Motorcycle Repair: Motorcycle problem, cylinder motorcycle, nuetral

Question
I have a 1987 Savage SL 650 one cylinder motorcycle.  It hasn't been driven in at least 5 years and has been outside, covered.  I recently cleaned it up and started the engine which runs well and changed the oil & filter.  My problem is that when I engage the transmission (first gear)and release the clutch the engine dies. When the transmission is in nuetral and I release the clutch, the engine continues to run.  Thank you for any assistance you can provide.  

Answer
Hi Jim.

If the sidestand is down when you do this, then make sure it is up.  If it is already up when you try to engage the transmission, then you could have a short in or a bad sidestand cut-off switch.  Check for a short in that circuit and, if no short is found, then replace or bypass the sidestand cut-off relay.  It is located on the sidestand mount.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON