Clutch help needed please

[vic-vtrvfr]

Need some advice on a problem with my clutch.
Bike is starting & running now, but clutch isn't engaging.
Put bike up on the abba stand, started it & put it into gear.
Even with the lever fully in and resistance added to rear wheel, there's nothing.
Also tried eliminating the cable as a cause by turning the arm at casing end by hand but no joy.

Could this be caused by sticky plates due to the bike standing for a long time?
Anything else I can try to cure the problem before pulling the clutch out?

All wisdom greatly received!

Also got to thank Rhory again for his help, not much heat about tonight but his help is really appreciated.

Cheers
Vic

[gavins]

If the plates were stuck from standing it's far more likely that it would be stuck engaged and not the other way round. Could be the gearbox not engaging first properly, have you tried second gear as well as first?

Other than that you'll need to take the clutch cover off and check whats what.

[vic-vtrvfr]

Sorry for the slow reply.
Same thing happens in second gear.
So is there anything else I can try before I pull the clutch out then?

[gavins]

Have you got some free play in the cable (2mmish)? It's not just a case of the cable being adjusted too tight and holding the clutch in all the time is it? Try disconnecting the cable altogether with it in gear and see if the transmission locks the back wheel.

I don't know the history of your bike, has it been previously verified that the clutch works/worked and all the plates etc were present and correct?

Otherwise there would have to be some reason why the springs aren't pulling the clutch plates back together when you release the lever, either broken springs (unlikely with the diaphram springs in the NC30 clutch) or your clutch nut (which should be punched/staked anyway) has come undone.

[gavins]

Upon rereading your original post it occurs to me that i may have your meaning backwards. Do you mean that the clutch is not disengaging as opposed to not engaging as stated in your first post?

I.e You put in on the abba stand, start it then engage first gear with the clutch in and the rear wheel begins spinning at a rate of knots?

[vic-vtrvfr]

I.e You put in on the abba stand, start it then engage first gear with the clutch in and the rear wheel begins spinning at a rate of knots?

Yep, sorry for the confusion in my original post description.
The condition of the plates is unknown, I 'rescued' this bike as a non-runner from something not unlike Craggy Island where it had stood idle for years. First job was to get it running (its now on the button) then I discovered this clutch problem.
From other evidence I've found, the previous owner has an uncanny level of skill at bodging stuff so god knows what i'll find when i pull casing off.
I was trying to eliminate any simpler possibilities before I pull the plates out but its looking inevitable.

Thanks for your reply, all help is gratefully appreciated!

[gavins]

Yea, it's pretty likely then that the plates are stuck together and the safest way to sort it is to take the clutch apart and separate and re-oil the plates with fresh engine oil before reassembling the clutch.

You'll need a special 'castle' socket to undo the clutch nut if you don't already have one. Theres a genuine honda tool available for £20-£30 (at least thats how much they were when i last bought one) that has the swing arm lock nut socket as well, graeme france does one for £13 or you can 'make' one by taking a grinder to the correct size socket.

I remember i used to have a GSXR400 gk76a on which the clutch would stick together every time it stood for a few days. You had to remember to apply the brake fairly heavily when you put it into gear or you got a nasty shock as it lurched forward!

[vic-vtrvfr]

Already have the castellated socket, thanks again for the help.
I'll get a clutch cover gasket ordered then start disassembly.
Suppose its all good experience!