The pilot is part of the idle control - when you say you run it and it pops, is this at idle or giving it some revs, say 2500, 3000 (mid-range)?
If it is idle, then popping indicates running a little lean, so turn the screw out - the mixer screw is part of the idle control combination.
If the popping is mid range it will be to do (but not solely) with your jet needles (the slides come up and down in mid-range). This is likely to be that your carbs are out of sync with each other (as mone was yesterday until I tweaked). Now, all things being equal you should have started off with the butterfly valves on the carbs closed to the same degree (see my video for that). From the saddle you can turn the sync screw left to open a little the left cylinder, and vice versa (these things only need very small adjustments to make a difference). Remember where you started, and you can always return.
I have read the Carb Guide top to bottom now, and the above comes from that and me actually following the suggestions. Read the Carb Guide (5twins and grizld1 put in some time effort - read it, it is a great guide).
Hey, and don't get frustrated, be patient with these old dears. Use the stock clamps and make sure they close. There are other tests, too. Look at the Carb Guide, e.g. an easy diaphragm test, and a test to check there is no air leaking in, and a good test for the throttle shaft seals.
Anlaf