I would be surprised if you found anything that would make the kickstart kick back at you. Kick back is typically a result of a back fire, like having the throttle slightly open, or not kicking from TDC, or even kicking like a girl (and not being ready when it fires).
The spring is a return spring, it shouldn't affect the kicking/starting process.
Other than that, everything looks good. I wouldn't repair that cover, at least I wouldn't weld it. It would be too tough to get it flat enough for sealing after welding. I would use an epoxy (after giving it a good clean), and just flow some epoxy into the cracks, sand it flat after it's cured, then pop it back on.
__________________
Phil
(New bike pending...)
|