I had similar as my first bike at age 14 was a Ducati 250 Monza in early 60s. Kick start was on the left and would take the hide off my ankle occasionally. I would get off the bike, on stand, and kick it with right leg standing by the bike and never lost any hide that way. I would start it and then sit on the seat. The ankle and leg burns from the mufflers and pipes hurt too.