Originally Posted by marques

Interesting point there too. I'm sure u are right but to the average man like me, who has no technical knowledge, and if the **** hits the wall, cannot replace parts that easily, the just in case scenario is best.
Like u said the 660 is not a high performance machine ( which is one of the reasons I like it). However, if your running the gear ratio different to the manufacturers specifications then you are beginning to push the boundaries of the engine's limitations and therefore increasing the risk of failure or at least reducing the service interval of various parts.
Of course, conversely the opposite can be true for example the replacement interval of the rear wheel Cush drive rubbers can be dramatically increased by using a 525 sprocket and chain set up in my experience.
I am currently stuck with the following dilemma, I have a 525 chain and sprocket kit installed, with 15 teeth on front and 48 on rear, which is okay but during my weekend off-road excursions is frankly not low enough. ( I do ride
Mostly road during the week for work but obviously speed and performance are of no concern, just been able to transport myself and my considerably, very heavy tool set around, slowly but surely is what I wanted and have been satisfied with).
So back to the 525 issue for me, I have a new 18 inch wheel rim now and for sure my current sprocket sizes will not enable me to ride some of the muddy, steep descents that I want to. (Despite some masters telling me you need training and the courage to ride faster, with all due respect, they realllllly don't know me, like I said, I cannot afford two bikes along with all my kids).
So eventually, what I want is a very low gear ratio for my tenere without damaging my swingarm! So here I am considering what ratio I should get.