Clutch engaged 79 GS850GN

[MIKEB]

I'm having a problem with 1979 GS850GN clutch dragging or staying partially engaged with handle bar lever pulled all the way in. I have put on a new cable and adjusted per the manual with no change. Still drags in first gear which stalls the engine when cold. I have tried pushing the bottom lever over to the full stop position with no cable attached and still have the same drag problem. Bike has 87,000kM. The bike has had a recent oil change with 10W40W oil and started acting up after a period of about 4 weeks of no use. Should I try lighter oil, synthetic or take apart the clutch and see if plates have wear or damage. Any other suggestions?

[BadBillyB]

I had a similar problem with my GS1000..I took the almost brand new OE friction plates out of my drag motor, that has not run for 15years, and put them in my street bike. The plates worked perfectly 15 years ago. They still had a light coat of oil on them and they looked perfect....With a cold motor, the engine would stall when I engaged first gear. After it warmed up, it no longer did this. Only thing I could think of was the 15 year old oil has reduced itself to a sticky coating and was embedded in the plates. I put new frictions in it and it now works flawlessly..... BadBillyB

[flyingace]

Worn plates are more associated with slippage, not drag. 10-40 oil is recommended, so that's probably not it either.

Since you've eliminated cable/lever play, that leaves something internal in the clutch. My first thought is a bad thrust (or throw-out) bearing. If it doesn't spin properly, it will cause drag. But I haven't heard of that going out on any GS.

Beyond that, maybe others have some ideas.

[GS550joe]

had a stiking clutch cable myself

I had replaced my clutch cable and recently it started sticking.. would not release and then it wuld jump loose.. I tooke the little side cover off and grease the tar out of the pivot joint where the screw and nut adjustment fit.. and it worked slicker thasn snot and hasn't stuck since..