Shaft drive/final drive noise

[bradgardner20]

1996 Suzuki intruder 1400. I'm hearing a popping (ticking) noise coming from the rear end. I first noticed it at a stop, when I put it into gear with the throttle open a little and the clutch wasn't fully engaged. As I pulled away I heard the noise, so I stopped and started off again. Again the noise. I stopped and rolled the bike backwards and it stopped. Rode the bike home and couldn't get it to make the noise again. Next day I tried again, dropped the clutch and it made the noise again. Again rolling it backward stopped the noise. Any ideas??????

[Johnj]

Hello Brad and welcome to the forum. I would examine your final drive unit. Make sure you lube the splines when reassembling the unit.

We need pictures.