When I got home from a ride yesterday I noticed that the valve tapping/fluttering noise at tickover was MUCH louder than usual (it sounds like valve noise at least). Have been out on the bike today and the noise remains. Valve clearances where checked earlier this year. Bike is a tri-arm.
Should I check clearances again before riding anymore?
Cheers,
Wozza

this may sound dumb but check your oil level. is it due an oil change?

It is just about due a change. Oil level this morning was about half way between min and max so I topped it up before riding.

exhaust leak? could be blowing and this can make a ticking noise though a small enough hole...

^^^^^^^^^^

That was my first thought, a blowing exhaust sounds terrifying

I'll check the exhaust, although the noise definitely sounded like it was coming from the cylinder head.