I have a 87 lt500r. I was riding the bike a couple of days ago when the bike started to stall and finally die. I started to kick the bike again in gear with the clutch engaged and the bike rolled forward like I wasn't clutching. I stopped right there, put the bike in neutral and rolled it home. After doing some initial inspection I can say the bike still has good compression, the engine turns smoothly when I pull the plug, the clutch cable is adjusted correctly and operating smoothly, and the transmission will shift gears. The following day I tryed to start the bike in neutral and it fired immediately but would not stay running just hits a couple of times and dies. Im assuming some how these problems are related since they started at the exact same time. My buddies 250r has identical symtoms. Has anybody else had a similar problem with there lt or have any ideas before I tear into the thing......AGAIN.

 

If the bike was running but then died while it was in neutral then the problem does not stem from the clutch. Did you change your plug? If you did I would first check the coil wire, if you know someone else with a 500 try thiers. Electrical problems suck, start with the cheapest thing and work your way up. My 250 did that and i thought it was the cdi turned out to just be the coil

 

try cleaning your carb before doing any of the above[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

i agree with fulltiltrider.. the reason your bike moves forward when you kick it even with the clutch pulled is because the oil isn't circulating through your clutch.. when kick your bike in gear when you're running right it should move slightly forward then stop when your engine starts.. not all will necesarily do it but it's not abnormal for that to happen!!

 

The bike actually died while in gear. Ill check the coil again but I did pull the plug and verify that it has spark when I hold it to ground, plus I recently tested all electrical components. I havent done too much with the carb yet. As far as the clutch goes I am confident something is wrong. I know a bike may roll forward a little bit when you are starting in gear, especially if the clutch basket is groved a bit but the clutch will not engage at all. The bike will not roll freely when I clutch in gear.