I use a strap placed in one of the track windows as far as I can reach on the high side of the track.....pulls waaaay easy for getting off the deck/trailer. I also built a similar device to the snow bungie but used tape webbing and carabiners......that is the only way to do it if you have room...
I cut about 10lbs out of a 97' 700rmk back in the day. it was filled with expanded metal, and packing.....10lbs was only 70% of it. mine was not too loud, but unique sounding for sure. the trick is to keep the same flow characteristics and back pressure.
one thing to consider is flipping the choke lever on to full choke when you shut it down......some think it adds lube to the cyl, but I know from exp that the cables can freeze up and leave the choke froze off.
koby, your speed will not change much if any buy swappping springs, helixs, or adding and subtracting twist. the gearing and rpms determine how fast its gonna go......the helix and springs tell it how fast to ch!t in order to get there. you could build a simple throttle stop and keep hm out of...