Well, thanks for the input guys. The bike at tractor supply differs greatly from the one offered at Dunham's sporting goods.
The tractor supply bike has no jackshaft. Sprocket is on the output side of engine and bike. No front brake. Centrifugal clutch with 2:1 gearing setup with spring tensioner.
Dunham's has the welded in jackshaft mounted with a flimsy looking cvt belt setup. Flipped rear wheel. Front brake. Engine mounting plate is higher in the frame and the rear frame tubing is bent different in the rear. (In my opinion it is an uglier bike without the proper lines. My eyes jump around while viewing it.)
I compared and visited these bikes in person.
Not sure about the triple tree setup on mine or the looking bent thing. I will look hard at it today. That part of the bike was pre-assembled so I haven't paid it very much attention other than snugging up fasteners.
I will count sprocket teeth today also to verify.
I have put about 20 mins seat time on it since the tire change. (I travel for work.) BUT, I can tell you the tire change was worth it. It rides much better. Noticeably softer, Noticeably more stable during cornering, especially during heavy throttle and the transition from brake set to throttle acceleration while cornering.
HOWEVER, I also noticed a fair drop in torque. I expected it, and it does exist. I am 190 lbs
This torque loss is entirely offset in my opinion by the ride quality and overall grin experience. No regrets On that.
Before the tires....The bike felt mushy and unresponsive. It would severely understeer until the point that it would oversteer at and extremely fast rate. Leaving me questioning and second guessing the tracking while riding straight. It wandered/meandered. Either that makes sense or not. Imagine riding on a large pile of pine needles, basically.
Another symptom of weight and possibly sidewall thicknessness. Fork flex could have been contributing too, but all these symptoms are tolerable now...After the tire change, I am happy with the little hardtail.
Front tires v.s. rear tires. In my opinion... only front tires should be used as rear tires do not have the crown that is needed to increase the contact patch while leaning. And they keep the correct side of the axle loaded while turning. Do not put a rear tire on the front.
Rear tires are flat profile and leave you riding on a thin edge while leaning. This also leads to loading the axle improperly in regards to the left hand and right hand sides. No suspension to counteract this just magnifys it.
I have some free time and getting started back on this project.
First, I will install an aluminum flywheel to offset my loss of torque in the taller tires. And verify fitment before moving to carb and header and getting that engine lifting plate on.