One for sure cure for the high 1st gear blue's Is a Rekluse clutch. I wouldn't change a thing with my CRF conversion because of this clutch. I run a 14 tooth front sprocket with a 38 tooth rear & 18" tire's. It Is the smoothest performing transmission I have ever used. All who have rode these new 4 stroke's would probably agree that they CHUGGLE when going slow In first and even second gear. My 06 TRX450 does the same thing, It sounds like the clutch basket will fly through the side cover when you bog It down In any gear. With the rekluse ALL the chuggling Is Gone. The clutch engage's Exactly the same everytime, and engage's the way you set It up, light or heavy. I also use the perch adjuster for quick easy adjustment of engagement RPM. They are expensive to buy new, but they can be picked up for around 300.00 used on ebay. I put mine In about 2-1/2 years ago, and have never had to adjust It Internally, It still has the new disc's I Installed at that time. Thanks to Derrick Adams for turning me on to this Magical setup!!! Oh yeah, I have a heavy flywheel also which helps alot. The Rekluse add's rotating mass also as It's quite alot heavier than the stock clutch part's.
Nice build Torker, looks like you did your homework!!! Can't wait to hear how you like the power delivery. IMO the only downfall to these small engine's on a heavier bike Is the roll on power. These little 250's just don't have the torque, but MAN do they Rev. If your not happy with the final result, add a big bore cylinder, and your problems will be gone. I built my boy a 87 TRX with a CRF250f, and the bike Is awesome for my boy, but with me on It I have to ride It just like a 2 stroke. Keep er hemmed up and shift.