TOPIC:

Hello everybody I'm sure this question has an answer somewhere out there, but I'm having one heckuva time finding it. If it has, please direct me to the thread ,sorry to take up room with this question.
What: 76' 400d crazy clutch/ frustrated rider.

Ok here we go. I've been reading manuals and threads on clutch adjustment and gone thru the basic clutch adjustment procedures, but I guess I must be missing something. I've got a new/old cable seems to be in fairly good condition.

When I release the clutch lever it seems take a while, and a little throttle before it engages. As if I were letting the lever out very slowly even after it is fully released. I'm really not sure about the history on the bike. But I'm sure it has sat for at least a year.

If anyone would be so kind as to shoot me in some direction of what I could be doing wrong or what things I should troubleshoot first, it would be very much appreciated!

You might do something like this. Sounds like the cable dragging.
Steve
kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/599386-cable-lube#686679

Thanks Steve! Could 3n1 last a few months without gumming up?

I'd use penetrating oil first, then something heavier.
Steve

Did you change the engine oil & oil filter? Are you sure the clutch adjustment is being done correctly? And the clutch cable is installed correctly with the spring & a new cotter pin to make sure it remains seated in the clutch release? This stuff is easy, so double-checking should be super easy. The KZ400.com site has a Kawasaki manual with the procedures.

Well I did fill it up with oil, it was empty when I got it. i've gone over the instructions for clutch adjustment in the manual, there may be some fine-tuning adjustments I don't know about? I did lube the cable like Steve suggested and that seems to be helping quite a bit, but it still feels a little sticky when Letting the clutch out in first gear and sometimes second. I'll definitely go back through it all again just to make sure. It seems like the friction is happening at the actuator. A kind of plastic ,not smooth ,almost grinding feel.
Thanks for the suggestion!

UA bit of a back story on the bike, it was a mess when I got it. Frame tail was cut, redid the harness, ignition coil, points, and I put VM 30s on it. The old diaphragms on the carburetor were shot so I did what I had to do. I'm still working out the kinks in the carbs as well. At first I thought it could be an issue with the carbs, but it only happens sometimes. This is only my second bike and I've been able to use this forum to find most of the information I needed. But this one is just really being a pain in the ass.
Thanks for the suggestions I really appreciate it.
*the clutch problem is a pain in the ass. Not the forum, you guys are awesome.

Sometimes the plates stick together if it sits for long. They can free up with use and oil gets in between them. If not some had to separate them by hand using oil as they go.
Steve