Sporadic rolling knocking noise coming from ignition/dash area

I have a 1999 and recently have had a kind of tumbling knocking noise happening sporadically. Seems to be coming from the dash area or maybe ignition. It's sporadic and does not affect the performance of the bike at all. Have had some electrical shorts happening as well, clock keeps resetting.

Any ideas ?

 

Clock resetting is often caused by a battery near the end of its life. For me it happened more on a hot restart than a cold start.

Can you describe the circumstances when you hear the knocking sounds? Speed, gear, road etc?

 

I only hear it when stopped or at very low speed. in gear or in neutral. It is kind of a fluttering tumbling sound, very odd. Battery is about 1.5 yr old and is constantly on tender

 

The fluttering noise could be the solenoid for the flapper valve, if the clutch switch is making intermittent contact. I hear this sometimes sitting at lights in gear with the clutch in, if my lever is adjusted in too far so the clutch switch is only just clicked. To confirm that, pull off the spade terminals at the clutch lever and go for a ride. You won't be able to start the bike in gear (neutral only) but otherwise should be fine.