XT600 Starting problem.

[TheSTIG]

I just picked up a 1989 XT600 with a fresh engine rebuild. I like the bike very much but it is very hard to start. I know thumpers can be grouchy when it come to starting but I think there is more going on here.

It keeps firing back against the kick starter almost every kick. I bring it to TDC then go just by it and give it a good smooth kick and at the end BANG and I think about going to the hospital. When I do get it running it runs well and has no problem starting when it is hot (well so far, I have only put 12 miles on it so far).

After trying to start it for a few minutes it will leak gas out on the carb. I pulled the carb and found the choke was sticking and have fixed that problem I hope.

The bike looks to be fully stock other then someone pulling some of the baffles. The carb has a 48 pilot jet and 122.5 main.

I want to run this bike to and from work (35 miles) and need it to be able to start in temps as low as 45 deg (cold mornings here in Maine). I will also be using it with the family on the weekends offroad. I am not looking for the max power this thing can make. I just want it to be a bit more friendly.

What I would like to know:

-Does the jetting sound rigth for the kind of driving I want to do?

-Could I be dealing with a timing problem? If so how can I confirm and correct the problem.

-Am I missing something?

As someone who has worked for many years on auto and aircraft engines I feel with some input I can solve this problem. I was thinking a timing problem but I know thumpers are not of this world and seem to live by diffrent rules.

Any help would be great.
Thanks