I just picked up an 86 350X and it runs good, but right after I got it home I noticed something strange. When I let the clutch out, as I feel it start to engage then proceed to let the clutch out the rest of the way, it's like it catches really hard and jerks the bike real hard at the very end of the clutch engagement.

With the bike in gear, engine off, and the clutch disengaged, it should just roll smooth right? If I roll it under these conditions, the chain seems to jump a bit as the bike is rolling (only every few times per revolution of the engine sprocket). The clutch doesn't engage until half way through the end of the stroke and there is plenty of free play, so I think that it is ok.

The chain and sprockets are new, but the chain looks really dry.

I am concerned that it might be an issue with the transmission, can anyone offer any suggestions or tests I can do to verify where the problem might be?

Thanks,
Dean

 

Check your clutch adjustment, you might have a bad clutch it shouldnt be jerkey

 

A badly worn clutch basket can give the symptom I think you're describing. There are no aftermarket ones available that I'm aware of, so you'll have to go with stock which is OK. A shop manual would be a very, very good investment.

 

sounds like your cluch is not fully disengaging. Remove your cluch springs and check them for being weak