Cr 500 ignition or carby

Bike was running good bit hard to start
Checked timing done my head in removed checked stator (was lose) put back together how I found it
Kick it over still hard to start
Idled for a few seconds reved right up hit the throttle revs drop did this several times
Runs ok on the choke

bike still runs good but is hard to start? what is compression? carb settings?

You should double check the timing which could be the hard starting. Running on choke sounds like it's running lean. The gasket behind the crank seal flange was bad on my 430 and it started hard and ran lean. Wouldn't hurt to check that also.

Do a leak down test first. Check the seals, gaskets.

Next set the timing. Be sure the spark plug is clean. Good connection at the spark plug cap.

Clean the carb, adjust the float. Write down the pilot jet size, main jet size, needle jet. Make sure the needle and seat isn't leaking.

Balancing the pilot screw. It should be 1/2 to 1 1/2 turns from the bottom when it balances. I like it to be 3/4 to 1 1/4 turns when it balances. This gives you room to tweek it as a last setting if it needs it once the carb is set. The clip in the needle is another last minute final adjustment.
Let's us know how you make out.

check pilot circuit. choke on bypasses it. if clogged or too lean....wont idle or run right from bottom rpms

Yes, check the idle jet. Maybe clogged.