I think it's just one of those cheap and easy mods. When I started road racing every racer said "go down one on the front sprocket to get a better drive." I now know that they didn't know anything. But, any (and every) 50 has been involved in adult shenanigans. But if they roll straight and don't blow smoke, there isn't anything wrong with them that can't be fixed with an 88 kit. You are going to drop an 88 kit on it, right? If not, what's the point?
Fuck, I'm 70 miles north of Watertown. 7 miles to the border so I'll be Canadian, I don't mind. They seem to be a nice people.
Holy crap! I thought my grandmas place in Tupper was close to Canada, you might even be closer than she was. I only know where Watertown is because that's where dad bought the hearse (in 1972 or so).