Checking Valve Clearances

[DaSpeedster]

I would like to attempt to check the valve clearances myself. The engine is making a ticking noise, and based on bad experience with valves I would like to check it out to make sure everything is in order. The bike has only 7k miles on it, and according to my Clymers manual the first adjustment comes a 15800 miles, but still, that ticking noise is making me nervous. Is there anything I should know before attempting this? My manual isnt very specific on how to actually check the clearance. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I dont want to :grenade: my engine.