The transmission and kickstart assemblies are strong and reliable - like most things manufactured by Kawasaki - but when less than mechanically sympathetic riders punish the machine relentlessly this area of the machine can be the first to suffer.
Fortunately replacement parts for both transmission/ kick-starter assemblies are very reasonably priced by the factory allowing nice new components to be slotted into place without the need to take out a second mortgage!
Other related parts you may wish to consider:
Add as many components as you wish to the same shopping cart, new fasteners, seals and gaskets for example, and still only pay the same single fixed price shipping cost.