Dirt Bike set-up.

Bikes are fitted with a sidestand switch and clutch switch that work together. If you try to ride off with the sidestand down (switch activated), releasing the clutch activates the clutch switch and cuts the engine out. Pull the clutch in and the engine will start on the button only to cut out again if the sidestand switch is activated and you release the clutch.
A common problem is a dirty sidestand switch that stays activated even when the sidestand is lifted up. This is because it is situated low down, generally under the bike and will get covered in all sorts of road grime, especially in wet weather.
To remedy this get someone to hold the bike upright, enabling you to get on the ground and locate the switch. This can be done by raising and lowering the stand whilst looking all along the length of it paying particular attention to where it pivots and around the spring. My bike (also a Kawasaki) has a "pin" that is pushed in when the stand is down. If it gets cloggeed with road grime it also stays pushed in when the stand is raised and then cuts the engine off when I try to ride away. A good wipe around the switch area and a good dose of WD40 remedies the problem.

I noticed you said you pulled the split pin out...not sure if you meant PINS or not, because there should be two pins holding the pads in place. Here's a picture of the schematic. Number 5 is your pads. There are two cotter pins (number 9) that come out. But I usually use a pliers with a curved nose to pull out the two spring pins that hold those in place (number 8). This should help you on your way. Good Luck and have a great day.

Bruno

This band is put together with cotter pins. To remove the cotter pins look at the edge of the band. The end of the pin that comes out is split and looks like a screw. The end that is solid is the end you want to push from. Use a small punch to push the pin out. The split end is the bigger end of the cotter pin so it needs to come out and go back in the same way it came out. Make sure you remove an even number of links on each side so the watch sits on the wrist the right way. You also have a micro adjustment on the clasp. To adjust the clasp simply use a punch to press the spring bar in the clasp in until it moves. This is a spring bar so be careful it doesnt jump out if the clasp comes apart.

This band is put together with cotter pins. To remove the cotter pins look at the edge of the band. The end of the pin that comes out is split and looks like a screw. The end that is solid is the end you want to push from. Use a small punch to push the pin out. The split end is the bigger end of the cotter pin so it needs to come out and go back in the same way it came out. Make sure you remove an even number of links on each side so the watch sits on the wrist the right way. You also have a micro adjustment on the clasp. To adjust the clasp simply use a punch to press the spring bar in the clasp in until it moves. This is a spring bar so be careful it doesnt jump out if the clasp comes apart.

you shouldn't have to pry them apart most cotter keys should drive staight in