My owners manual says that the engine can be started in-gear if the rear brake is depressed, my dealer says that it can only be started in neutral.  Mine can only be started in neutral.  Anyone have a definitive answer?

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I would guess that how it really is supersedes whatever the manual says however I would see if when you are depressing the brake that the brake light is in fact on. It is this power that the interlock relay uses to close the starter circuit. If your brake light is not on, adjust the switch so that it is when depressed some. Also, this should work with the hand brake if...it also power the tail brake light.

I can start mine with either the foot or handbrake on when in gear no problems.

I can't chime in on the interlock. I do know the 500S/520 uses the same chassis as the 400 with the new 500 ho engine if that helps any.

Well I did what I should have done first.....ask CFMoto.  I received the following answer to my question

We have a warranty bulletin out for this issue. You can bring it into your dealer and have them perform the bulletin and then you will be able to start the machine in gear if you have the brake on.
Regards,
Buck Olson
Technical Service Representative
CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC.
Plymouth, MN
Office   763-450-7875

Contacted my dealer and they said that they had not received any warranty bulletin about the issue and would get back to me.  About a 1/2 hr later they called back and said they would have to order parts (wiring harness) and scheduled me into the shop. 
Issue solved.