I'm no expert, but the front axle would bother me. It's a whole lot easier to lose control and wipe out on two wheels than it is four. Er ... so I've heard.
I'd have that checked out at a scooter shop.
The hard starting sounds like it could be a lot of things. I've noticed my carb is finicky, but that seems to be not an unusual issue. Make sure you run premium. I posted somewhere else that I look for gas stations that have separate hoses for the regular and premium. If there's only one hose, you are getting a whole hose full of whatever the last guy pumped before you get your "good" gas. Just my $.02.
And CHANGE THAT OIL!!