KZ1000 P Clutch question

I just bought a '99 KZ1000 P ex cop bike w/42,000 miles. Seems to run good, however the clutch does not fully disengage, when I pull in the clutch and down shift, the engine reves. Should I change the oil, and readjust the clutch, or do you think I need new plates?
Thanks for the help,
Rick

Post edited by: z1rick, at: 2007/01/24 00:06

I´d say that first you adjust the clutch release gizmo under the left side sprocket cover. (do you have a service manual?)In short: Open the 2 hex bolts on the sprocket cover. Under the small cover you´ll find a bolt with a flat screwdriver slot in it and a nut around it. Open the nut and turn the bolt counterclockwise till you feel some resistance then go back 1/4 turn and tighten the nut. You´ll have to keep the adjustement bolt steady with a screwdriwer when you tighten the nut othetwise the bolt will turn too.

Then you adjust the clutch cable. Do not make it too tight, it should have 1/3 of lever play loose. Otherwise when pullin the lever it can overturn the relase assembly and jam the clutch "open". If this happens just loosen the 4 hexbolts on the sprocket cover and it should loosen the mechanism. There can be only "just enough" cable play if the P-model has the same kind of 3-ball release system as a J-model does.

Do this first, old plates will slip not stick I think.

And yes of course you should change the oil. You never know when it´s done before since it´s new to you.

Post edited by: Z1109R Fin, at: 2007/01/24 09:21

Thank you, Yes I have a Clymer manual for it. I was going to change the oil and filter this weekend, and replace the clutch cable, seems to be adjusted out quite a bit.

If you have the ball and ramp adjustment mechanism the adjustment procedure in the cover is incorrectly described in Clymer. Note that Z1109R Fin has correctly described the process for the ball and ramp but does not mention that the manual describes it wrongly for this mechanism.

Turn Screw anticlockwise to reduce clearance to zero and the back off one quarter of turn clockwise. However if you have the worm adjuster which also features on the J, the Clymer described process is correct.

Therefore you may need to remove the cover and have a look at what type you have. Not a big deal; just remove shift linkage (circlip pliers and 10mm spanner) and possibly left foot peg (12 mm socket), loosen 2 starting motor cover bolts and unscrew 4 cover bolts (all 10mm bolts). Cover should lift of exposing mechanism. Once you see the nature of the mechanism you can decide which is the correct adjustment procedure.

After having adjusted it the wrong way for months and finding clutch locked in declutch postion whilst on road, made this discovery!

Post edited by: Kiwiz, at: 2007/01/24 19:23

Post edited by: Kiwiz, at: 2007/01/24 19:25

Great tips! Thank you all for your help!!