i don't think it's a lack of fluid though the 30 weight motor oil that tim suggested may be a good idea as a replacement. i'm pretty sure it's the heat causing the clutch to lock up. revving the engine a little at lights and when i am slowing down to stop works well, but not always.
anyway, plan is to rebuild the clutch, figure out the headlight, and go from there. i definitely have some issues with this bike i need to work out before i get it back on the road again. trials and errors and all that. at least now i know about some of the clutch issues first hand instead of by word of mouth. ha.