clutch is a bit hard how can i ease it up a bit

Hey everyone your favorite noob here
so I've been putting around on my 82 650 csr
and Ive been noticing my clutch is hard to engage
At first I thought it was because I wasn't used to it
But now its becoming an annoyance
Its mostly a problem in first gear
Having trouble slipping in the clutch and stalling the bike
Feels like I have to pretty much dump the clutch into first which makes for a quick and not so gradual acceleration
I know you can't have too soft of a clutch but I just need to ease it up a bit
Can this be adjusted via the clutch adjustment or cable etc or something more serious ie the clutch pack?

jbalet666 wrote: Hey everyone your favorite noob here
so I've been putting around on my 82 650 csr
and Ive been noticing my clutch is hard to engage
At first I thought it was because I wasn't used to it
But now its becoming an annoyance
Its mostly a problem in first gear
Having trouble slipping in the clutch and stalling the bike
Feels like I have to pretty much dump the clutch into first which makes for a quick and not so gradual acceleration
I know you can't have too soft of a clutch but I just need to ease it up a bit
Can this be adjusted via the clutch adjustment or cable etc or something more serious ie the clutch pack?

Try a new clutch cable. Old bike come with old cables that just don't slide well.

Roadflyer wrote:

jbalet666 wrote: Hey everyone your favorite noob here
so I've been putting around on my 82 650 csr
and Ive been noticing my clutch is hard to engage
At first I thought it was because I wasn't used to it
But now its becoming an annoyance
Its mostly a problem in first gear
Having trouble slipping in the clutch and stalling the bike
Feels like I have to pretty much dump the clutch into first which makes for a quick and not so gradual acceleration
I know you can't have too soft of a clutch but I just need to ease it up a bit
Can this be adjusted via the clutch adjustment or cable etc or something more serious ie the clutch pack?

Try a new clutch cable. Old bike come with old cables that just don't slide well.

Will do
Thanks for the help

I'm not familiar with the Kz650 clutch mechanism, but when the sprocket cover is off to install the new clutch cable,look for chain lube build up on the clutch push rod. A rag with paint thinner will remove it easily, also look for signs of wear on the throw out, or actuating mechanism too.

A good cleaning and re-lubing will make clutch use more enjoyable.

MFolks wrote: I'm not familiar with the Kz650 clutch mechanism, but when the sprocket cover is off to install the new clutch cable,look for chain lube build up on the clutch push rod. A rag with paint thinner will remove it easily, also look for signs of wear on the throw out, or actuating mechanism too.

A good cleaning and re-lubing will make clutch use more enjoyable.

Thanks
Any recommendations as to what to use for re-lubrication

Possibly a high temperature grease containing "Moly", as the area does get hot, and lower temp greases may flow away from the moving parts. A can of wheel bearing grease should last a long time.

MFolks wrote: Possibly a high temperature grease containing "Moly", as the area does get hot, and lower temp greases may flow away from the moving parts. A can of wheel bearing grease should last a long time.

Thanks for the help

Have you tried a basic clutch adjustment? Ask WABBMW about that. hee.
The owner's manual & factory service manual have the correct procedure. The Clymer manual has the applicable procedure in the supplement.

If you replace the cable, be prepared for a big ole' mess behind the clutch/sprocket cover. You probably ought to go ahead & clean/lubricate the clutch release mechanism. Install a new cotter pin - it helps to keep the cable end in place. Be sure to Lubricate the clutch lever pivot point & cable ends.

martin_csr wrote: Have you tried a basic clutch adjustment? Ask WABBMW about that. hee.
The owner's manual & factory service manual have the correct procedure. The Clymer manual has the applicable procedure in the supplement.

If you replace the cable, be prepared for a big ole' mess behind the clutch/sprocket cover. You probably ought to go ahead & clean/lubricate the clutch release mechanism. Install a new cotter pin - it helps to keep the cable end in place. Be sure to Lubricate the clutch lever pivot point & cable ends.

Well last night I pulled the adjustment cover plate off and adjusted it
unfortunately it was raining so I'll find out today if I improved at all
I am going to check the cable for burs and rust and what not as well today
And try to "service" today
Is there anything else I should be looking for while I'm at it today?

When doing the adjustment, turn the clutch release adjusting screw in the correct direction - ie, counterclockwise 1st, then clockwise 1/4 turn.

martin_csr wrote: When doing the adjustment, turn the clutch release adjusting screw in the correct direction - ie, counterclockwise 1st, then clockwise 1/4 turn.

That exactly what I did
Thanks for the advice