a little update on the mechanical here...
as i stated in another thread, i discovered the main source of the weak spark causing cold start problems: a screw had come loose on one of the pick up coils on the ignition. it was hanging just close enough to work when the bike was running, but far enough away to cause erratic spark when cold and firing off of the battery alone.
on to the last of problems... the transmission is off to be undercut this week, and while i have the engine out, i'll hopefully find the source of the mysterious oil leak that has been driving me crazy. finally almost done!!