Without a doubt, an electric start is far easier. I've never known a starter to give problems on an XT600E. Mine never did. Just put a good battery in and look after it. If you're worried, get a magic button.
I've owned plenty of kick start bikes as well as the infamous XR650R ankle breaker mentioned earlier.
If you can't kick your bike over in 2-3 good kicks from COLD then you have a bad set up.. PERIOD !!
My XR650 took ten kicks when I bought her, by increasing the small pilot and playing with the jet screw it boomed into life in ONE kick... ALWAYS !!
The big bikes have auto decompression levers or sometimes it's automatic. If you learn to the use it properly (its not hard to learn), it's makes a huge difference.
Obviously, kicking over a big single in a pair of trainers/walking boots is asking for a bruised shin. These bikes are designed to be kicked while wearing motocross tyre footwear. Wearing these boots makes kicking over VERY VERY easy indeed, especially on a warm engine.
Still, if I was going overland then I'd want the button for simple convenience.
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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