Thanks for all of the advice, I'll be checking it all out this weekend. The carb tank cleaner (?) sounds like an idea - in any case, I think I'll be learning a lot over the next couple of weeks on how to keep this bike clean and maintained.
Also, I don't want to give the opinion that I'm not pleased with the bike; au contraire, I've really enjoyed it! I've circled through counties around my own, around the hills, over the rivers, through the woods, put miles to grandma's house, etc. I'm lovin' it, no worry cruisin'. First bike and all mine.
I just perceived a potential problem that I'm learning may not have been an issue with the bike, but rather with myself. Plus, trying to get to work on a Monday morning and you ain't worried about the view but rather that 8 am shift change!
I'll give a riding report after I've taken a look at some of what you've suggested and tried to clean 'er up a bit.
Thanks and good riding this weekend
-c