crappy kickstart

What did they say when you called them?

Anyway, make sure you pick up a service manual for your bike. You're going to want it in the future.

There are 2 gears and a small spring that can wear out in the kickstart assembly, any one of which will cause the symptom you describe. Take off right side engine cover and remove the clutch. This will allow you to remove the kickstart assembly. Looking at it from the back you will see how the ratchet gear engages the spur gear, and the little spring that keeps tension on the two parts. Replace what looks worn, or replace all three parts.

J.

Its probably half way through the stroke the times it doesn't seem like it grabs. What you can try doing is get the piston to TDC (top dead center) by slowly pushing the kicker down then, lift all the way up and push slowly until there is resistance then give it a strong kick all the way through. Chances are you're just doing it wrong. Technique.