Just traded my car for an '86 FZ600S with little known history.
After riding it home:
I already replaced the chain, front tire, spark plugs, oil/filter, and some new grips (there were none on the throttle side).
All the guy knew was that the front fork seals had been replaced.

I'm wondering, is the loud ticking normal?:
Starts up and rides fine.

not particularly normal, I would check the cam chain tensioner, and valves. And re-torque exhaust header to the head. Check for all possible air leaks on the intake side.Do an oil/filter service while your at it...

Thanks for the quick reply.

Upon further auditory inspection, the sound does seem to be coming from the cam chain.

I loosened the safety nut on the tensioner, then turned the adjustment bolt only half a turn clockwise and it broke off...

Just ordered a new, used tensioner (which comes with 2 cam chains, the guides, and mounting pieces/bolts) for $20 (should get here Thursday). Also ordered the manual.

With such a quiet tick of the cam chain, do you think it'd be bad to ride this bike for about 200 miles tomorrow?

Edit: I don't know how relevant this is, but when I changed the filter/oil I never saw any metal pieces in the oil, nor on the magnetic drain plug. =P

Here's a picture of the tensioner: http://i.imgur.com/0PoFe.jpg

I would definately wait. If it jumps time, you're gonna have ALOT more problems...sux to not ride on Memorial Day weekend, but it will save you grief so you can ride it by July 4th weekend !