in the past 500 miles or so, noticed 2 things changing on my SD:
1. gear shift isn't so secure/determinate. Get more false neutrals, popping out of gear, difficulty getting into 1st at a stop from neutral. Changed and bled the slave cylinder to aftermarket but didn't get rid of problem. Heard of a firmer spring that could be installed in the clutch, but not sure if that's reasonable to try
2. When the bike is cold (not environmental cold as it never is here in SF) and just started, there is a distinct ticking/clacking sound that follows the revs. It is NOT clutch or rolling speed dependent. Not noticing anything performance wise when the noise occurs, but it predictably fades away as the temp gauge reaches 5 marks. Can take video/audio if it helps describe.

Wondering what can be done to improve #1, and mostly looking for reassurance that #2 isn't an ominous foreshadowing of problems to come. Any thoughts?

Sell it

Gearbox is what it is...a farm implement. You have to be positive with your shifts. The clacking you're hearing prior to bike reaching operting temp is likely due to cam chain tensioners not getting enough engine oil pressure until warm.

What weight oil are you running? Heavier viscosity oil takes longer to warm up and start flowing which will contribute to a distinctive clacking sound eminating from the hydraulic cam chain tensioners. If you are running a 50wt try dropping down to a 40wt during colder months. Will help with shifting a little as well.

1 - have you bled the clutch at the lever?

2 - timing chain(s) - either new tensioner(s) required or could be first indication of failing water pump bearings and seals contaminating oil and not providing sufficient hydraulic pressure to the tensioner(s) until hot.

I'd second the water pump failure. Pull the oil filter out, if the pleats are wavy then it's time to sort out the seal and shaft.

1290 it is then

Thx for the idears! Funny I always bleed clutch and brakes top down but never thought how bubbles float to bleed/burp lines bottom up.

I'll 3rd water pump seal. Water in oil makes harder shifts, also makes timing chains rattle at low revs. Lean the bike over and pull out oil filter. If the paper of the filter is distorted its a sign there is water in oil.

How many miles do you have on your bike?

I have a 2007 with 17000km, fresh oil, oil filter, air filter, valves have been checked at 15000km and were all within specs. Started the bike today for a quick ride (it's 10C outside). Engine had this clickaty noise as well. tic-tic-tic-tic-tic.... even at 4 bars it was still ticking. I stopped on the side of the road, turned it off, started it back up and the noise was gone. The mechanic had told me that it was possible in cold weather that the tensioner simply didnt have the oil pressure to tension the chain until the engine was really hot. For some reason it seems like restarting the engine gives it the last bit of pressure needed to do it's job.

Also noticed that in these temperatures it power wheelies like there's no tomorrow