Motorcycle clutch problem?

I have a 1990 Kawasaki Zephyr 550, it only has 3,500 miles on it. After sufficiently warming up my bike and I'm ready to go, I pull in the clutch lever, put it into gear and the bike shuts off and lunges forward. I am assuming it is a clutch problem but I don't know exactly to check i.e., free play, clutch cable.


Thanks for reading and your help.
Motorcycle clutch problem?
first thing to check:


does your clutch lever have any free play


that is can you pull it in without even pulling on the clutch cable?


you should have ~ 1/2 inch free play


did you change the engine oil after you purchased the bike?


old oil - no matter how little mileage - can cause a clutch to stick until the discs (literately) break free of each other





forgive me, but from the way you phrase your question


you should consult a friend who rides, a friends friend or brother who rides ... whom ever with some mechanical knowledge


over trying to get clues on the internet
Motorcycle clutch problem?
clutch isn't disengaging-check freeplay@lever (approx 1/8in).


happening suddenly usually means cable is about to go





not that? clutchpak is sticking - try changing oil (recomend syn)
Reply:Your clutch is not disengaging all the way.Squeeze the clutch level lightly til you feel resistance then look at the gap between the clutch lever and the lever bracket.Most bikes need about a 1/4 inch gap.If you have more you need to adjust it.But before you do you need to make sure your cable isn't getting ready to break.That is sometimes an indicator that the cable strands are breaking.If you readjust it and it happens again very soon after i wouldn't ride it til you check the cable for sure.I'm not sure about your bike but some have an adjuster on the lever housing you can screw in and out to adjust the clutch freeplay.
Reply:I had an old XS1100 that did this. It sat for awhile and the previous owner thought that the transmission was toast. It wasn't.





If the cable is any good, be sure its lubed and adjusted. Most bike shops should carry a cable luber that attaches on the hi-side of the cable (near the lever). Use WD-40, or a dedicated lightweight cable oil. Adjust tension like the others have stated, a little cable freeplay is fine, but not alot.





There is only 2 ways to work stuck clutchplates loose....you can take the clutch apart (and inspect/clean/adjust as necessary), or you can force them apart by shift and riding the bike. Use a motorcycle lift/jack ($60 from Schucks/Checker Auto) and raise it off the ground. Work the clutch and shift the gears several times until it starts to smooth out. From there, you can ride it around the block, still working the clutch, until you feel the bike is safe enough to ride in town.


Ultimately, it wouldn't hurt to have the clutchplates replaced. Clutch kits are fairly cheap, and with a manual, you can save big $$$ over the stealerships.





These tips worked for me on my big XS1100, so give it a try before spending any more $$ on the bike. Happy Riding!
Reply:a) Put the side stand up.


b) You're releasing the clutch lever SLOWLY, while increasing throttle, right?

tanning