XJ900 Cold Start/ Choke problem

I am restoring an 83 XJ900. Unfortunately, previous owner removed airbox and put pods on. It also has a nice 4-1 header and Supertrap exhaust. I have run pods on cv carbs before, and with some trial and error have gotten them to function reasonably well. I would install the factory airbox in a heartbeat but they just aren't available. Plus I'm not sure that's the problem.
Here's my problem: When cold, I can't get it to fire without taking off a couple of the pods and physically restricting air intake (usually with my hand) to the carbs. Once it is warm, it starts and runs fine. If I try to use the choke (fuel enrichment) even when it is cold, it causes the engine to stall.
I have rebuilt and rejected the carbs
Upgraded fuse box (was causing a lot of problems)
Verified charging/ battery voltage, etc.
New plugs

I am very familiar with the pods/box debates but it seems that I should be able to get better results than this. How would I test to see if my fuel enrichment is working properly?

 

What jets are in the carbs?
Did you clean the enrichment jets that are in the float bowls?

 

42.5 primary
110 main

 

Will check the float bowl passages. Thanks

 

Took the bowls off- all four jets were clogged. Cleaned out with at drill. Works great. Thanks! XJ Bikes is the best!

 

the most overlooked part in the cleaning process

 

Hope you hand cleaned with a drill bit from Chacal....and not a 1" bit spinning on the end of a drill.....lol

 

First time I cleaned my carburettors I didn't know about the enrichment circuit jets either. All in the learning eh, mine started great after that.