I don't think you can rig the hf 212 for pedal starting unless you can adapt a manual clutch to it.
There was a member in the "DIY non-kit" subforum that can pedal start his Briggs. I will see if I can find you a link.
That would be member msrfan who has a one way bearing set up
so he can pedal start his 5 hp Briggs bikes and he uses a compression
release too.
I have ridden his bikes and they start very easily.
msrfan was the first gas bike in the Mid range class at the Grange
race yesterday narrowly beating his grandson who was riding a similar
Briggs race bike.
Most 200 / 212 cc motor builders who want a cleaner look just
remove the pull starter and use a removable rope pull start.