Thank you!!! I appreciate the tip!

Per VAPE docs:

- Do not use spark plugs with an intern suppression resistor. NGK (e.g.) offered such spark plugs coded with an "R" (for resistor).

- Do not use a spark plug cap(s) containing a resistor WITH a spark plug(s) containing a resistor at the same time. It would cause problems, especially difficult engine starting. The total resistance of cap and spark plug combined should not exceed 5kOhm.

Note, I had a new 2002 CR250. Really no comparison, but the DT has a smoother power output and less of it.

4054 ~ B8ES
4052 ~ B9ES

One of the other bikes I have at the moment is a 2002 CR250 so I definetely know what you're speaking of regarding a different kind of power. I've been driving diesel pickups since 1999 so I liken it to a gasser pickup compared to a diesel. 
At almost 59 years old the CR was more appealing when I was in my 30s!

Have you tried running it without the air filter? As a test only, of course.

I believe this was resolved in another thread or two...  seat had collapsed onto the air intake and/or the filter was restricted somehow.

Yes indeed that was the issue. 
many thanks to you and everyone in here who helped figure this out! 
after about 150 times in the carb I did just that and wham! Runs like a dream, some fine tuning and it runs just superbly!!!! 
what a nice little bike!!! 

Am i on the right post 'or planet'.
Is this the bike the seat collapse caused the misfire. Or didn't that fix it in the end & its 'game on' again.
Any chance of a video of it misfiring.
Just asking after reading what Mark said above.

Inevitably it wasn’t a collapse of the seat or the cover/tool kit panel. There was very little room between the metal cover over the intake and the intake hole is pretty damned small for an engine that size. Maybe 5 squares inches tops? It was the Uni filter that I assumed would work since it was new and oiled like I’ve oiled every other dirt bike I’ve owned. 
Apparently the Uni has two layers and thus it too restrictive especially if it has been oiled with anything sticky. I didn’t oil the hell out of it because I know this thing isn’t going to be ridden in the dirt most of its life with me but it was still too restrictive. It ran like shit when I got the bike but it never occurred to me that would be the problem. I can’t say if the filter in it when I got the bike was a Uni or not but it ran just like it was a Uni. 
The threads, yea, it’s gotten mentioned in other threads as well. Probably my fault for bringing it up on a different post if I found some similarity or reason to inject my problem there! Nice eh? 
inevitably that’s the scoop. I modified the tool box/intake cover and the air filter cover to let more air in. I’ve got replacement pieces coming to replace them in the future if I feel it’s necessary. So, even with it being oiled and having two layers, if it gets more air it’ll run right. 
I don’t have a video of it acting up but it acts just like you’ve got a huge main jet in it. When you go through the gears and start to get to the taller gears, 3, 4, 5 it begins the really rich stumble, won’t rev above 5500 with zero power and won’t clear up until you get out of the throttle. Even at partial throttle it hits a point where load and demand for air becomes more than it can get into the air box and through the filter but it all revolves around the revs and demand for air coupled with load. I know I jumped the gun by modifying but que sera, I’ve got the easily bolted on parts coming to put it back if I modify the filter or get a Yamaha one.
My advice for someone chasing this bike and running issues would be stick with it, learn the bike and dial the jetting in, it is so worth it as once this thing is running good you will be thrilled with it. Yea it’s a big bore but if you’ve ridden two strokes before you’ll get the hang of this thing, it likes to be ridden in certain ways. But it just pulls wonderfully!!! It’s a strong bike with some quirkiness but that’s part of what I love about it too! 
Sorry for all the confusion RT, Mark and the rest of you!
Erik.  

Cool, thanks for the extensive reply.