Some questions about a 2007

I bought my tw about a 6 weeks ago now. It's a 2007 and had 533 miles on it. I had never stepped foot onto a motorcycle before.



It was running terribly when I got it. I came on here and started researching what to do which has been amazing. I put in a new spark plug, new oil, new oil filter, new fuel w/ seafoam since it sat (2007 with 533 miles). Cleaned the jets out and the entire carb and got it working decent. Have had to replace a few small parts, gaskets and am getting much more aquatinted with the bike.



Some questions...



1) My rear turn signal relay somehow came undone and was sitting against my exhaust for a time while I was riding. I looked down and noticed it partly melted, but not sure the damage. I secured it and sealed it back up. My question - Are the rear lights supposed to be on all the time like the fronts are in 2007? The blinkers work fine, but I noticed the rear lights do not continually run. I read on a post from a few days ago (1996 bike) that the rears do not stay on, but only come on when the turn signal buttons are hit. I was wondering if that was the same for a 2007. I'd assume so.



2) My left passenger (rear) peg lower/bottom bolt and special washer are missing. What is the point of that special washer? It's $18. The top one does not have it. Is it necessary?



3) My left mirror moves too far forward, like the piece it screws into is stripped out. I currently have a washer in the mix to bring it to the correct position. Any better ideas?



4) My carb is leaking out the bottom of the bowl drain. Tonight I pulled the float and the gasket is toast. The dealer only sells the whole needle valve assembly. Any idea on where to just get the gasket?



5) It's very hard to start in the winter. 15-30 degrees F. I have to pull the choke all the way out for about 45 seconds, then drop it to the middle position for about 20 seconds then can let it back in and ride away. Is this normal? I have been going through the carb completely. The only thing I noticed tonight which I am unsure would affect this issue is that my pilot jet screw was only out about 1 turn. I've read it should be out 2.5 turns. Also, would you recommend taking the pilot jet screw completely out and cleaning it for any reason?



I think that is about it for now. Thanks for any input!