1979 KZ400 Clutch

I had purchased this beauty from an E*ayMotors auction. After taking apart, cleaning, and reassembling the carbs, I got the bike to have self-sustaining combustion. Now, it appears that the clutch is not disengaging when you pull the handle. I think it was because it sat so long without oil in someone's garage. Needless to say, When pulling the clutch handle, it seemed to be tight, then *pop*. I tried to take out the screws to remove the clutch cover, but the old soft screws were already starting to strip (from the other guy's guy trying to work on it). I've already purchased a new clutch cable and new friction plates.

Does anyone have any links that detail this process? Diagrams?

~Wdoyle

There'a a lot of info here - www.kz400.com/ - you might find some diagrams. Regarding the screws on the clutch have you tried an impact driver ?

There are several kz400 owner here and I'm sure some will be along soon.

I've also got a 79 400. I know-those screws are softer than a 95 year old man:woohoo: Ivar at kz400.com is the undisputed champion of these bikes. I've got a factory service manual,but it's pretty much the same for all 400's(and they are there at his website). Sounds like the cable is shot to me-or severly out of adjustment. Shouldn't be a big deal-Later

i had some problems like this, the best thing to do is soak it real good with some penetrating oil, and get a new pair of mini needle-nose vise grips (you'll find lots of uses for them)squeeze it down as hard as you can on the screw and just patiently wiggle, worked for me. just don't try to push the clutch rod with your hand or a block, it's alot harder than you think