Thanks for all of the replies and insights!
I do think I've been overdoing the leaning, since I didn't want to damage anything that should have a nice shiny surface. I feel much better after looking and making sure that it was actually the center stand being scraped (cosmetically, it's much less important than the exhaust!).
In general, I'm trying to be gentle, as I don't trust my tires or suspension. The tires are old, and the front forks... well, let's just say I should get around to searching the archives and figuring out what'll fit on my bike. I don't think I'm going faster around corners, just rounding them off less than I normally would (so I can still negotiate the turn in case something comes up).
I'll have to check out the local libraries to see if I can find a copy of "More Proficient Motorcycling". Based on your recommendation (and the high Amazon ratings), I might just buy it if I can't find a local copy.
And I agree with the idea of finding a track for practice... With more experience, more confidence in the equipment, and a closed course, I'd be happy to experiment with leaning vs. not leaning. When it's my safety and that of others, I figured asking more experienced riders was less likely to result in injury and embarassment.
Slightly relevant sidenote: I just turned 1000 (miles of riding experience) a week and a half ago. I definitely have no false ideas about my own experience and ability. Give me another couple of thousand, and I might consider the electrical tape. As it is, my speedo reads high (says 70 mph at 60 mph...), and I think for the moment that's fine. I'd like to hold to that paranoia a bit longer!
Besides, if you go too fast on the KZ, you get where you're going and have to get off of the bike sooner. Where's the fun in that?