kz550 clutch problem....?

i just installed my new clutch cable, put it in gear, then pulled on the clutch and moved it forward. i hear a clunk and it feels like the clutch is not disengaging all the way although the clutch cable is about maxed out, it is very difficult to pull the clutch lever in. its like it has very stiff springs. when i roll it in gear then pull on the clutch (carbs are off the bike, so no way i can start it), it feels like the back tire is dragging but still rolling. i let off, then the back tire locks up like it should. WHAT SHOULD I DOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

I've had this problem. My bet is you don't have the mechanism behind the left engine case just right. I'd try taking that off again and making sure things are right in there. Have you tried adjusting the cutch at all on the engine behind that little door or just the cable?

I do think your mechansim is binding up though. It can be tricky sometimes getting that thing just right.

Did you install and do adjustments per the FSM?

I just put a cable on my 82 yesterday. I had an issue with adjustment because I forgot to look a the FSM suppliment for that model. I turned the adjustment screw on the cover the wrong way for an 82. I was lucky and no damage the threads. I was able to get it back together. I should have keep track of how many times I had the cover off.

the cover was off when i bought it and the screw is all mangled up and hard to turn. ill have to take the cover back off and see if anything is binding up. what should i look out for?

Make sure you have the ball bearings that go in there. You should be able to have it all connected and before you put the cover on, squeeze the clutch lever. The mechanism should move and it as it rotates I believe it pushes out a bit...if it was installed it should push towards the right side of the bike, pushing the rod which actuates the clutch.

If it had the cover off, it might be worth taking a peak at the clutch basket too to see if something isn't funny in there.

absolutely no luck on this situation! i took the cover off an everything seemed to be in place. I'll just have to let it set on the back burner this summer until i take it to a dealership.

never mind not familiar w the 550 carburetors

i have a brand new adjusting screw and brand new clutch cable. i believe im going to have to get a new adjusting screw because mine is all chewed up. i can only turn the nut a tiny bit and its not enough to turn the adjusting screw. any clue as to where i can pick a new adjusting screw?

joshjones84 wrote: i have a brand new adjusting screw and brand new clutch cable. i believe im going to have to get a new adjusting screw because mine is all chewed up. i can only turn the nut a tiny bit and its not enough to turn the adjusting screw. any clue as to where i can pick a new adjusting screw?

Adjusting screw is part no. 92009-1009 available at Kawasaki dealerships.

See link in my signature as to using kawasaki.com.

Good Fortune!

does anyone know what position the rotator (thing that the clutch cable) needs to be positioned? its facing straight down right now. i saw a diogram on kawasaki web sit and it looks to be pointing up. does this matter?

There's a down-loadable service manual link available in the signature of KZr member loudhvx.

Good Fortune!

ive been playing with the adjusting screw and got it where it should be. with the bike in 1st gear and your hand pulling the clutch lever, should the back wheel move just as easy as it does in nuetral or should there be a little drag?

reason i ask is because my back tire drags a little bit. i dont know when the bike has been rode last. it could have been setting around for 10 years for all i know.