01sxr700
I have about 500 miles on it now. After the first few ride's I was checking for rub marks in the tunnel and on the track. There are no signs at all, so I have pretty much quit looking, except for when I do my normal maintance check over's.
The pic is a little deceptive, the track lugs taper in some. So there is approx 5/16" clearance at the chain case bolt/nut.
You can use 9 tooth driver's, no problem with a 1.5" track. I use 9 tooths with a 1.75" with no clearance issues. Any tunnel or heat exchanger protector's will need to be removed though.
I would gear down one or two teeth for sure. With the added traction, you wont have as much track spin in loose snow!