Today's new tire technologies allow short-sidewalled tires to ride more comfortably than in the past. You shouldn't be too worried about the lower profile tire as long as you choose quality tires. As for the risk of damaging the wheels, as long as you get tires with rim protection you should be fine. If you are worried about this, find 3-piece wheels that allow you to replace the outer rim if it gets damaged...these wheels will be more expensive, though, but if they get damaged, you would only have to replace one part of the wheel (hence the name 3-piece wheel). Lastly, I hope you are not reducing the sidewall hight without increasing the diameter of the wheel...this will screw-up your gear ratios. Doing this properly will force you to increase your wheel diameter. If you go to larger sized wheels, make sure that the wheels are not heavier than the factory wheels. Heavier wheels will slow you down and it will increase the wear and tear on your suspension.