Clifford wrote:
I have two suggestions: 1- Take the oil filter off and open it up,see if there are any metal flakes in there. 2- Take an oil sample and have a spectrografic analysis done. In the past 2 years I have had 2 bikes (1500 Vulcan, 650 V-Star) brought to my shop making clicking noises. In both cases they were run low on oil and burned up a rod bearing. In both cases the noise sounded just like a V8 with a bad hydralic lifter.
If there is metal in the filter do not start it again! Give it a major overhaul. If there are no metal flakes in the filter an oil analysis can tell a lot about the inside of the engine. Check the compression.
Clifford

Clifford:

That is exactly what my mechanic said yesterday when dropping off the bike. He isn't going to be able to get to it until Monday,,, but that is so weird, you had the same wisdom.
I did check the oil level before leaving, each morning after letting it warm up, and when I got back. It didn't use a drop. The bike never lost power, and we haven't pulled the plugs. The Mechanic is positive it is in the top end somewhere. Don't know until he starts the diagnosis. Maybe a wrist pin or piston getting worn??

Being it is winter riding now, and we aren't riding as much, with getting snow last night. I may just have him do the top end, if there isn't any metal damage showing up in the filter, and oil.

The bike has always had that knock on takeoff though, ever since I bought it. The bike came out of phoenix where it was sold and titled until I bought it. Who knows maybe someone got it too Hot??