'86 V500F sticky clutch and oil change issues

Hi all - Searched around and didn't see any posts covering this, but hopefully I didn't miss anything. I'm a new rider, so bear with me.

I went for my first oil change on my newly acquired '86 Interceptor V500F over the weekend. I'm based in California so I believe the bike may have some emissions-related additions (evaporative canisters?) that are complicating the removal of the filter. I think I'm going to have to remove the obstructions - there are two canisters that are bolted on in several locations, though I'm specifically having trouble getting to a single bottom bolt buried between the lower canister and the engine.

I can post photos if need be later on, but thought I'd throw this up while I have some spare time at work.

I'm also having some trouble with the clutch - it often sticks in the depressed position when I'm down shifting (mostly only in higher gears). Not a major issue, but a nuisance and probably not 100% safe. I'm guessing this is a pretty straightforward fix. Any suggestions where to start?

 

Welcome, sorry cant help with the 86 but I'm sure someone will be along shortly!

 

First thing I would do is bleed the clutch hydraulics at the slave cylinder. Bleed it until there is clean fluid coming out and no air bubbles.
It is possible the "return spring" is weak or broken.

Another possiblity (which was a problem with mine) is a previous owner has installed an after market clutch kit. The kit that was in mine would not fully disengage with the clutch lever completely pulled in. It was causing difficult down shifts and finding neutral nearly impossible. When the engine was fully warmed up it wasn't as bad.