Slow to get rpm down on throttle shutoff- pods

Have 80 ltd 1000, bored out 2x, new pistons, valves, etc, new accel pump, mains and pilot jets increased. No air box, pods. Stock carbs otherwise. On throttle shutoff, bike very slow to come down off rpm. Would it need smaller pilot jets, or change in mains. Cables are new. Old bike mech. has spent time trying to tune, but claims old bikes just run that way and you can't expect instant shutoff, I disagree. Tips, suggestions? Thanks!

Old mechanic incorrect, you correct.
That is usually an indication the pilot circuit is too lean.

Also, check your carb holders for leaks. Here's how:

Make sure the vacuum caps are tight on the carb holder nipples. Warm the engine up to normal operating temperature. Temporarily set the idle as low as possible without stalling the engine. It should be down below 1000 rpm. The lower the better because when it is set low the carb slides are closed (or nearly closed) and this raises the vacuum level in the carb holders. The combination of the increased carb holder vacuum level and the very low idle amplifies the effect of the leak test.

Once the idle is set low, spray carb cleaner around each of the carb holders where they bolt to the cylinder head and where the carbs attach to them. If there are leaks, the vacuum in the carb holders will suck the carb cleaner in and this will affect the idle. It may even cause the engine to stall. If the leaks are at the carb holder / cylinder head mating surface you need to replace the holders. If the leak is where the carbs attach to the holders you may be able to tighten the clamps enough to seal the leak. Some folks use starter fluid or other substances for the test, but carb cleaner works best as it doesn’t evaporate too quickly like ether and leaves no residue on the engine like WD40. Ed