84 Kz550 LTD Shaft Clutch adjustment

Hello everyone, first post here.
I've searched and searched this website and scoured through all the manuals I can find, but I'm having a hell of a time trying to adjust the clutch on my 84 550 ltd shaft. The clutch on this bike seems to differ from 98 percent of all other kz550s seemingly just because its an 84. I find tons of adjustment info from 81-83s but not 84. This bike has the lever that sticks out the side of the cover rather than inside. ive changed handlebars and bought what seems to be the right clutch cable for this bike. the older models have what seem to be a 2 piece cable with an adjuster in the middle, this does not. So now onto the problem, after replacing cable, handlebars, levers, and oil, the clutch seems to slip very badly regardless of how much I adjust it. The engine was pulled for heavy maintenance but the clutch was never touched. before being pulled the bike could get the front wheel off the ground, now it just barely putts along. It seems the lever is not returning to the fully engaged position on its own, regardless of slack in cable. i feel like if i took the cable off while riding the damn thing it would still slip. Any help is appreciated.

Here's a shot in the dark until better advice comes along.



Good Fortune!

Did the new oil you put in it have the JASO-MA rating, or was it automotive oil? Modern auto oil contains friction modifiers that can cause clutch slippage.

1+ TexasKZ is right, modern motor oil can reduce friction on wet clutches.
you need a bike specific oil.
ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles)
JASO MA (Japan Automobil Standards Organization)

SAE 10W-40 or SAE 10W-50
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 due to component tolerances for very old bikes

Okay Everyone, the help is much appreciated. I do believe its the oil, but i went ahead and took the clutchs out and they were just at the spec for replacing them. the friction plates look good with no discoloration or cracks so I went ahead and ordered some new clutch disks and springs and picked up some yamalube from my local stealership. I will report back when the new clutch disks arrive and everything is back together. Also, i went ahead and gave the friction plates a light sanding with some 100 grit sandpaper.

Thanks again everyone!