GS500F harder to push when in gear with clutch lever pulled in, when bike is off

[mrdrprof]

When I put it in gear when the bike is off with the clutch lever in, it is harder to push than when in neutral. This can't be normal, right? I have already done the 3 point clutch adjustment procedure and it didn't change. What could be the issue?

It also jerks forward a little when I put it in first gear with the bike running and clutch lever in. The previous owner said he replaced the clutch so I don't know if it's something he did. Other than those things it shifts fine and goes into and out of neutral no problem.

[Meukowi]

sounds like clutch issue 🤔. maybe the last owner didnt do the clutch repair as he said. Im getting 2 opinions here. First is the clutch kit werent assembled correctly, or ever done. Second is the clutch cable might worn, i'd go with the cable, my gses previous owner had sime kind of symptoms and replacing the cable fixed it

[Falken Hawke]

Wet clutches have some drag on them when the clutch is disengaged caused by the oil viscosity.  This drag will be felt when rolling the bike while in gear and the clutch disengaged versus in neutral where the only drag is from various bearings.

Before disassembling anything, inspect the clutch cable for fraying and check the travel of the transmission side lever.  It should match the travel of the handle bar lever at the cable ball.  If good, tie the clutch lever to the bar.  Then drain the oil and change the filter if not already done recently.  Warm up the oil, either by running the engine or heating the oil (bottles in hot water bath) before filling the crankcase.  Leave the bike alone for minimum 8 hours.

If there is still no change, inspect the clutch release mechanism at the transmission for excessive wear and proper installation.

Considering normal use is not affected, it does not seem there is an issue outside of the oil between the clutches.

[Watcher]

"Sticktion"

Totally normal.

The problem should "go away" when the bike is warm.

[Kookas]

Going to add one to the sticktion theory - my first gear shift of the day is always a little bit harsher if I do it before the bike's fully warm and don't rev the bike in neutral with the clutch in first.

[Meukowi]

Yeah, it actually is pretty sticky when cold, but mixing with bad clutch cable makes it worse, it isn't bothering me that much as it sounds on ops post, with bad cable (frayed or stretched) it worns out the clutch plates faster

[mrdrprof]

Now that you guys mention it, it does seem easier to push when the engine's hot. I didn't know that there is some drag caused by the oil but now that I think about it that actually makes sense. I have checked the cable, and checked the travel between the bar lever and the transmission side lever and they look fine so I guess it's a normal thing. The oil only has a couple hundred miles on it so it doesn't need changed. Sorry for all the stupid questions I've been posting, I just got the bike not too long ago and it's a bit of a project and I'm still learning everything about these bikes! 

Thanks for the help, guys! 

[Kookas]

Yeah, it actually is pretty sticky when cold, but mixing with bad clutch cable makes it worse, it isn't bothering me that much as it sounds on ops post, with bad cable (frayed or stretched) it worns out the clutch plates faster

What mileage did you replace your clutch cable at? I'd imagine they last pretty long, right?

[Meukowi]

Yeah, it actually is pretty sticky when cold, but mixing with bad clutch cable makes it worse, it isn't bothering me that much as it sounds on ops post, with bad cable (frayed or stretched) it worns out the clutch plates faster

What mileage did you replace your clutch cable at? I'd imagine they last pretty long, right?

was changed at 17k miles, 27k km