Lifan 200III, kickstarts but no electric start...

[AKTV8]

Just got a Lifan TMS200 in bright blue and it rides nice. For the price (even less if...) of a scooter, a true wannabe sportsbike crotch rocket.
My testicles will never be the same... ouch, I'm too damn short.

But I can only get it going by kickstarting it. The starter turns and then it seems to disengage or whir/spin after a few cranks when I give it gas.
3-4 quick, in-succession kicks and I can get her going.
The starter will only work when she is hot and I stall it - newbie , and I hit the starter right away.

I learned that disconnecting that annoying turn signal beeper also won't let you start the thing. Read that on the Lifan-moto.com forum.

I am trying to keep my bargain investment that way by NOT having to see a mechanic. Anyone have any clues or what I should be looking for?
I just got Motorcycle Maint. from the library so I will be reading up but a book is not the best way to learn mechanics... and neither is paying someone else!