Split kick starter arm

[GSJack]

Well, just bought my 1999 KTM LC4 620, rode it for 2 days, and love the bike. One big problem though, today, while in the forest, I went to start it and the freaking kickstarter arm split if half(like when you split wood for the fire!!). The stress fracture started where it goes over the shaft, and it split 3/4 of the way up to the place your foot goes to kick it over. I was screwed!! My buddy rode me out 2 up on his new G450X(that was embarrassing!!), and we got my tractor, drove all the way back, secured a tow strap around the forks and pulled back home.
So, two questions:

1. Can you retrofit the elec starter to the LC4?
2. Is this a normal occurrence???!!! Do I need to make a kickstart arm part of my tool kit(while not impossible, it is longer than my current fender bag, thus a larger one would be needed).

Thanks,
Jack in Bavaria, with one dead KTM:-(

[bajadog]

Hi Jack,

Welcome.

I can say that in my last almost 20 years with KTM bikes,
this is the first time I've read of a kick start arm fracturing.
They have turned on the splines, or broke at the arm going
into the round.

Any chance you can post a photo?

[GSJack]

bajadog,
I will try to upload one at work tommorow, my camera isnt wanting to download today on the home pc. But I will tell you, it is a complete failure, split 3/4 of the way up, I have never seen this on any bike before...ever.