TWO QUESTIONS - STARTING AND THERMOSTAT

[SEARCHGURU]

Thanks for having me.
I have briefly searched the forum but didn't find my answers. Perhaps the hive mind can assist.
1. This is my second XTZ660 but it is less original than my first which I sold 15 years ago. My first bike had a switch on the kickstand which cut the engine. This bike has the two wires which would have gone to the switch joined together so there is no longer a switch. The issue I have is that the bike will only start when in neutral. I'm sure I could start my old bike in gear with clutch engaged but I may be misremembering. Is there a fix for this?
2. My old bike's temperature guage never registered any heat and nor does this bike. I only want to take it apart once soI am assuming there is a thermostat fitted but it must be faulty. If that is the case, is there a part number for the thermostat on its own or is the same stat fitted to some other models? I can't seem to find an answer as there are stats for other ages and models of XTZ660 but nothing that I can see which states it fits a 1997.
Thank you in anticipation.

[donnybach]

Check fowlersparts or cmsnl for parts lists and diagrams.
If the side stand switch has gone, then just bridge (and waterproof) the connector or cable ends, and it'll be fine. I have a later loom and had to short the connector on mine.