I bet 90% of the time such problems are caused by leaks. Just yesterday I heard a "pop" while I was starting it cold, remembered a thread I read here and checked my head bolts.

Sure enough - even though there were no signs of leakage my head had loosened just enough to allow a leak when it was cold. I'd noticed a slight change in performance earlier but had written it off as all two strokes have better days than others lol

I log a LOT of mileage, still it's only every 30 days or so I find I need go around and tune things up - not obsessive tightening which can lead to broken or stripped fasteners, but checking for leaks and the general "time of the month" tuneup.

Have you checked your plug color? What are you runnin' for a oil mix ratio? If you've been puttin' some time on it in that past month it should be starting to run better as the motor gets broken in.

I'd check all seals first