I decided to check the valve clearances while the tank was off. This bike was ultra-quiet from the top end. Plus, it never did like to kick-start.
Good thing I checked, too. Intake and exhaust had basically zero clearance. Couldn't slide the 0.002" feeler gauge in at all. So, I reset 'em to 0.003" intake and 0.004" exhaust. Slappy valves are happy valves and all that.
I was surprised at the difference - it will kickstart right up first kick. I use the e-start, but it's very nice to know the kicker is an option now.