Newb in Nebraska

ive been known to bounce between omaha/louisville/ashland and all points between,was in lincoln couple weeks ago at the swap meet. what makes you think shaft is bent,could it be a return spring?

I pulled the cover plate off, and the spring works well, and looking on the cover plate, it rubs in the same way each time it turns. Its not bent all that much, but at this time im thinking that I will buy a new cover plate for it, and file this one down some, so it doesnt rub, and once i get the new kickstarter shaft in put a new cover plate on.

I am kind of out of ideas at this point, because I already figured replacing the kicker shaft is a big undertaking, and really would rather put it off until i rebuild the engine after this season is over.

rebuilding the engine is inevitable too, there is an oil leak that I can't pinpoint.

Oh yea forgot a few things on the rebuild list:
Need to drill out a few bolts that snapped off.
Engine cover plate, over the clutch, is cracked.
Horn (dead)
Right hand controls (starter button broken[even though i wont use it ever])
Would love to get some Spoked rims for it at some point, but not high on the list...

what part of omaha is the bike in?send me a pm if you want