Kickstart lever will not retract

I have a 2000 rm250 and I am having trouble with my kickstart lever. I went out riding this weekend and when I was kickstarting my bike the lever was having trouble retracting. This was the first time it has ever happened. Does anyone have any suggestions on what the problem might be. The bike was running strong when I did get it started though. Could it be that I need a new top end on the bike. I know it needs one because it is about that time to change it. The compression when I was kickstarting it the prior weekend was on the weak side.

Any suggestions could help me out alot.

Thanks :nod:

Sorry about the additiona posting. I just started reading and found another person with the same problem. I will take a look at the ball and the spring. But if you have any other suggestions please post.

Thanks again. :cool: