Ok, so I think I've finally got the beast to start first kick every time!
I just upped the main jet to a 162 and now all my jetting is almost exactly the recommended values from the chart here on the forum. I also just added the V-Force Delta 2 reed cage. And I learned from the posts here that you have to kick it like you mean it from the top every time.
From the forum, I also learned the best cold start procedure, so I'm now good to go anywhere, anytime.
Being confident in the ability to start the bike easily makes the difference in being motivated to ride or hating this thing.
Thanks again to all the contributors here. Please keep it up.
B