Re starter needing to be replaced. I am not saying that. Since it is priming, it should be good. EFI models, fuel pressure is more critical, but for carb models, float and needle/seat issues are a possible problem area. I mentioned my starting procedure when I was also having major starting issues,which had some success.
I learnt recently that here is some mechanism to do with the cams that releases cylinder chamber pressure for a second just to ease starting. I don't know if your model has that feature.
The bike shop I used for repairs also only seemed to find out about it while working on my scoot, and then also, when I was there another time, I saw a xc500 stripped which the mechanics explained had that exact problem.
Hopefully your starting procedure will keep doing the trick for you, but dead of winter I would strongly recommend that high end battery I have mentioned a few times now.
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