On my 2001 TE400, which seemed impossible to start consistently, and after much consultation, I did the following:
set valves on the loose side
pilot jet & atomizer (in the same hole on a Dellorto) a touch lean
idle speed screw for a higher idle
never touch the throttle when starting, no pre kick twisting!
The bike now starts quite often on the first or second kick when cold, no start circuit opened either.
When hot and I stall it, if it doesn't start by the third kick, pull in the compression release, kick it through 8 - 10 times, it will start first kick!
It's almost automatic now. I'm still extremely surprised since I swore I'd throw this impossible starting SOB into the next ........, really one HS the only way I could get it to start was to roll down a hill.
I also moved my kickstart lever one tooth/spline forward to get it to engage the gear sooner. Seems to get a better spin on it!
Try the idle up and kickstart position first, you might be surprised.