I have noticed the last several times riding my bike, that when I leave a stop light/sign, that there is a rattling noise as I am letting out the clutch.

Today, riding to work, I noticed it is a lot louder and I hear it more at slower speeds.

I got to work and let it idle and I could actually hear the rattling noise as it was running. I was listening for the noise when (with my gloves on) I grabbed the end of the top muffler and pushed it up, the noise increased and continued until I released the muffler. I did this several times and the noise started each time I put upward pressure on the top muffler.
So the rattling is coming from the exhaust components somewhere.

If I am checking all the bolts and tightening them up, if I find one loose, can I put lock tight on it?

I didn't know if the heat would cause a problem with lock tight on the exhaust system. Is there something else I should use?

 

You actually use heat to loosen Loctite red. There are several methods of keeping the exhaust flange nuts tight, but the simplest I've found is to double nut it. :>) Just screw another nut down against the first. There is a kit for this very purpose, but it costs about $20. Nuts downstream of the exhaust flange could use Loctite, or maybe RTV sealant.

 

The gasket that connects my two pipes is wore out or loose on mine. It rattles like crazy. Drives me nuts!

 

You may have a cracked exhaust pipe somewhere too.

 

rattling usually comes from the heat shields

 

Loose exhaust shields make a high pitched "chinging sound" as far as a loose muffler, get a new exhaust clamp and torque it properly. You'll have to loosen the muffler support brackets first.