2004 Husky Te450 Engine Noise/engine Ticking Problem

Hi there,
My 2004 Husky TE450 recently started making quite loud ticking noises from the engine. This was after 2 long days of riding covering around 1000kms.
Here is a link to a video of the sound, I have an aftermarket exhaust so there is quite a lot of background noise from that, but the ticking is still very prominent. Please ignore the wind sound from time to time.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWlo5X-0xI8&feature=youtu.be

There has been no change in power delivery or how the engine runs, only the sound.
I have done an oil/filter change, checked the valves (all in spec), and reset the timing chain auto tensioner, as I read that may have been the problem. No change.
I have also noticed that after a longer ride, at higher rmp, there are 4-5 drops of engine oil coming out of the left front of the engine. I have added a picture, but it is difficult to see as there is not much of it.
The bike has done around 70 hours, never had a rebuild.
Please let me know your thoughts, any help is appreciated.
Cheers, Tim

It's hard to be definate but it sounds more pronounced from the rhs, so possibly something in the clutch or primary drive area.
Is it there with the clutch engaged and disengaged? In neutral and in gear when stationary? Has the motor been rebuilt?
Is that 70 hrs total life or since rebuild?

Hi there. No difference with or without clutch engaged. There is also no obvious significant difference if in gear or not.
As far as I know the motor has never been rebuild, that is 70 hours total life of engine. Thanks

Well Kiwi rider, if the things you've done made no difference and the noise IS more in the rhs then I'd suggest pulling that engine side cover off and having a visual, paying close attention to the clutch basket. If the noise is pretty equal on both sides then consider taking the head and cylinder off to inspect piston and crank.
I'm assuming the noise is toward the bottom of the motor and not in the cylinder head area (after all you've basically eliminated valve train already).

Good luck mate.

Another vote for removing the large clutch side cover, I would also pay attention the the kick start and e-start stuff, I think it is the easiest move at this point.