Question about sprockets

[TwinsRFun]

Not sure if this should go into discussion or FAQ.   If it were Frequently Asked it seems it would already be there and I don't see it.  Anyways I was playing with the idea of droping a tooth on my front sprocket(98 gs500e btw).  My friend who has ridden his whole life was trying to talk me out of it because according to him I could screw up at least my chain possibly more stuff from dropping a tooth.  It makes sense that if i drop to many teeth or my chain is loose it can jump off and damage stuff, but dropping just one tooth doesn't seem to be that big of an issue as long as I check my chain tension.  Just wanted to feel this out before I went and screwed something up.  Thanks for your input.

Neal

[dgyver]

It is common to drop to a 15T in front. Some have a 14T. I only use a 14T on the track. When the chain is adjusted correctly, there is not a problem with a 15T. Note that a 14T gets tight at the s/a and may increase wear.

[gsJack]

I ran 15T front sprockets on a 97 GS for over 40k miles and think it's necessary on a 2000 and earlier GS with a heavy rider just to get it moving easily on an uphill start.  No reduction in chain life with the 15T and the increased highway rpm is barely noticeable.  Don't head for the mountains without one.   

Don't feel my 02 GS needs one.