Welcome Bookm. I would say that changing sprockets and upgrading to an o-ring chain will probably solve your excess lash problem. The chain condition and proper tightness seems to have a noticable effect on shifting and feel with this bike. My rear brakes have almost 5000 kms on them and are only showing minimal wear. I do tend to go easy on the brakes, relying more so on engine braking. You're right about the grin factor on this bike which is strange because the bike doesn't seem to do any one thing great.
