Thanks for the recommendation on Grip Puppies. I bought a pair off ADVrider on sale even. Just put them on today along with the bikes new license plate.
What a marked improvement. The soapy water trick worked so dang easy it was embarrassing.
I have logged about 300 miles on the bike since I got it. Eventually I'll get to ride the XL before winter sets in...waiting on freight from Honda to reassemble the front forks. Gravel roads and the CBR do not play all that well together.