91 no spark and 97 just purchased - lots of Q's

I'm a return member, signed up last year when I bought my 91 vfr but lost my account - so hello again. I never figured out my 91 no psark issue, everything checks out to the service manual, power to the coils, pickups ohm out, swapped ecu, etc.. must be one of those elusive ground problems... oh well, parts bike, I'm moving on.

I bought a 97 VFR yesterday, cleaned the carbs and boom it roared to life. I hit the hills with it today and had a blast. Now for the Q's. I've never had a VFR, had lots of Twins (my other bike is an Aprilia SL 1000) and lots of inlines. The power band on this bike is relatively linear aka flat. Perhaps this is by design, I guess I expected that the higher it rev's the more power it should make. Has a K&N, and a slipon but stock header. My 91 VFR has an aftermarket header that exits quite low and on the left side. I think I'll have to lose the center stand to use it but I figure it might free up a little more. However, what pipe could possible fit on such a low exit pointed straight back.. anyone have pics? Gas mileage is through the roof, 120 miles on less than half a tank... soooo I'm willing to lose some - Jet kits have always provided a bit crisper response to my other bikes, does the VFR respond well or only moderate with these carbs? Any other power adders or possibilities to free up the top end. also, speedo healer must be an option as my 15/45 gearing is reading fast - surely this thing doesnt do 165 mph! Also, have to ditche the double buble non see thru screen- fugly! Thanks, here it is from today, poorly worn tires so I was keeping the lean angle down :