For the last two weeks, my 2005 LTZ 400 has had a clutch issue.

The clutch only engages in the very last quarter inch or so of lever travel. I tried replacing the clutch cable with a brand new Motion Pro cable, figuring the old cable had possibly stretched.

It didn't help. I then turned the clutch cable adjuster (at the lever) all the way in, which made the clutch engage somewhat sooner, but it still just isn't right.

I have not recently changed oil, though I will be this week. I always use non friction modified JASO certified oil (can't recall the brand off the top of my head) so I don't think it is oil related. When I change the oil I'll be able to tell if there is coolant in the oil, but I don't think this is the problem. This behavior has only happened for the past two weekend rides, before that everything was normal.

Now I am at a loss. Would worn out clutch plates or springs cause this? Is there another place to adjust clutch cable tension? Anyone experience anything similar and have suggestions? Help!!

 

worn clutch plates can cause this.
A worn basket can make it act that way also. When the basket gets grooved, the clutch plates won't slide correctly making this happen.