Bike won't shift into second. Clutch issue?

I just picked up a 1982 GPz750 that will only go into first and neutral. Is this likely related to the clutch problem? I know there's a clutch problem because the clutch cable is as loose as it can get yet it barely releases at the end of the clutch travel. When turning full lock to the left, the clutch won't disengage. So what do you guys think, would a new clutch likely fix my problem?

Hello and welcome to KZR!

While you may need to adjust your clutch cable or possibly even replace it. They are cheap insurance. Don't worry about not being able to shift into second while at a standstill. Kawasaki has what is called a positive neutral finder. It prevents you from accidentally upshifting past neutral while stopped. The bike has to be rolling in order to shift past neutral. BTW it makes no difference if the engine is running or not. This is a common scare for new Kawasaki owners.

testarossa wrote: Hello and welcome to KZR!

While you may need to adjust your clutch cable or possibly even replace it. They are cheap insurance. Don't worry about not being able to shift into second while at a standstill. Kawasaki has what is called a positive neutral finder. It prevents you from accidentally upshifting past neutral while stopped. The bike has to be rolling in order to shift past neutral. BTW it makes no difference if the engine is running or not. This is a common scare for new Kawasaki owners.

What he said.

I've twice now had almost the same issue with my 1980 750E engine, when I was riding it would quit shifting past neutral, and only occasionally be able to get thru the gears. In your case with the left turn problem, I would bet like the others it has to do with the clutch cable in some way. In my case, both times (and I still don't understand why or how it creates the effect that it does), the circle clip that sits in the groove of the rod that the 4th and 5th gear shift forks ride on has dislodged and the rod has floated toward the clutch, all this under the small cover behind the sprocket. If you decide to take a look there be sure to drain your oil first, as it will drain itself if you don't.

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm doing the oil and clutch this weekend, so I'll take a look at the circle clip and report my findings.

The problem was fixed with a new clutch cable, and by adjusting the shifter linkage. On the 82 gpz750, a rod goes from the gear shifter shaft to the actual foot shifter. A previous owner adjusted the shifter so that the rod would contact the engine case when upshifting, preventing the shifter shaft from turning enough to make the bike upshift.

i made that same mistake with the shifter lever when i put in on. its just a rookie mistake lol

Juan1 wrote: The problem was fixed with a new clutch cable, and by adjusting the shifter linkage. On the 82 gpz750, a rod goes from the gear shifter shaft to the actual foot shifter. A previous owner adjusted the shifter so that the rod would contact the engine case when upshifting, preventing the shifter shaft from turning enough to make the bike upshift.