Clutch cable problem with my 98 KX500

[98kaw500rider]

Hi guys, I recently purchased a k5. When running and drop it into gear it either stalls or slowly creeps forward giving it alittle gas when i drop it into gear , if i dont give it gas it will stall. I replaced the clutch cable , perch , push rod , and clutch lever. When i had it apart i did notice the clutch did show signs of wear but still has some life left. Any help would be great , Thanks

[allan1353]

hello to be honest it just sounds like it just needs to be adjusted by the the clutch lever adjuster.

[98kaw500rider]

I spent the better part of today trying to adjust it , not matter which way i go or how loose / tight  i make the cable the clutch won't disengage. The bike did sit for 3 years and im trying to work all the bugs out now , i seperated the clutch disc also.

[Motorrad]

How much wear did the clutch plates show? Within spec? (pg258 of your clymer manual)


If your just going off looks not measuring..... Well don't know what to say besides if it shows any wear at all it's trash.. I've replaced lots of clutches that looked perfect but were out of spec.

[98kaw500rider]

Could the the wear on the clutch cause the clutch not to disengage ? The bike is back together now ,all i did was eyeball the clutch . i have seen worse.

[Polar-Bus]

There is a few reasons your clutch can be sticking. If your bike sat unused for an extended period of time, the drive plates might be "dried out" and lacking oil. Dissasemble the clutch soak all the plates in oil, and reassemble. The other reason is too thick a viscosity. Many unknowing riders run a thick 80W gear oil in the tranny, this really aggravates a sticky clutch. I prefer Spectro Clutch Saver SX trans oil, many people simply use ATF too. Lastly your clutch at some point may have been worn out and overheated which can cause your steel driven plates to warp. This causes clutch chatter and drag.

[98kaw500rider]

Ok , thanks . I'll order a new clutch for it , thanks again.

[barryadam]

Could the the wear on the clutch cause the clutch not to disengage ? The bike is back together now ,all i did was eyeball the clutch . i have seen worse.

Look at the basket and the clutch hub.  The clutch plate fingers have worn grooves in the aluminum and that keeps the plates from disengaging.  These parts start to groove well before the friction materials wear off the individual plates.
Post pics once you have taken it apart.  Some people file the grooves down, but that's just more hospice (© BDI) for old parts.
Your friction plates and steel plates are prolly just fine.