So, as embarrassing as it may be, I feel I need to post the truth of my experience for any new comers who stumble across this thread as I did seeking guidance. Before I do, it is important to note this is my first bike, and I am very unversed in mechanics and I am self teaching / researching this whole process — this is an excuse, a sad excuse, but one I had to note! HAHA
After reading another thread, where the participants inquired about fuel levels, and posted some great videos on how a petcock functions (i.e. the straw) I realized that the bike was likely to low for "on" and that I should check how it ran on "reserve" since prime and reserve drink from the same point on the straw. The second I switched it there, boom, no issues on running. I was simply starving the bike — luckily, there were no long rides or damage accrued while doing this. SO, my solution... fill it up with gas.
My bike has been running flawlessly since then, so, lesson learned, when you have no gas the bike doesn't run... who would have thought???
Thanks for your time and posts everyone! Hope this helps others in the future.