when i start my vrs from cold, it used to put the choke on automatically with the engine purring louder than normal... however the past week it hasn't been doing this. should i be worried or what?

They don't have a choke, the fuel injectors stay open longer to enrich the mixture.

And the Secondry air pump should run, which accounts for noise. This could be goosed ???

Check the fuses on the top of the battery.

It could also be the relay for the secondary air pump.