If you have the time, don't be afraid to tackle the carb, LOTS of helpful vids and experineced guys to assist, if necessary. It's a great learning experience and you'll be able to apply the knowledge gained in the future.

It's not hard to seal up an exhaust system, just loosen/open joints, clean and reassemble with plenty of red high-temp silicone. Let sit during cure and trim off the excess later.

 

^What he said. YouTube has videos for almost everything. Paired with this forum, some tools and some patience, it is all pretty straight forward.
I never pulled cams before (I always had screw type valves or paid someone) and it was easy, but tedious. And like I said, with some patience, proper tools, and this forum and YouTube, it's fairly easy. I never dreamed I'd be maintaining and servicing a bike I owned like I have with this one. I haven't taken the motor out, or gone deeper than valves and the clutch, but I have lubed every bearing, at least once.
I haven't paid a mechanic in 2 years and I'm loving that.
No one can jet it as well as you can, because you ride it. You just need to learn what each part does and how that affects what you are trying to change.
Do it man!

 

Thanks for the encouragement guys! We just had the first snowfall of the season so I guess there's no rush to fix it anymore.

Aside from dyno'ing whats a good way of determining which jets are necessary?

Thanks

 

This might help...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...=sharing#gid=0

 

Thanks! That's a great resource!