I just wanted to say that I am very, very, very, happy with this bike. I raced it yesterday (45 degrees out when I left the start), the first time since May, without the bog. I got a good start, was really crisp (no carb load up) in the woods, ripped down the straights and impressed the spectators on a long steep hill (I would ride a wheelie towards the top). Don't even ask me how I finished. I pegged two trees head on, bent my fingers back on my left hand, have a stiff neck/sore shoulder from landing on it, twice, nice dent in my pipe and broke my left radiator cover.
I had a great time, the bike raced the best it ever has, and I even got the chance to lap my son on his RM 125 at the end. He looked back, saw me behind him at the check point and I passed him on the next long straight away. Believe me, he had his RM pegged! I teased him the whole way home that he needs to buy a Husky!
To answer your questions: The .3mm base gasket? I think it helps, but is hard to tell with the new ring in, but it's on $4.75. I think it helps with the throttle response. I don't not know what the squish is. When I ringed it friday night, I was in a hurry and did not take the head off when I pulled the cylinder. There was no carbon on the head.
The needle question: The needle is thinner at the top. Your going from .74 to a .62, it has a nice thin taper all the way to the bottom. The bottom of needle is thinner as well. I think the needle size/the taper/5.0 slide work very well.
Thanx!
Darin