Clutch waaaay to tight.

I am restoring a 77 kz650 and I am wondering if there is a way to reduce the pressure needed to pull in the clutch? I have small hands and the clutch is so tight that after about 10 min of riding my hands start to cramp up just from pulling in and letting out the clutch. Would simply changing cable make that better or would I need to do some fancy work to the clutch plates?

Other than that the bike won't make electricity. I have changed the rectifier unit and crimped the connectors to the starter solenoid (they were loose and kept coming out) The electric start isn't working so my thought is that it is the starter solenoid, though that might just be wishful thinking as I don't want it to be the alternator .

Re clutch.Make sure the cable is lubricated well.Take the cable loose from the lever,run some light machine oil or similar product (not WD40) down into the cable housing.Reattach and be sure the cable is adjusted properly--should have only about 3mm of slack at the clutch lever.Might try a longer clutch lever if u can find one.I have same issue u do and I am going to try and modify a set of ZX6 adjustable levers for my bike.I will keep u posted if they work out.Good luck.BJ

thanks so much, i'll try that asap.

I would pull the side/ sprocket cover off and grease the clutch release pivot mechanism, where the cable is attached, the lever will pull out from the cover, small ball bearings wear this moves should be lubed. Then start with a push rod adjustment before finalizing with a lever slack adjustment. Push rod adjust ment is under the smaller cover with 2 screws, it has a lock nut and flat blade screw for the adjustment. Turn it till it makes contact and then back it off a 1/4 turn and tighten the lock nut.

I would also check the clutch springs if the other suggestions haven't helped. I have heavy duty springs that make pulling the clutch a little more challenging.

The springs can get worn or also old clutch plates tend to become stuck together.