I Just installed a 16 tooth front sprocket on the bird last week. I get an annoying whine out of the chain when lightly accelerating. Is this a common occurrance with aftermarket sprockets? The stock sprocket looked to have a rubber type material on it between the splines and the teeth, and the aftermarket sprocket doesn't have it. Did feel and increase in accereration, well worth it for the price. Should get an extra 1000 miles out of the front tire and 1000 less on the rear. :lol:

Yes, it's normal to an extent.

The stock sprocket has a damper built in to suppress noise, whereas the aftermarket's don't.


Most guys don't complain about the noise much, though. How old is your chain, and is it adjusted properly?

Chain's got 9500 miles on it and it is adjusted to about 1 - 1 1/4". The stock sprocket looked good with little wear on it.

I've only ridden mine with the 16 tooth sprocket! Keep thinking about putting the stock one on, but

I just got my 18 in the mail today. Won't be able to test it for a while though.