Hey, WHat does it matter?? stand your azz up and kick it! If it starts, it's all the same! I can kick mine sitting down.. but I don't want to. Another reason the banshee is easier to kick start is because, it has 2 cylinders, 1 of them is going to fire, and if one fires.. wa la! Later

 

I think the guy who had it before you probably upped the compression a little bit. My 98 is ridiculously easy to start. In June I had an extremely bad 6th gear endo. Quad landed on me while I was rolling like a rag doll. Hurt my back so bad I was worried about spinal chord injury. Couldn't stand at all and right knee was not able to support any weight at all.
Had to start the quad by leaning over the handlebars and kicking at it with my left leg. It started on the first kick. Try that at home!

 

Hey lonestar, I got pictures of my R going out to you on Mon or Tues. If you still want to trade let me know! Did you find your air leak yet? Try using some parts cleaner. Spray it around the carb, reeds, and boots. If engine revs up more, bingo!