TOPIC:

I just can't seem to find any source for a 20-tooth kickstarter gear from a 1979 KZ400-H1. Part #59051-1007. There's a ton of 13068-031, but this is the 23-tooth version and doesn't mesh with 1st gear on the 6-speed KZ400/440 transmission.

I've also hear about swapping 1st gear between the two different transmissions too, but from the parts diagrams I've seen, the 1st-gear sprocket on the output shaft of the 5-speed is molded into the shaft, which means it's more likely that one would require replacing the entire transmission for the 5-speed. And that's not really something I'm interested in (much rather have a 6-speed than a kickstarter.

Does anybody know where to find this gear (or if there's an equivalent that might work)??

What´s wrong with your kick starter gear? Pics?

My bike is a KZ440. It doesn't have a kickstarter gear. =D

I have confirmed that both the '79 400H1 and my '80 440A1 use the same part numbers for all of the gears within the transmission (excepting 2nd gear, which the kickstarter gear doesn't mesh with). So the kickstarter from a '79 400H1 should mesh fine with the gears in a 440A1. The problem is actually finding it, since that seems to be the only year they made one.

There's a motorcycle junkyard near me that has a '79 400H1, but in order to get the kickstarter gear they said they would need me to buy the full engine (About $350-400), which is a bit much for just that gear.

The problem is actually finding it, since that seems to be the only year they made one.

You are looking for a rare part for a 40 year old motorcycle.
Check if your Kaw dealer can search parts inventory of all usa dealers (Harley can)
If none there salvage is your source and $400 is cheap.