my 2001 Ironman(now a line-x'd Black Ironman) did this for quite a while.

Poor hard to no start for several tries. Sometimes opening the gas tank lid after a couple no starts and then closing it would allow for a start. Sometimes not. If not I would have to hold my gaspedal down while starting then shift into gear without letting off. After this problem it would idle extremely high like 3,000 Rpm or start and idle really low almost to dying point.

I just changed my Fuel Pressure Regulator and it Idles much more normally(around 1,000rpm) now and starts very easily(one try and smoothly) and normally. No more hard starts, yet or Idle issues, yet. Hopefully it stays that way and improves mileage.