[Eric K]

I had the same problem on my '01 XC300 where my right boot sole was badly chewed up when it hit the footpeg on the kick downstroke.

I installed a YZ250 kickstart lever. It is way better than the stocker.

In '06 GasGas markedly improved the stock kickstart lever. I like the '06 GasGas kick start lever better than the YZ250 version. There are some GasGas riders that prefer the YZ250 kick starter.

A few other points...

You can avoid the boot damage if you modify your kicking technique to always keep your toe pointed out when kicking.

The kick start fasteners tend to loosen over time. Always lock tite the kick start fasteners and keep them tight.