clutch cable not disengaging clutch

[Guest]

Hey guys,

I bought a basket case gs850 in boxes that I'm putting back together. Compression on motor is great so I didn't tear it down. I threw on the clutch cable but can't get it to disengage the clutch in gear. Seems like I just am not adjusting it right but I tightened the bottom adjuster all the way in, all the way out and everywhere in between but no luck. What am I missing here?

[Nessism]

The clutch plates may be sticking together. Sometimes you can force them apart by pushing the bike than dumping it into 2nd gear (with the clutch level pulled in of course). Failing that, take the clutch apart. Before you do all that you should verify the proper cable adjustment. See the snips from the factory service manual below.

[tkent02]

The clutch plates may be sticking together. Sometimes you can force them apart by pushing the bike than dumping it into 2nd gear (with the clutch level pulled in of course). Failing that, take the clutch apart. Before you do all that you should verify the proper cable adjustment. See the snips from the factory service manual below.

Much easier way. Ride it around in first gear, clutch lever pulled in, cracking the throttle open and closed. Not open much, just a little bit, on and off. Try to get the chain snatch whipping as you go on and off with the throttle. In a few seconds the clutch will break free.

[Sphynx88]

Hmm

Looks like I'll need to focus on getting the best running first before trying to break it free. I'm wondering if the placement of the connector to the clutch is off... But it probably would be giving a little less drag of that were the case.

Thanks for the words guys!

[Sphynx88]

Alright, well spent some time learning about the clutch mechanism in motorcycles this evening. Despite this being my third project bike, never had to mess with it before. The motor sat without oil for at least a year, maybe two so it sounds like sticking plates are a definite possibility. Looks like some surgery is required here!

[tkent02]

Do surgery or do what I posted. It takes just a few seconds to free it up.

[Brendan W]

Open the oil filler plug and have a look. You could try putting a screwdriver blade between the ears on the plates and twisting gently and rotate the basket every so often. Obviously you need to hold the clutch lever in with a zip tie or whatever.

[Sphynx88]

Do surgery or do what I posted. It takes just a few seconds to free it up.

Definitely will try it first!

[JTGS850GL]

You can do as tkent02 said. It will work if there's no PO abuse related damage on the clutch basket, or remove the clutch cover and a few more screws later be able to inspect the clutch yourself. I had the same problem and decided to open it up since I had no history on the bike and the gasket was leaking. Gave me a chance to re-lube the plates and inspect the basket for any damage. Not really very hard to do. It also allowed me to polish the case cover and replace the screws with SS socket screws while it was off.

[Rob S.]

Try what tkent02 said. It worked for another member.