Hi John,
Welcome home. Like Grump says - buy the kit. It's cheap and easy. As far as the popping on decel, the kit eliminated it for me. But then I opened my exhaust and went to larger main jets. Then I had to run a little rich on the low end to stop the pop. It's a process of trial and error. You won't hurt your bike, so just play it by ear and listen to some of the old hands here - that's what I did and I am a happy man.
There is a wealth of information here, just make sure it makes sense. You will love owning the best motorcycle in the world. I can't believe the compliments I receive on my 4 year old bike with over 40,000 miles on it. Most of the comments come from old codgers like me who used to own a Triumph, or had a "brother, cousin, friend, or a friend of one of those" who once owned one. The next group consists of HD riders who "always liked the Triumph look". Mostly, I've been asked "how many QTips you use to clean that thing?" I like to keep it looking as new as I can, but it is not a shrine - I let others ride her (after i've seen them ride their bike) in certain situations.
If image is what you want - great! But if you want to ride, all the time, and never get off it and hate to stop for gas - you bought the right bike. Just Take Care and don't get killed!
My youngest daughter heads to Texas for college this summer. My wife and I are planning to celebrate "Empty Nesting" by flying to LA and renting a bike to ride up the coast like we used to do every weekend when we were young and stupid. I have found a place that rents the Triumph Trophy for abot $100/day. Keep in touch and maybe we can stop by for a quick "front porch" visit. Then I can detail all the nice things about my rental bike - LOL!
