kick starter shaft

hi!
i'm going to split cases on my kz 1000 78 and while i will work on the motor....
i would like to know why some guys remove a kick starter shaft.i have seen many bikes many times without that.than they just put a plate from APE there.
is it because the weight? or they don't use it?
i'm just wonder.
thanks :S

Racers use a remote starter to spin the crank to start the engine and don't carry a starter. If you have ever picked up a kicker shaft you would know right away why that is left out when the cases are split... heavy and since it isn't used, it is just left out. The cover is needed to keep mice from getting in the hole left by the kicker shaft and nesting I guess.

thank you george!
yes, it is really heavy,i tried it when i got it out of the motor.also i don't use very much a kick starter.it is rare for me when i use it.
i think that i will get just that plate to stop mice to build a nest there....
jeff should have them maybe APE or ebay.
thank you again for your respond
draho

Since the shaft will be out, a lot of oil will be inside that cover. I would contact APE and get a cover.

I left mine out when I rebuilt because the son of a b**ch who stole mine(yes I got it back)engaged the kick starter while the engine was running.
BLOWS out the back of the cases