A "Pop! and a couple of Pings"

[goathands]

I just got back from an shorten Sunday morning ride after my R65 made some noises I couldn't explain. I'm wondering if anyone has any theories on the following:
I'm going downhill in third gear, conditions are not really that good. Water, and heavy fog. I take a corner wide and run over a reflector in the center of the road while breaking.
I hear a loud "Pop!".  Thinking I  ran over something, I pull over, turn off the engine, and inspect the bike.
The tire looks fine. A couple of small lacerations, but no punctures. Tire pressure is constant. I start hearing this pinging from the front end, that sounds like it is originating form either the tire, or the disk break, or the Forks. It stops before I can locate it precisely.  After deliberation, I ride very slowly back home, I was only about a mile or so into my ride. Parked it and listen again. Nothing. Tire pressure is still good, handled alright. But I am wondering what just happened.  If anyone has any theory's please let me know.  

Thanks
James

[montmil]

When hot metal cools, there can be the occasional "ping" or similar. Even the engine will make these little quirky noises as it cools off after a ride.

Were you hard on the front brake? You mentioned checking the brake disc. It could have been cooling rapidly in the moist environment you were riding in.

Were you chasing Valentino Rossi at the Indy MotoGP just concluded?  

Monte

[goathands]

Thanks,
It could have been just moisture, The fairing and the forks were wet. So moisture could be the cause. I might have just been hitting the reflector at an odd angle and made the noise.

The closest  I get to Rossi is when he's at Laguna Seca.