Set up for a long(ish) dual sport ride. 08 FE450

Hello guys,

so we're thinking of running a 5 day part of either the NMBDR or the AZBDR. to those unfamiliar with this names they are the New Mexico and Arizona Backcountry Discovery Routes (Backcountry Discovery Routes)

This trips are 20% paved roads and the rest are graval and wide dirt roads with some sandy spots here and there, but usually tis trips are done on larger dual sport bikes (ie. 650-1200cc), but since my berg is all I have, I want to see what will be a good gearing ratio and maybe even tire combination, to ride one of this BDR's

AS of right now I have 13 and 14 for front, and 48 and 52 for the rear, tires wise I'm running AC-10 on the back and Mid Hard 554 on the front.

so any suggestions? Can I run a 16-48 (i.e is there enough space for a 16?), and recommendations for tires? will it be better to get something more pavements focused and risk having less traction in the more narly stuff. or should I just hang on to the ones I have (I'm guessing will ride about 500-700 miles in total)?

Any thought and suggestion will be highly appreciated.

Thanks

Thank you LadyBerg for taking the time to respond. I have the gas and baggage carrying capacity covered with the ("hope it won't leak again") 4 gallon fuel tank +2 one liter MSR bottles. Storage wise I have some WolfMan packs (tank bag, enduro tool bag, E12's and the enduro duffel bag). I'm mostly just worried about suffering on the ride. Will definitely look into the tires you recommended.

Thanks again