Thought I'd say 'hi' before looking for advice

No airbox will cause super lean condition and throw your jetting way off. You shouldn't run it or make adjustments without the airbox or filter in place.

Yeah definitely super lean I just figured it would still rev, like crap, but still rev. I'll through the airbox back on and see ifnit makes a difference.

I think I'll also pull the carbs apart again and give the jets another good cleaning.

Any tips on finding new bowl gaskets?

you can buy OEM from Kawasaki
www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/kawasaki/KP-11060-1607.html

or K&L makes them for much cheaper.
www.z1enterprises.com/product/KL18-2612