...then there's my (sometimes controversial, as in 'not believed here'...) experience: using Honda's own sprockets, and the Diamond Powersport chains (used to be called the "XDL" chains) and Kal-Gard Chain Kote moly chain lube:
First setup this way I installed at 31,000 miles in 1979, ran until 1990 and 42,000 miles (ending mileage 73,000+ miles). Chain was stretched 1 link, or 1%, so I replaced chain and sprockets.
Replaced with same chain, Honda sprockets, in 1990. Changed 2 years ago at 126,000 miles, had 53,000 miles on them and was getting snatchy: chain had stretched 1.5 links, or 1.5% (I run mine at 100 links). Contersprocket on this set was changed to a 17-tooth aprtway along the miles, then back to 18 tooth for touring, now back at 17 tooth for commuting again.
The Powersport chain is equivalent to the British Reynolds chain. Both cost a little over $100, but as you can see, are cheap in the long run, and snaky smooth at putting the power down. They are engineered with extra clearance in the side play, and Rockwell 80 rollers. They also have extra roller ID clearance and side clearance so the lube can wick in easily and water and dirt get pushed out. I wash it directly with the hi-PSI carwash once every month or so, then ride until it is warm, and relube, let set overnight. These are NOT O-ring chains, yet I lube the chain about once every 1000 miles or so.
Honda's own sprockets have a special design with larger-than-ASME-standards base circle and tapered teeth, to quiet the chain, reduce its collision with the entry into each tooth, and put up with misalignments caused by worn swingarms and high HP acceleration runs. They are not as hard as the Diamond/Reynolds chains, so the combination is a great match.
