I installed a kickstarter kit a few years ago and was never really able to get it to kick over. Friends have tried it and were able to start my bike up after many kicks; I chalked it up to technique.

So, I never really paid any attention to it until one day recently I noticed the kickstarter shaft seal was leaking oil. I also noticed that there was a lot of play around the shaft (not the kick start lever itself). I've ordered a new shaft seal and hope that solves the leaking problem and maybe the loosey goosey shaft problem. But, I suspect I will have to take the cover off and take a looksee if it's so loose.

Perhaps a circlip or something has caused the shaft to not be seated correctly? Anyhow, feel free to chime in with tips, tricks or advice if you feel so inclined.

 

Good News: I didn’t have to take the cover off.
Bad News: The shaft seal was fine… until I took it off. So, I’ll still need the new one.
Bad News: See attachment.

 

Well, that sux...

 

And so begins the search for an inner clutch cover. Should I go for newer/lower miles? Or, just cleanest looking or complete with all outer covers? I do like the older bronze colored ones also. Or, is there some JB weld hack magic that I don’t know about? XD

I’m debating whether or not to keep the kickstarter. I mean, I’ve never been able to effectively use it. Seems like the kicking stress cracked the case. But, maybe my install was faulty or somehow there’s something inside that was making it so hard to kick. Perhaps the KACR is stuck.

And then there’s the nuclear option of parting out/selling the bike and calling it quits. Maybe look into a Surron or Talaria instead? XD

 

I got a nice replacement cover. So, I got ready to replace it and as I pull the cover off, a piece just fell off into my lap. I guess I’m lucky it didn’t crumble and fly around in the engine and obliterate all the internals.

BUT, It gets worse. It turns out that all that stress from kicking the sh*t out of it also cracked the crankcase where the kickstarter shaft goes in. I wonder how long I was riding with this piece of metal clanking around in there. I guess I was lucky it didn’t fly around and cause even more damage.

F*ck. Now what?

 

 

I'd say 99 44/100% of the KLX riders don't have kick starts and have not had any issues starting, so your plan should work fine. Ride with friends, that way if any of you need help bump starting a bike or towing it out you can do it.