Hi, I posted last year when I was hit by my DT 400B, I number of replies gave advice and I followed this and until last monday all good.
I had not used the bike for 2 months and as a nice day, but I was rushing, decided to get it out and go for a quick 5 miler to blow the cobwebs.
Boots on, bike out jump on peg, first kick nothing straight into second kick and bang, what the F I never followed the rules, then the intence pain hit hard. Unable to put any weight on it I crawled to my car, dragged myself in it removed boot and threw to the garage area, 10 mins later of severe pain it started to ease I then crawled to garage to get phone, no answer from missus so phoned a friend who came and helped me to the house. ! hr later convinced its just a bruise tried to stand and no chance.

10 hrs later a plaster cast and multiple fractures in the foot inc a cracked heel with is also displaced and pushed into my foot, floating bits of bone etc.
Umbelievable damage., consultant said it was the shock wave effect, like hitting a biskuit in the middle and the whole lot fractures. Now waiting for surgery and a 3 month recovery. My job is agency work, I have rec'd the dreaded email, so job lost to boot.

It will be a long time before I could attempt to start the bike again and quite frankly after a 3 month healing program I dont think I want to, shame as I love that bike but it now has to go.

Oh wow. So sorry to hear this! I hope you get well soon!

Oh my! That is truly unfortunate, and it is the worse injury report I’ve ever heard from kickback. I have a 400 and two 360s and have had mine kickback a time or two but nothing to that extent. I try not to let my leg/knee extend beyond the locking point, if that makes any sense. In other words I make sure my leg is still slightly bent at the knee when I get to the bottom of the stroke. Doing so allows my knee to bend back and absorb any violent kickback energy. I’m sure you’re tired of hearing suggestions. You might want to look at getting a nice 175. I love my 175s because they are basically full size bikes with plenty of spunk to have fun with. And they start so easy….
 

Wow.  Sorry to hear that.  I doubt I would have the courage to kick a big single over these days,

I can still remember nearly getting thrown over the handlebars as a youth trying to kick up an old BSA B50 field bike.

 

Sorry to hear of this, hope you can recover quickly!

Ouch, really sorry to hear that! my old rt1mx top end enduro will really give it to ya, if you don't kick and follow through just right. Worst thing is to jump off the kick starter, if it doesn't fire. Don't let it get distance between ya!

Sorry to hear that what a bummer I wouldn’t chance it just get a 125 electric start so you could ride something vintage. Take care

Hi, yes I think thats what I will end up with, would have to be a twin shock 125 or 175 if not too much compression
will advertise mine in a month or 2, unable to get into the garage due to steps to throw the covers back on it

You're not supposed to position the kick starter under the heel of your boot. I believe you need to use the toe of your boot to kick start the bike. We've all had that issue on the big bore Enduro's, we all feel your pain. Someone correct me if that's incorrect advice.

Here is my story. 1983 Honda XL600. Bought it new, had it 6 months, no issues. One day it kicked back and bent my foot straight up so my toes touched my shin even with heavy work boots. Pulled my Achilles tendon from my calf muscle. Took 9 weeks to heal, 11 months to regain the strength in my leg and 3 years to overcome the fear of kickstarting a motorcycle.

I have 3 360s that I modified. Added a Harley Davidson manually actuated decompression valve in the spare spark plug hole and installed a head gasket that is 2 1/2 times thicker than stock. They start with less effort and minimal kickback. But as I get older I prefer the 250s.