Yes, the 500 can be a beast to start.... until you learn the correct starting procedure.  Remember this is a large engine, so you have to get some fuel into the engine before it will fire.  Read thru this post for the starting 'procedure'.

http://www.suzukiquadracerhq.com/general-discussion/first-lt500r-hard-starting

These are the steps that I use - ALWAYS!

1. ALWAYS WEAR BOOTS
2. Key ON AND Ignition switch OFF
3. ARE YOUR BOOTS ON?
3. Choke on
4. Gas on
5. 3-4 Primer Kicks, all the way through slow (don't have to be hard)   
5. Push kick lever down until it passes the first resistance point, DO NOT GO PAST in to the 2nd resistance point.
6. YOU DO HAVE YOUR BOOTS ON RIGHT?
7. Ignition switch ON
8. Bring lever back up to the top and give it a hard kick!

If/when the zilla kicks back on you, you WILL break bones with out a boot.  Own a zilla long enough and it will kick back on you.  I just had another zilla I was borrowing kick back on me at Glamis.  Even with my boot on, I still had a limp for about a week.  This zilla is mostly stock and it still tried to bite me!

Good Luck
Larry