Look no further than the starter damper. Many of us have had the problem.
We know the answer and I would put money on it (if I had any)

 

sadly i feel the starting damper is the answer in all honesty. but thanks to the member who posted the mrcycle.com link. found the part for $77. Not sure what this equates to in uk pounds but its a hell of a lot cheaper than the £117 I have been quoted even taking into account postage from the US.
hopefully if i can replace it myself this will save another £100.
happy days will be here soon I hope

 

One last point
The starter damper is not a part you should buy secondhand, if that's what you're considering. The second hand ones are often no better than what you have already in your bike. Either rebuild the one you have (quite easy) or buy a new one. Read the link that Classic put up, or ask and we'll help you.
FWIW

 

nooo i wasn't thinking about buying it 2nd hand lol. as far as I know the part from mrcycle.com is new but will have to double check this now that you have mentioned it. thanks all for the help so far. i am going to try to post a video of what my bike is doing (or not doing as the case may be) on youtube so that you can have a listen and tell me what you think.