Is your AI removed? Phil I'm guessing your lean if it's blued eight inches down the header. I have a 03 America and it has never had a problem with cold starts. Balancing your carbs is a great idea. Of the 8 new Triumphs I have removed AI, re-jetted, and installed open pipes 7 of them were running lean on the left side. These were brand new bikes, so balancing is a good idea.
I've never installed Triumph brand performance pipes, so I don't know if re-jetting is necessary. Hopefully someone on here will chime in or you could call your dealer.
FYI, I run my bikes rich, gurgling is fine,but I hate popping. Let us know your progress. You might find all you need to do is clean it up, balance the carbs and turn your AF screws out. Good luck.
