Today I had a chance to bead blast the wheels, followed by 1000 grit wet sand and scotch bright in soapy sink water to smooth out the bead blast roughness.
I found a proper set of indian wheels for it too and went with 5.30 rear and 4.10 front.
All new hardware and chain etc... Took it out for a spin and that little 2.5hp pulls harder than my 3hp side popper in my Ruttman with identical tire/clutch/gearing . Must be the 3hp is getting tired out....
I'm using 11/72 gearing, and went up one click stiffer in the clutch spring to an orange spring.more fine tuning to do, but so far so good....