XJ550 Clutch Question

Background info:

When I bought my 550 the clutch was completely stiff at the handlebars. couldn't budge anything. I looked at the little lever on the clutch that the cable was connected to and noticed that it was pulled all the way out almost as if the clutch cable was too short. anyway, last night I removed the clutch cable and the cable is completely frozen up. I'm planning on just replacing it so i don't run into more problems later. its a cheap part.

Now for my question.

The small lever on the clutch itself (now with no cable attached) is really easy to move. it feels too easy. i have no problem moving it over its whole range with one finger. what kind of resistance is there supposed to be, and what kind of problem might this be a symptom of? what should I be looking for when I dig in and remove the clutch cover?

Thanks in advance

 

I believe that lever will move quite freely until the mechanism hits the pressure plate. Then you won't be able to move it by hand - it'll feel like it hit the end of its travel.

I'd wait and see what I had with a new cable before I cracked it open.

 

how much will it travel before it hits the pressure plate? im getting about 40 degrees if i recall correctly. ill get pictures up here soon.

 

I've never had my hands on a 550 so I can't be very specific to you.

What I can tell you is that moving away from the pressure plate 40deg isn't unusual. It should load up about the point the lever becomes perpendicular to the cable route.

 

You were right Carl, I feel a little foolish for not trying this with a wrench first, but I'm still learning. I've posted pictures for anyone who might come across this in the future.

Thanks for the help!

 

If you look in here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29541.html

You'll find this pic, illustrating the ideal "beginning" position of the little lever in relation to the bump on the case. You may still need to 'back up' by one spline-tooth to get full throw: