That'll be it then - there's a good chance it'll be the neutral switch that's causing you're non-starting woes.

First check the connector. Trace the wiring back from from the switch on the top of the left hand side of the crankcase/gearbox just above the line of the output shaft to the connector. Make sure everything is good, clean and making decent contact. Use a multimeter and check the operation of the switch - see if it opens/closes cleanly.

Ultimately, neutral switches do wear out and the first symptom is flickering as the internal spring weakens. They are easy to replace (held by one bolt) and aren't too expensive. If it's not the wiring or connector (and the switch isn't loose on top of the casing), then the switch itself is probably at fault. With a start inhibit system like the XT has (clutch, side stand and neutral switch como), you can't afford any switching problems as the bike will end up a non-runner.

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