Frozen Clutch - cable is fine

Okay, so I've gotten the engine to run... more or less, satisfactorally... While up on the center stand I ran it though the gears to make sure that all six were there and all is good. BUT, it appears that the clutch is not disengaging. The lever works fine and it is a brand new cable. I can open the oil filler and see the springs moving, but the plates are sticking together.

Aside from pulling the clutch out and prying them off manually (which is probably the wises option), are there any other ways of getting them unstuck? I have put fresh oil in the bike and it is due for. at least, a coupole more changes before I am happy with the consistancey of the oil in the engine (what came the first time could barely still be called oil). Would more fresh oil help, or do I have to just break down and pull the clutch?

push start it in 2nd or 3rd and while rolling hold the clutch and hit the rear brake while keeping the rpms up it should break it loose

It's quite amazing when this happens. I doubt you'll break it loose without disassembling.

That used to be really common on the Brit twins, I always stuck the gearbox in second, pulled the clutch in, and just rocked the bike until the clutch freed up.
Never had it happen on a KZ though.

Mine took to doing same thing! Only noticed it after it sat for awhile (I travel alot for work).....same problem: bike in gear, pull clutch lever, hit starter, then do the "OH SH*T! dance while it wants to chug along.
While the clutch in mine COULD use opened up and checked,:whistle: ....I just take a zip-tie and zip the lever into the "pulled in" position to keep clutch released until I get back home.
3-4 long road trips later and its right as rain.

is it true that the clutches are sluggish on these kz's when there cold??

what steel says. have done the rock trick on a couple of honda's and a yammy.

kx_125_pilot wrote:

is it true that the clutches are sluggish on these kz's when there cold??

It depends on what weight oil you are running and what the ambient temp is.I noiticed mine was quit sluggish when it was colder out,now that it is over 50 out it isnt as bad.I am running 20w50 also.

It has also been about three years since this bike has run, too...

I'll try the rocking trick to see if I can get it to free up, f not, I pull it apart see what's on the inside.

Thanks, all!!

Rockin' did the trick! She's free and workin' like she should. I even got the take the thing out for a ride!!!...

...

...grrrrrrrrrr.... More carb work ahead....