Well, in between running to the store to exchange parts (some jackass put SAE feeler gauges on the metric peghook and since there was a conversion chart on the package I never noticed), going to my MSF Safety course, and other things, I managed to get the carbs rebuilt with buddha's jet and oring kit, new air filter put in, and valve clearance check (exhaust valves were WAyyyyyyy tight).
Its like a whole new bike.
the behaviour of the bike is completely different. The ticking/tapping noise is gone and since the cam chain appeared ok I guess the cam chain noise im hearing now is normal.
What I love the most is the torque curve of the bike with the rejet. Its very flat, even, and smooth all the way up. I dont have to downshift a gear in situations I had to before in order to pass, pick up a little speed, etc.
Now I'm going to feel much better about the road trips I have planned.
BTW - If anyone has a 2.55 shim, let me know. I could use one and had to go on the loose side of tolerance on one of my exhaust valves. I'll trade for whatever shim(s) you may need if I have htem.