Sudden cutting out

[justincbf1000]

Occasionally over the past two weeks or so when I turn key the normal noise of the pump doesn't sound and she won't Start. After a few turn on/offs, eventually the noise is heard and she has started. However she does smell a bit of petrol! That was it until recently - when she starts, suddenly she cuts out, no warning. It is almost as if I had hit the kill swith or when you put the side stand down when in gear but I had not done any of those. Weirdly it happens a few times in a row within a minute or so then once I get going seems OK. Anyone got any ideas?