Key point - the noise may not be noticeable to us, but when they did certification of the motorcycles noise is noise no matter where it comes from, so they did the sound damping to squeeze under the limits. Lots of stuff happens like that. Doesn't really matter to us, but has to be done from the manufacturer.

As said, if it fits well, use it.

 

What's more important is how does it fit the countershaft? I was reading an article a few months ago about non-OEM countershaft sprockets that didn't fit as well as the stock items and eventually damaged the countershaft.

 

I noticed no difference in noise when I changed from OEM to a quality steel one (perfect fit) last week