I just dont know....

1977 KZ650. Its a great bike. I have other bikes but this one is a blast.

I have a problem I cant figure out.

The bike has been fine. However. when Im stationary., like at a light, or whatever, the bike WILL NOT shift into neutral. As a matter of fact, no matter how much pressure I use with my foot to upshift it, it will NOT go into neutral. When the bike is moving, its a bit easier.

Is this a clutch adjustment issue or worse? Bike shifts fine through all the other gears but neutral is a problem.

Oil is regularly changed and the bike is maintained well. Any ideas?

Oh and it shut off on me twice today when trying to get into neutral...on the road. How embarassing. had to kick it to start it again.

At least you can do that. If the idle is too high it will do that. Adjust the clutch per FSM.
Steve

SWest wrote: At least you can do that. If the idle is too high it will do that. Adjust the clutch per FSM.
Steve

Thanks for the message, but Im curious: what made you say that about the idle? I didnt mention the idle is high at all. Actually the idle is perfect so I dont think its related to the idle. I was just wondering if the clutch is shot, or needs adjusment.

It's all part of it. Try adjusting the clutch starting at the sprocket cover.
Steve

SWest wrote: It's all part of it. Try adjusting the clutch starting at the sprocket cover.
Steve

I hope thats all it is. It stalled twice when I was riding it and fooling around trying to get into neutral at a light. I had to pull over and kick it.

If reducing clutch freeplay doesn't help it could be some clutch plate warpage

Nessism wrote: If reducing clutch freeplay doesn't help it could be some clutch plate warpage

Ok so if i paid someone to put a new clutch in, whats the damage? Ive got 3 kids and am super busy with work. The Mrs wont let me spend that kind of time in the garage, and Ive already located a slightly used clutch basket with plates from a guy I know out in Phoenix.

Try to adjust it first.
Steve

SWest wrote: Try to adjust it first.
Steve

thanks and yep im going to do that. the weather in NYC is crazy. This morning was cold and foggy, then this afternoon it was so nice ppl had on shorts and t-shirts. Now its freezing again. But between messages, i DID take the bike for a spin and it, while its still hard to get into neutral, it is getting there sometimes and esp when the bike is off. So its prob an adjustment. Will do when the weather gets warmer.

Adjusting the clutch is a 5 min. job.

The idea is to adjust so there is just a little free play at the hand lever and try to see if that helps.

Nessism wrote: Adjusting the clutch is a 5 min. job.

The idea is to adjust so there is just a little free play at the hand lever and try to see if that helps.

Is it common that free play - etc would result in making shifting difficult? I tried my best, earlier in the day, to shift from 1 to neutral or 2nd and it would not. Later in the day it was better but not perfect

650Dude wrote: Is it common that free play - etc would result in making shifting difficult?

Of course. If there is not enough freeplay the clutch will drag when you pull the lever back.