Hope someone can help

Im running ZX9R bike carbs on a standard 2 litre silvertop Zetec, have been for 2 years now. The car was really sharp and drove well, no issues. MOT emmissions have always been a problem so this year i got a fella to set them up for MOT. He dropped the needles (1 notch apparently) and set the mixtures. After the car passed MOT I lifted the needles as it was really lean and running like crap. The car was running better but very lifeless, all noise and no go. I raised them another notch and the car is driving smoothly but just not revving out sharply or nearly as quick.

Anyone any ideas?

Im sick to death of these carbs, can never get them to please me! Have toyed with the idea of goin stock injection or ITBs just to have an easy life!!