Hey Ed,
Start the TBS needles without shims. Some have reported a too rich condition with one shim. I have an almost identical setup as in: TBS needles, AI removed, Freak, Epcos, 160 mains, but stayed with the stock 42s. Who recommended the 45s for you?
After you get the new needles in, balance your carbs before doing a serious test run....
btw, my bike runs darn near perfect in all RPM ranges and pulls like a freight train.
