What is ticking in the upper cyclinder?

[Tri-ZNate]

I rode my SX REALLY hard this weekend and let it sit for a few days. I started it up tonight and now I hear a distinct ticking (something I dont remember hearing before). It is comming from the upper part of the cyclinder. Do I need to adjust my valves or could it be something else?

[freewheel3]

If it's coming from the upper part of the cylinder, that would be the first thing I'd check.
Also, of course, check your oil level.

[Yamahauler]

From what I've learned so far, ticking can be from, valves, cam chain (If its not tensioned right), and numerous other things, those are all easy to do if you have a manual. Also there is probaly an oil check screw somewhere on the head, make sure there is oil getting up there.

[RedRider_AK]

It's ticking while running? Does the ticking speed up or slow down? Does it have a rhythm?

[Tri-ZNate]

Does it have a rhythm?

yes at idle it has a rythem. I'll check later and see if it speeds up when I give it gas.

[TeamGeek6]

Check teh exhaust system too, might have loosened a joint.

[Tri-ZNate]

The ticking speeds up when you give it throttle, and it is low on oil (bottom line). So I'm gonna go to the store and get some oil now.

[Tri-ZNate]

Adding oil didnt help. It is still ticking so that would mean valves right?

[OldSchoolin86]

Adding oil didnt help. It is still ticking so that would mean valves right?
Next step is to check your valve clearence.

[Wickedfinger]

Next step is to check your valve clearence.
... and since you don't sound like you know what you're doing .... have someone else do it for you - and watch very carefully.