Engine making noise

[kuthe64]

I was riding home yesterday and I had noticed that my engine was making a "ping, ping, ping" sound from the left cylinder and it sounded much louder then normal. Then today I took the bike back out and it was making a periodic clunk and grinding noise and then the "ping, ping ping" noise came back. Then I stopped at a stop light and when i started going again the engine made a horrible grinding and clunking noise I immiediatley grabbed the clutch pulled over and shut it off. I then started it back up with no problems and rode it home about ten miles, and then again the loud ping ping sound and a little grinding noise came back. And yesterday i rode about 8 miles before i realized i had left the choke half open. Just trying to give as much info as possible.

I took out the end caps just like this thread shows about three weeks ago http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2789 maybe that has something to do with my problems? or maybe need to replace spark plugs?
https://plus.google.com/u/0/109847864585534131377/posts/6WhB43cD2kA
Also it leaks a very small amount of oil on the left side here

 

[Reid]

Its a little hard to tell but check your valve lash, and your starter seems to be a bit grindy