In order to start my 08 SD, especially if it has sat for a couple of days, I have to turn the key on and let it cycle, turn it off, and do that 2 more times. Then it'll fire up and run perfectly. I assume it has low initial fuel perssure, and it takes 3X to get the pressure hi enough.

Is there a cure short of replacing the $500 usd fuel pump?

thanks

Could be something else. The fuel pump primes and stops when the pressure sensor tells it that there is enough pressure, unless the pump keeps wirring away or doesn't pump at all I guess the issue is somewhere else.
Also if the pump would be faulty you would feel it running lean or die when you give it the beans...
This one is hard to diagnose without seeing the bike, several factors could be in pllay here. To name a few: Leaky injector, fuel pressure regulator, temp sensors, fuel pump, fuel hose squashed and the list goes on.
Start at the beginning and check the obvious like funny pump noise, when did it first occured and what did you do...How many miles has the bike and has the fuel filter been changed/cleaned?
Hope this helps!

The bike has 12,000 miles. I've never had an issue with fuel filters getting clogged on any of my Hondas and they both had well over 30,000 miles on them when sold. But anything is possible.

The problem seems to be getting progressivly worse. I first noticed it a year and a half ago, but I didn't even realise it was a problem at first. I've never had the tank off. I doubt it's a kinked hose, but I'll look.

I have noticed the fuel pump whirrs for a shorter time on the SD than on other bikes.

Hadn't considered the FPR....

Sounds like the starting ritual of my past two Ducatis. How is it cranking over..does it sound like there is any loss in cranking power? If it is anything like the MV Agusta's, which are very sensitive to battery voltage and amperage if too low, it will not start right up. My Brutale would crank over, but would not have enough juice for the ignition to kick out enough spark for the bike to start when the battery started to go. I assume fuel pressure would suffer as well as fuel pump would not get full amperage if battery is going bad. If you don't find anything going on with fuel system..ignition would be the next logical thing to check out. I have at 08 Duke also, and noticed it is one of the fasting cranking twins when starting when comparing to other big twins..mainly Ducati's...so I think I will notice when my battery is going bad by listening to the starter...assuming the starter is not bad of couse. Just food for thought. Hope you solve the problem soon..Happy Riding.