Jibber wrote: Could it be something to do with the clutch diode?

It does sound like it, measure the forward and reverse resistances [low and high]

Below is a simplifier wiring diagram for the side stand. As you can see the side stand lamp can only be illuminated by the side stand switch. If it comes on at any other time than something is wired incorrectly.

The earth signal from the side stand switch, when the side stand is in the up position, appears to be missing. This is also why the engine will not start when you pull in the clutch. The clutch earth signal to activate the starter relay is an extension of the side stand earth signal. The reason the engine stops when you select a gear is because the cdi unit does not receive the side stand up earth signal either and thinks you are trying to ride off with the side stand down.

If side stand switch is ok then I would check the wiring to make sure the side stand up earth signals are reaching all the correct points.

I have not included the wire colors for simplicity, if you need further assistance I can provide the wire colors as I try to answer your questions.

Problem solved - I think. I bridged the stand circuit with a paperclip to wire the stand permanently up and it worked fine starting in gear and holding the clutch in. Stand switch is stuffed.

What might explain the stand light coming on before with the clutch in: I checked the continuity between the three connections and with the switch in a certain position there was zero continuity between all connections. Not really bothered about it now though, it just hurts to think about it...

Thanks for your help guys! Does anyone have a stand switch handy?

If you can do without the side stand switch it would be one less thing to go wrong and stop your bike.

I also have a dirt bike that has an automatic spring loaded side stand. I've only ridden the RVF once so far before pulling it all apart and I left the stand down by accident twice in the one ride. Pretty keen to get a switch haha. Also, I have to put rego on it now and I presume you need a switch for that?

Dont' ditch your side-stand switch, replace it.

Maybe you can remove it and spray it with some wd-40 / electrical cleaner and it will come to life... sometimes they just have crap in them.

Mfg's started putting them on bikes to stop people forgetting.. you only need to do it once, take a left and not have it retract and regret bypassing the switch as the bike goes down the road.. (done that before!)