid this could have caused wear/damage to the exhaust valves on that cylinder.

Any ideas , suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

Smashed up headers won't have that much effect on performance or internal components. One of the Roadkill dudes did an experiment with a crate motor and dyno. It's actually a pretty cool video. Check the cams while you're in there. They can be a real Achilles heel on those bikes.

 

Yes, carefully check the cams and followers. The 700/750 has a 30 year reputation of eating these.

 

Cam chain tensioner is the usual suspect for front head noise. Easy to fix though.

 

Did find a link to a write-up on can chain tensioner R&R, will have to tackle that when I get in there, the cams on the rear cylinders looked good when I checked/ adjusted the back valves.

I was reading that to give the 700 similar low end to the 750, the 700 used slightly detuned cams, which cost even more power on top end versus the 750.
I tried to find a little more info on this but had no luck, other than the lift and duration specs for each in the shop manual.

Has anyone swapped 750 cams into the 700 to give it a steeper power curve and a bit more power on top?

I have also considered going with a 17t front cog from a 750 to give it a little better cruise rpm on the highway ,IMHO the 700 is geared a little short or the 5 speed gear box it had.

I have done similar with the tuning/gearing on sport ATV's and it gave a nice distinction between cruising around lazily off the pipe at low rpm's and hard acceleration at high rpm.
Not sure how well this will translate on the street.

Maybe i should start a new thread if I don't find any more info on the can swap.