Is it normal to have to use choke full on to start the bike first time of the day and then idle on choke several minutes or more before it will run at all with choke off? Also is it normal to have backfiring when shifting gears and or just letting off on the throttle? This bike has a fishtail torpedo muffler with baffle. I read somewhere that an easy mode could be done to the carburetor throttle slide needle by removing the white spacer or removing half of it. Will this easy mode clear up most of the backfiring issue? Does this cause it to run leaner or richer at minimum throttle position?

Appreciate the help.

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 Yes, when my bike was totally stock that was the usual routine.  Since then I have done some very simple mods and it will start without the "choke" on most days.

The backfiring when shifting isn't normal on a totally stock bike.  With your muffler some carb work will probably help reduce the backfiring and make the bike a little more responsive.  I think the white spacer mod is worth doing as well as removing the brass plug so you can adjust the pilot screw.  Two cheap and easy mods to provide a richer mixture.