New and need clutch help

A year ago my clutch cable (for 81 xj650 maxim) snapped while I was out riding. I was able to park safely, but the poor thing has been sitting because my now ex fiance would "fix it later".

I recall him saying the clutch was "locking" or "sticking" because he did something and pissed off the bike....I can't honestly remember what he did, all I know for sure is that it broke his finger. Lol

What I need to know, what is the best way to unstick the clutch? He mentioned something about getting it up to 20 or 30 miles an hour and slamming on the breaks......That just sounds utterly stupid to me.
Someone please tell me there is a better way....

 

have you replaced the cable yet? ( and the boy friend) if clutch is sticking because of being gummed up put some seafoam in it it will clean out the gunk.
if he broke his finger he probaly was trying to replace cable incorrectly
read this link on clutches it will help
CLUTCHES 101-Part 1: the 400/550/600s with pics

can you post a photo of the clutch arm on the motor
down load repair manual you may have to sign up
http://www.4shared.com/rar/2Moq_HrK/Yamaha_Xj650_Service_Repair_Pd.htm
haynes manual
http://www.4shared.com/web/preview/pdf/av2_ddm-

yes you are correct
"He mentioned something about getting it up to 20 or 30 miles an hour and slamming on the breaks......That just sounds utterly stupid to me."

 

My clutch was sticking. needed plates de-gunking. A simple enough job only requiring basic tools. Don't even need to drain oil if you keep it on sidestand. Remove clutch cable > remove clutch cover > undo pressure plate bolts noting alignment dots> remove plates one by one noting orientataion and order (steel plates have tabs that need to be kept correct, clean steel plates with scothbrite > reassemble.. don't ovrtighten..

 

Just make darn sure that you're NOT on the bike with him when he slams on the brakes like that. Odd are that it won't be the clutch that breaks free......

 

We did get a new cable and that seems to be working just fine. I went to go see if the bike would even start and it would, but only if I cheated....
I took a pocket knife and connect the connections on the battery to jump start it. If I tried starting it with the clutch "pulled in" it refused to.

Thank you for the advise; when I get it moved to my new place I'll try what you guys suggested and see if that does anything....I'm really hoping he didn't break any plates so I dont have to replace the whole clutch....

 

sounds like you may want to check out your clutch safety switch, it allows you to start your bike in gear. if it is defective your bike will stall out when you put it in gear. put it in neutral to start.