82' gpz clutch troubles

so my gpz runs great but i am having some troubles with the clutch. it has a brand new cable on it, but the problem is that while driving it the clutch will suddenly go slack. Then you can't down shift or use the clutch or anything. The shifter just flops around and it is like the cable is broken but i have checked and it is not. I have taken the assembly apart and readjusted multiple times but it just will not keep working correctly. What is going on and how do i fix it? fix it for good?

Loosen up your clutch cable,remove the cover on the left side and check the clutch cable mechanism for wear. Many years ago on mine I had to repair the area where the cable was hooked into the clutch engagement system.

While your sprocket cover is off,clean off the cluch rod as it gathers crud from the chain and could damage the oil seal possibly creating a leak.

The clutch mechanism had developed some wear and excessive play in the rivet so I replaced the worn rivet with a high strength aerospace fastener.

A good cleaning and inspecting the mechanism and re-greasing should fix the problem.

I'm having what sounds like very similar problems with my 84 kz700. I replaced the cable and now the release mechanism keeps "out and poping off" it's bearing set rendering the clutch lever useless. Is similar to your problem? I'm wondering if my clutch springs are shot.

treeman it sounds like we are having the exact same problem. i put a new cable on the bike and i have had trouble ever since. the little arm that holds the clutch tight keeps poping loose. I really need this fixed because i am trying to sell the bike and it seems like every time i get it running like a champ, someone shows up and the whole bike goes to hell. it is extremely frustrating.

Am uncertain whether the following suggestion might be applicable to the particular model at hand.

But if not already done, would assure the pushrod adjustment assembly is correctly oriented so that when pulled on (by squeezing the clutch handlebar lever) the pushrod adjustment assembly is not permitted to over-extend past the design limit.

Good Luck!

jdreadrocker,

I figured it out. Turn the adjuster screw to the left until it gets tight then to the right the 1/4 to half turn. I bet you were doing the opposite like I was. da. That should do it, it did for me. Good luck:woohoo: