TOPIC:

Have a new to me 78' KZ400a, one family owned with about 4200 miles on it.  I'm in initial stages going through the systems and am noting it kind of shifts like a tractor, pretty harsh.  I have owned and still own other KZ400s and have never experienced this before.  Bike has had an oil change BTW.  Any thoughts?  This is the old style 400 engine with the different top end, not the later style that started on the 78' b models if this makes any difference.  I should mention shifter not bent, don't believe this bike had hard use.  Thanks

How does a tractor shift?


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Is the clutch correctly adjusted ?

This is next on the list.  Maybe clutch plates are sticking as well.

Yup, clutch cable adjustment would be my first suspect. Does it have motorcycle specific oil (JASO-MA rated), without any additives?

wrote:

Does it have motorcycle specific oil (JASO-MA rated), without any additives?
 

If it had additives it would probably shift better.

It could also be the rubber pucks inside the clutch.