She just dies when i try to let out the clutch

So its a beautiful day in Utah. First 70 degree day of the year and I just pulled my KZ1000 out of the garage for the first time this year. I wasn't sure if the battery would be good after sitting for 5 months. pulled the mixture adjustment all the way out and she started right up. I let her warm up about 8 minutes and she runs great. Idles great. and revs great. but when I tried to take off I can barely let out any clutch or she dies. It seems any load at all on the engine is too much. How can that be? I went down the street about a block by riding the clutch in 1st gear but can't get enough speed to even let the clutch out all the way. What's going on here? any ideas.

Try the same ride but with the mixture adjustment pulled. Better or worse?

Weight and type of engine oil? If your using a non motorcycle rated oil, it may have friction modifiers making the clutch plates stick together.

Yeah, I tried that already. Pulling the mixture out to halfway point it does the same thing.

I use 10w40 motorcycle oil. I was wondering if the clutch plates might be stuck after sitting over the winter. Any ideas on getting them loose without taking them apart?

You might need to pop the ignition cover off and see if the ignition is advancing properly. Might need to lubricate the advance mechanism.

No, you might have to open up the clutch and check for wear. How many miles since last clutch service/repair? The drive tabs and clutch basket might need a look at. While you're in there think about installing an APE ball bearing clutch pusher.

Clutch plates have a tendancy to stick together after sitting for awhile.Might try an oil and filter change,use a lower viscosity oil or put a 1/4 bottle of Seafoam in with the oil change.bj

Are all 4 cylinders firing? Did you try misting a little water on the header pipes?

heres how you check to see if the cluch is stuck put motor in gear pull clucth lever in push it forward if bike moves they are not stuck.

kawman, I can walk the bike forward in gear with the clutch pulled in. I can feel a little drag but it doesn't seem like enough to kill it.

I replaced the push-out bearing assembly last summer and the plates looked good. All cylinders are firing and I know from experience that it'll at least go, albeit with a little coaxing, on three. I'll lube the advance mechanism and get back with you all.