In first and second a twist is all it takes to lift the front. It wont do it when you're sitting on the tank but it'll do it pretty easy otherwise.

I have a 14/48 combo and I think it's really good. It will go on the highway but I wouldn't go touring on it. My old commute included 10 highway miles and that was all I wanted.

For a woods bike that you need to ride to trails I think my current setup is pretty ideal.

 

It does feel like a different bike, I like it!!

I rode it about 20 miles on the road today. I think I need to richen the needle. Cruising with a consistent throttle input (about 1/3 throttle) it has an occasional hiccup. If I'm accelerating or WOT it doesn't do it.

 

The other thing I discovered today is that the vent hose from the float bowl weeps fuel while it sits, its not much but it does leave a small damp spot on the ground below. I'll have to check the float level and make sure the float needle is closing all the way. I shut off the petcock and let the bike run run a minute before shutting it off and its not weeping now.