kz200 engine noise

So I have (I think) gotten this '78 kz200 running pretty well. I do still have a bit of a leak at the head gasket, but haven't taken the head off to replace it yet.
I have cleaned the carb, adjusted the timing, points, cam chain etc. but am having a hard time knowing if the engine sound is "normal" (this is my first bike since I was a teen!). There seems to be a consistent ticking sort of noise, almost like a rattle. It increases as the engine revs.
I assumed at first it was the valve clearance, but have adjusted them to spec. and there doesn't seem to be a difference.
Wondering if this is just the sound of the little kz200, or if it may be valve seat? rocker arms? piston noise?
Anyone have any ideas before I take it all apart?

Thanks

I took some video to try to get a read on the sound ... have tried to compare it to youtube videos, but still unsure. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dont really know that bike, head gasket leaking could make noise, but could also be an exhaust leak. Retorqe the head to spec. when dead cold, may help the head gasket leak. Have you had the pipe off?
If so make sure the crush washer is replaced. Good luck

Thanks money - I did have the pipe off and had to make a new split collar as it was leaking pretty badly. I did put a new gasket in - a copper one, replacing the original, a sort of felt-like material?
I will also try to torque the head before I take it off.
Thanks

just throw the Hamster some lettuce. :woohoo:

totally! his wheel must be out of alignment too!
Ha!

Hi, just wondering if you found out what the noise was? I just had mine rebuilt and it's making the same noise. Thanks

Ya - the main issue was the split collar around the header - the one on my bike was not stock nor well made - it wasn't holding tight or holding the gasket tight.

Really?? Wow I hope mine turns out to be just that, will give it a shot tomorrow. Thanks

Seems to be - rode all season with no problems ... it certainly doesn't rumble but the ticking or rattling is much better.