Irrespective of any possible loss of performance, I would be investigating the clapping sound as a matter of urgency.
Until that was diagnosed I would be reluctant to ride the bike at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveG
..... cracked clamp on the front cylinder exhaust header was letting air in.
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More likely letting exhaust gases out, I would have thought.
But still, that was one of the things I was going to suggest investigating as a possible cause for the clapping sound.
I might also check for leaks at the cylinder head joint. In that case I would be fretting that a cylinder stud had snapped .. apparently a fairly common thing if you have the shiny, silver studs instead of the stronger black ones. (edit .. as Darren suggested while I was typing).
Maybe even a loose spark plug ?
Also out of paranoia as much as anything, I would pop the belt covers off and check that a half-failed (or perhaps very loose) belt wasn't flapping against the belt covers.
Can't think of much else to suggest.
Its odd that this should suddenly happen after a period off the road.
Its tempting to think that it might be related to the work you have done on the bike during that time, but I can't really see how a new starter solenoid would be the cause of a clapping sound.
An issue with the starter sprag maybe ? .. I have no personal experience to offer there.