To start the bike, you first have to push down the ignition key before you can turn the key.
When you push down on the ignition key, to get things going, a little tab on the left (9oclock of the key and ignition switch) goes down and pushes on a 1/8 th inch square rod (plunger). The plunger goes along side the outside of the ignition switch and operates a little separate momentary switch attached under the ignition switch assymbly to start the KIPASS and startup electronics. It is this rod (plunger) that sticks and holds the little switch under the ignition switch on.
If the rod is stuck holding the little switch engaged, the bike does not see the momentary switch being operated and won't start the start-up electronics.
The rod gets dirty and does not slide very well, so cleaning out the dirt and grime is what's needed. I like WD-40 because it is good with the plastic, disolves the grime, the force pushes the contaminets out the bottom and i can get the little red hose under the tab to get to the plunger. I know the WD residue can attract more grime, but it takes a long time and you do get to get rid of the build up that is in there at the time.