[bigyagi]

easy way to check for rod bearing knock. assuming you have a good handbrake, that is. put car in first gear, handbrake on tight. bring engine rpm's up to about 2k, and let the clutch out, until you load up on the brakes. you will feel the car want to go, and it will dip at the back as it trys to go. if you have bad bearings, then they will show up now, as you have loaded the engine.
i checked my honda 900f this way. i put the front wheel up against the house, foot on rear brake, brought up the rpm's, and let out the clutch, until the grab point. trust me, if your rod bearings are shot, you will hear the most gut-wrenching knocking, and be left in no doubt at all as to their condition.
however, from your description, i dont this this is it!
bob.