Help! Valve ticking, exhaust leak, or normal?

Hi! I can't tell if I'm going nuts and chasing a ghost or not... 2002 KZ1000 police w/27,500 miles. I checked the valves at 24,000 and everything was well within spec, and I've also replaced the exhaust system within the past three thousand miles.

There is an occasional and sporatic slight ticking noise at idle or at cruising speed (not noticeable on deceleration) that I haven't been able to pinpoint with a listening tube. I'm running 10w-40 oil. The engine runs like a top and I have no carb issues.

Any thoughts? Is a slight amount of valve train noise normal? Am I driving myself nuts trying to fix something that is ok?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

An exhaust leak generally gets louder if you open the throttle. Sounds like a valve.

Exhaust leaks can be tricky. I'd check there first. I had to make shims to tighten mine down.
Steve