The ticking sound coming from the cylinder head has been bugging me since I owned this bike about a year ago. Since then I've spent countless hours reading in the R1 forum checking for possible solution (if there is a problem). Most of the forumers suggest that it is a normal 'Yamaha tick' and there is nothing to worry about. It make sense but I'm not convinced, so yesterday I took the bike to the workshop and ask their expert opinion. Well, much to my relief the mechanic confirms that it is normal and even newer Yamahas also making the same ticking sound. So to all R1 owners out there, don't worry about the ticking sound, it is just normal.