I figured out what's wrong with the bike!

That's a joke between my girlfriend and I. When I make some adjustment or read up on a possible solution, I'll start with the sentence, "so I think I know what's wrong with the bike."

This time, I actually do. I had it running way too rich.

I took the clip up about 3 notches (then greased everything up).
Much more power for much less gas.

Also, I'm using a 44t and I weigh 195lbs. 20-22mph is about where it's going to cruise before it gets into the high revs, realistically.

And the noise I've been trying to kill is a 415 chain going over the front sprocket teeth. Not much to be done there.

Excellent! I'm glad to hear that. Its not bad when I'm going below 15, but it turns into a long grinding tone when I speed up.

I also sprayed the exhaust out with some carb cleaner, and that helped the power some. It was coming out thick as ink, lol.

I'm definitely happier with how she's running now.