The choke requirement proves that the carbs aren't delivering enough fuel without it. It is symptomatic of a stopped (or starved) pilot circuit. Since you proved that the idle circuits are clear, it is time to check the fuel level in the carbs. The slow jet is physically higher in the carb than the main. So, a low fuel level could starve the slow jet, making unable to deliver fuel. The choke would force extra fuel from the main supply, fed from the bottom of the carb bowl.
Make sure the floats are not upside down and that the float height is set at 14.5 mm.
You could also run a clear bowl drain hose up the side and mark the level of fuel in the float bowls. This would verify that the slow jet is immersed in fuel and able to deliver to the carb throat.
an aside: Shame on you for removing the emission equipment. (Choke, cough, wheeze, gag, expire.)