Ignition Switch/Tranny/Kickstand Interlock Issue

[LeighTower]

So I've had my bike for two summers now. I'm very used to the ignition interlock and how it all works. My routine has always been to push the bike out of the garage, put the stand back down, key on and check for neutral, choke out, start bike, and then let it warm up until it races a bit, while I strap in my messenger bag and put my coat and helmet on. I never think too much about warm-up times because it gives the opportunity to get all buttoned up. No problem.

Then a couple days ago, I'm running late to meet laterider for the trip into work and the bike won't fire up. It's cranking away just fine, but won't start. I'm freaking out. The bike has never been that hard to start. After a minute or two and about 15 starter button pushes, I get the brilliant idea that maybe something's dragging in the tranny, so I pull in the clutch. What do you know - it fires right up! I literally HAVE to have the clutch in to get the bike started with the kickstand down. Never before. Now that I think about it, the same thing is true when I shut down. It used to be that as long as I hit neutral I could put the stand down and THEN turn off the key. Now, stand down and boom - engine kill.

I just this minute thought of a possible reason. Would that behavior happen if my neutral switch got disconnected? Maybe pulling in the clutch circumvents an errant neutral switch? I cleaned that area at the start of the season and put a missing flathead screw back into place. Haven't checked it since, but I'll probably need to since my chain's a bit loose again.

Let me know if anyone's had this condition. Thanks