'02 VFR800 clutch problem

My VFR has been unused for about 6 months - I ahve been running every month or so and keep the battery on charge from time to time.

I went to ride it the other day and noticed a problem with the clutch - it won't fully disengage - that is to say - even when the clutch lever is pulled right back (almost touching the clip on), the bike will still crawl forward on idle - as if the clutch has already begun to engage.

What could be the possible causes and it something I can recify myself?

Any advice appreciated.

cheers

 

Start with the most basic and bleed and change the fluid.

Rollin

 

Thanks I will give that a try. Forgot to add, i've only put about 100kms on it since it had a major service, so thought they would have changed the fluid then. Will give it a look though, cheers

 

Its possible that while sitting for 6 months the steel plates in the clutch became corroded and are causing the drag, I had an old kawasaki that dragged a little due to this(discovered after opening the motor) and was difficult to get into neutral but nothing like what you are experiencing. I would say that their is a problem with the clutch hydraulic system not releasing fully. Air/moisture could have gotten into the system during storage. Hopefully its just some air as moisture will corrode hydraulic cylinder bores and ruin seals. The clutch is pretty easy to bleed, you can do it by yourself. Does the clutch lever feel normal or does it feel spongy?

 

Yeah it feels very spongey and lacking resistance as if there is not enough pressure in the hydraulic system. Will bleed and refill, see if that improves things. Thanks