Clutch adjustment 101. Anyone?

[slowair]

Without a book, I'm shooting in the dark and don't want to do damage.
I just got a 1983 KZ 550 C4 LTD. Previous owner had replaced both the clutch and brake levers with cobbed levers off another bike. Brake was easy, clutch not so much.

I know I shouldn't have done it, but I moved all adjustments. Got the lever to have that 1/8" of freeplay using the adjuster half way down the cable. Then I adjusted at the hand control until the bike moved freely with the clutch pulled in and it didn't try to move forward in gear at start up.

Tonight, I took it out for a long ride, about 60 miles. Before I got too far, the clutch was slipping terribly. I pulled over and moved the adjuster at the hand control, all the way in. Didn't slip after that. Proceeded with the ride without any problems.

So, would someone tell me from step #1 how to adjust a clutch or at least point me to a place online that is easy to understand?

I gotta get that service manual!!!

Thanks,
Mike

[tutman6]

On the left side of the bike on the engine there should be a little cover with 2 screws in it take the screws out and pull the little cover off, there will be another screw under it, it will be a flat tip screwdriver type of screw, if you turn it left or right it will adjust the clutch.

[StarGate]

The cover tutman is talking about is located just above the front of the shifter.

Adjust the mid cable adjuster to the shortest position. Adjust the clutch leaver (handle) till you have about 1/4 inch of thread showing outside the locknut. Remove the clutch adjuster cover and loosen the locknut inside and turn the screw clockwise until it becomes hard to turn. Now, loosen it 1/4 turn counter-clockwise and tighten the locknut. Make sure the screw doesn't turn when you tighten the locknut. Reinstall the cover and adjust the leaver adjuster so the leaver has about 1/8 inch play before the clutch starts to disengage.

[slowair]

Great info!!!

Thank you so much!

Mike