So...bit of an update.
Never could get the bike running right, so I finally decided to just hand the key over to a old-timer in town that knows these things inside and out. 2 weeks later he hands me the key back. Work performed:
Rebuilt carbs for the THIRD time with new gaskets
New 78# secondary jets installed
New float needles
New fork seals
Ignition timing finally set PROPERLY
Valves adjusted
Cam chain adjusted
Throttle linkage fixed and cables lubed
Oh man...what a difference! I decided to ride the bike from the shop back home: 40 miles over 3 major highways here in Dallas. It was gusting at 15-20 mph winds, but the bike handled it, and had no problems keeping up with traffic. Throttle response is EPIC. No more hanging idle or stumble from a stop. Basically, the bike is just a blast to ride now.
I also painted the engine side covers before I dropped the bike off. Looks much better now. Would have preferred them polished, but this works too.
Here's a few updated pictures and a sound clip of the bike running through the gears.
Sound clip!And now I get to put her away for awhile. An arctic front just rolled through (as most of you know), so won't see any good riding weather for a couple of weeks. Ugh.