hello and welcome this is the right place for help

Clutch cable - after you pull the tank and the fairings, it's relatively easy to run your cable. No need to tape one to the other. Just take note of how it runs from point A to point B. You'll want to duplicate that route.

Chain - if you're asking the question, you probably don't know your chain's history or you do and in your heart you know it's time to replace it. YES, change chain and sprockets at the same time, especially if you can afford to do it all at once. No, there really shouldn't be any rust on it - if you're replacing it, no worries. But, if you're keeping it, clean it up and either wax or oil it.

With how you describe the noise, that clicking sould you're hearing MIGHT be your chain. Search "chain tension" on here and check to see if you're chain needs an adjustment.

Sure it could be the valves. Even if it isn't, you might want to check your valves anyway if you don't know your bike's service history. I didn't see what year your bike is. If you're valve adjust is the shim-type, it's a bit more difficult to do than the nut-type adjusters. Either way, though, if you have moderate wrenching skills, you should be fine.

Search "valve adjustment tools" on here... lots of good info and tips.

JG hit it all pretty good.

I think the sound you are talking about verry well could be the chain. it may be loose. or it may be streached and is poping on the teeth of the sprocket. Also when getting sprockets. if you want them to last a long time go with steel rear sprocket. The al are lighter. but take more maintenance. and wear out a lot quicker.

Thanks guys. great advice. I dont think the sound is the chain though. It isn't too loose. Plus, the bike makes the noise as soon as i hit about 5k RPM, regardless of what gear I'm in. But i can't hear it when the bike is stopped. Maybe I'm just not listening close enough. Im not too worried about it, i'll do the valves this winter. By the way, the bike is a 94.

Yeah, you'd hear valve tap at lower RPM's, I think... but, it never hurts to take a look and adjust as necessary. Be prepared to deal with your cam chain tensioner - that's likely going to need some attention, too (and may be all you're hearing).

I thought the rattle at 5k was just a Kat thing... I get the same thing with mine and I was under the impression it's pretty common?

Mine sounds a lot like a sewing machine right now - louder at idle. I know I need a valve and cam chain tensioner adjustment. Just gotta find the time.

try looking at the small sprocket and try to wiggle it if it moves than thats the problem