Horrendous chain/sprocket noise when applying throttle

Front sprocket original?
Chain and rear sprocket appear to be "SunStar" brand. Never heard of that but assume there are a billion China brands. After cleaning all the old lube grime off the chain appears rather rusted under all that stuff.
I had read about how tough/tight the front sprocket nut was supposed to be. The washer appears to have never been reused. So I think the front sprocket has never been off/replaced. Had the big breaker bar ready and the impact on standby but it was not much more than finger tight. Red Locktite residue was even plainly visible upon removal.
Anyways, it needs new stuff.
Cleaned it up and put it back together until I get delivery. Adjusted the old chain a bit and noise is tolerable until then and I can ride the Goldwing when the need arises.
At least the shaft seems to spin smooth and no noise or slop. Was a bit concerned about that....

Excellent! I just love a happy ending!


FWIW, Sunstar is a very well respected Japanese brand, primarily known for sprockets, and they are OEM for some motorcycle brands. The little rising sun on your worn out chain is a Sunstar logo.

The OEM chain/sprockets for V-Stroms appears to be DID, another respected Japanese brand. So yes, these have been replaced on your bike at some point.

I've also found that JT sprockets (Taiwan, I think) are of excellent quality and availability. Their website also gives you complete specs and drawings for each of their sprockets, which is extremely handy when you're researching oddball applications or conversions (such as upgrading a DL1000 to 530 chain, which lasts a lot longer).

However, my experience has been that Sunstar and JT chains are not nearly as good as their sprockets. BTDT. Take that as you will, but I think they're sprocket companies first and foremost, and perhaps they're getting branded chains from some other supplier that's not as high quality.

I have also had sprockets that don't last; PBI (Pit Bull) and Driven brands in particular wore out unacceptably quickly.

EK and DID chains are excellent, and there are a couple of other well-regarded brands.

And finally, every chain manufacturer sells a wide range of chains. For the most part, you get what you pay for. V-Stroms seem to come from the factory with a middle-of-the-road budget DID o-ring chain, but DID makes much better chains as well. I usually install EK chains, one step down from their absolute top of the line model.

Generic or "house brand" Chinese chains and sprockets are never, ever worth the risk.