Interesting clunk when starting out slow from a stop

[Dr.McNinja]

Hey guys,

More recently I noticed that when I start my bike off from a stop a distinctive "clunk" will come up from the drive (around the sprocket area) if I start it out with progressively more throttle rather then revving it a little and letting the clutch out. As the bike warms up it gets better, and it doesn't occur during shifting (which eliminates a problem with the clutch itself). Do you guys think it might just be an old chain/sprocket? The chain on my bike is a little bit weathered from sitting without too much activity for a few years when the PO still owned it and it's about 100 miles overdue for a lube (which I'm probably gonna do tomorrow when I have time to pick up another can of chain lube and some kerosene)? I'm almost certain it's something to do with the chain/sprocket as that's the only thing I've come up with as I looked through the website and Google for answers. Will it be okay enough to ride? I've had it happen off and on for the past few weeks and it hasn't inconvenienced me, it just seems like something that should eventually be fixed.

Second question: how do I go about inspecting my chain and sprocket? I've never really seen a damaged/worn sprocket before.


Thanks guys!


EDIT:

forgot to add that the bike doesn't jerk when it clunks, it engages first gear smooth from a stop. It's just a very noticeable audible clunk until the bike has been warmed up more (it's getting about Winter here so the noise has made it's presence known). I've also noticed that a lot of people fixed it by greasing up the chain more.

[adidasguy]

As a sprocket wears, the teeth will begin to look more like sharks fins than having a square top.
The Suzuki, Haynes, Clymer books give info and pictures on how to tell if the chain is bad.

Kinda sounds like the splines of the front sprocket and the sprocket is clinking a little. See thread on changing sprocket and take a look at yours.

Report back what you see and post pictures if any doubts.

[vinny]

Could be the rubber bits in the cush-drive in the rear wheel giving up?