Motorcycle Repair: kawasaki ninja 2008 250r, kawasaki 250r, kawasaki ninja

Question
I recently laid over my 2008 kawasaki 250r and everytime I put it in first gear it dies what's wrong?

Answer
Josiah, Its been a while since Ive worked on one of these. The larger bikes in this model had a side stand switch down on the lower side of the frame that would kill the igniton sytem if the bike was put into gear with the side stand down as a safety. Its possible that the switch was hit or damaged and completes a circuit to the ignition system providing a ground making the bike think think the side stand is down. Find the wires coming up from the switch and the connector and unplug it and try the bike if it works this will buy you some time to get the switch working. But untill then double check the side stand is up so that when you go for a ride and turn a corner the side stand being down wont ruin your day..