Unusually High Temperatures?

[sedelen]

cold plugs won't make the engine run any colder,

I can say that's been my experience with running cooler plugs.

[Call Me Ahab]

Yikes... good to know about the gaskets, thanks! I'll buy a new head gasket asap - I did replace the lower end gasket tho. I'll keep an eye on it, for the moment I'm not going to risk damage to the bike, I've got it on centerstand in my garage, just chillin until I can check my valves, fix the gasket, and replace carb o rings. Thank you very much for the heads up, I do appreciate it!