i've adjusted my clutch cable per the instructions here and also in the manual. when i pull the lever at the handlebar in the entire way, the rear wheel continues to spin when the bike is in gear. i've asked someone to hold the lever while the bike is in first gear and this isn't just residual spinning... if i try to slow the wheel down with my boot, you can hear the engine noticeably straining as if the engine is still trying to move it.

i tried a different adjustment with very little free play... basically with the cable very tight so that when the handlebar lever is pulled in the clutch rod pushes the plates even farther apart... but to no avail. the rear wheel still spins in first gear when the lever is pulled in the entire way and the engine strains when you try to slow the wheel down.

where do you think the problem lies? clutch plates? this seems like more of an adjustment thing... like the rod isn't fully separating the clutch plates. any ideas?

your clutch plates are stuck together,has your bike been sitting a while?I freed mine By having a buddy push me in neutral .WITH THE KEY OFF!!!Hold in your clutch lever and when you are rolling pull the shifter up into second it may free up or it may turn the engine over or slide the rear wheel,do this on pavement if you can try it two or three times and see if your clutches release from the steel plates,If not then you are going to have to pull the clutch pack out and clean it up,a repair manual is in order if you have to go that rte.

much thanks for the reply, denny. the bike has been sitting for a while, but i remember this type of sticking before i put the bike in the garage a few months ago. regardless, i've ordered new clutch plates and springs and i'm going to open it up this week sometime. thank you again.

That is the best way to go ,be very careful on tightening up the spring retainer bolts,trust me on this one ,you don't want to exceed the torque specs on these ,they will break.Be sure to soak your new plates in fresh engine oil, same as in your bike.Good luck,Denny

When you say the rear wheel is spinning, you mean you have the bike on the centerstand?

Did you warm up the motor first?

If you stop the rear wheel while holding the clutch lever in, does the engine die?

If it does, your clutch does sound like it needs some work. Could just be some stuck plates.

What oil are you using?

The rear wheel will spin when it is off the ground even with the clutch lever in...this is actualy normal.
KM