Clutch problem.

[andybb]

1996 ET. Thought I had a sticking clutch. Bike has done 19,000 miles and is on original clutch.
Stripped the clutch down, plates did seem to be a little stuck together. Springs, plates all well within  tolerances. Clutch basket starting to show signs of wear but cant be felt with finger nail. When clutch lever pulled in clutch releases BUT with lever in it still takes two hands to move back wheel when in gear although its not turning engine over so its disengaged engine.
Any suggestions to why it is so stiff. Chain isn't tight and pressure disc moves out around 2.7mm with lever pulled in. 

[Armandorf]

I ve experienced the same.

First, if the oil is cold that will be a expected behaviour.
Cold oil has more viscosity and the clutch discs are dry in between them when you let them sit. when you pull the clutch and rotate the wheel the oil starts to flow between the discs and temperature helps them to move more freely.

its like when you put first and pull the clutch cold for the first time, it clanks. you can break the discs loose by pulling the clutch in neutral and moving(i prefer backwards). then if you put first gear it will not clank.

if the clutch basket has grooves by the wear and tear, the discs cant move apart from each other easily.



Then the 3 point adjustment. which you should do(wiki)

It s something i have to do as i am experiencing the same symptoms and i have a lot of free play mainly because i was worried of clutch slipping.