I noticed a ticking sound from the engine so I decided to adjust the valves. after taking all the panels off, i'm not sure whether to take the top cover off or the side cover. also will i need to buy new gaskets?

 

You need to remove the cam cover and the right side cover to view the cam sprocket. Just leave the spark plug in and slowly pull the recoil. As the intake rocker arms go down and start to come up ,stop when the cam sprocket alignment pin is centered on the cylinder head. This is TDC and you can check/adjust valves.Cam lobes will be facing downward. Intake and exhaust valve clearance set at .006.You don't have to pull the timing plug on the recoil cover as shown at the very bottom.