Glad you got it working. "These shifters can't take any abuse at all, stomping the shifter is a definite no-no. Just falling off the kickstand is enough" This is absolutely true. It's why I never shift into gear from neutral with the engine running.

So you start the bike in gear? That's what I always do with my Harley. I can never find neutral in that damned thing.

Shifting into first shouldn't damage anything, it's brute force that breaks the rod. Now if the idle is excessively high, that can cause some gear gnashing.

Once I get the K&N filter in, and coasters, I will work on that. I have the stock mufflers from my roadking classic. I wonder if they would fit/sound better? I took the bike for the maiden voyage last night, before being stranded, and it sounded like a moped.

Maybe, if they aren't too long.

Sounds like an atv with no mufflers at least when idling.

An ATV? hahaha... I will have to experiment. It needs some more throat to it's voice. Would a sportster exhaust work?

Yes, a lot of people have used Harley mufflers, maybe along with removing the goat's belly. Doc has Screamin' Beagles on his. Headpipes won't fit at all.

Fired mine up with just the goat belly, couldn't stand the thwup-thwup-thwup. Just idled it, and tried to rev but it had a huge hesitation. Had the air filters off however.