I have a 1998 superhawk and I just replaced the clutch and break levers.
If I remember correctly before I replaced the levers I was able to turn on my bike in first gear with the clutch pushed in and the kick stand up, but after changing the levers It doesn't want to turn on unless its in neutral anyone know if I did something wrong or not any thing will help Thank you.

 

There is a switch on the clutch master cylinder that the lever should hit when pulled in. This is what lets the bike start in gear.

So either the switch came unplugged or your new lever is not lined up with it correctly.

 

thanks boss got it to work i just had to adjust the lever it was to close to the handle bar haha.

 

wow. you can learn something new everyday. No wonder I couldn't push start mine a couple years ago when the battery died. I'll have to check that switch. thanks for the info hawk.