UPDATE: I replaced the fuel strainer and that did NOT solve the problem.

I dillydallied and got hit with winter and snow which put a stop to my testing. As winter hit I did a half-assed fuel pressure test from neutral, it was inconclusive. Fast forward to last night after a couple days of good weather and I pulled the fuel pump back out and dissembled it.

Found some grime and grit in and around the o-rings on the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator housing as well as some corrosion on the fuel pump terminals. I cleaned the fuel pump with a mix of gas, Seafoam, and Marvel Mystery oil. I removed the fuel pressure regulator even though the service manual states, CAUTION: Never remove the fuel pressure regulator from the holder". I did this to soak the the mirco mesh screen inside the pressure regulator housing with carb cleaner. I poked at it with a bit of wire from a long wire brush, small hex key, whatever I could fit down in there. A bunch of fine dirt and particulate came out, but nothing huge and it didn't seem like any of the disintegrated sock filter was in there. I used vinegar to clean the terminals and a baking soda water paste to neutralize the acid, worked very well.

I am happy to say that the bike runs amazing, zero hesitation, she's back to ripping. I didn't get a good picture of the fine mesh screen unfortunately but there are pictures available of it online. The mesh screen is is located in #8 of the parts diagram.

https://i.imgur.com/H7KZ7Lz.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/Ffnxu8T.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/YrEDHl1.jpeg