Motorcycle Repair: 1985 Honda Magna Clutch issue, clutch slave cylinder, honda magna v45

Question
I have a 1985 Honda Magna V45 700. I have been having an issue with getting pressure in the my clutch handle and i then replaced the master cylinder and slave cylinder. I still did not have pressure so I removed the slave cylinder again to check to see what would happen if I pushed on the Clutch push rod(Iguess thats what it's called) and nothing. I then payed closer attention and realized the slave cylinder piston was fully out so the piston wouldnt be able to push the rod anymore with it fully pushed in so that would explain the no pressure. I tried pushing on the clutch push rob with a bit of pressure and it doesnt budge so with the combination of this and the fact the piston was all the way out and barely touching the rod, it really does seem as if it is pushed in and something is causeing it to be stuck.

I can ride the bike fine without the clutch and goes in and out of gear easily and doesnt slip. I would imagine with the push rod pushed in fully that the clutch would be engaged as it would be if the clutch handle were fully pulled in correct? What would you imagine the problem would be and how would you reccomend going about correcting the it? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer
David, I looked at the illustrations here:
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/honda-motorcycle-vf700c-magna-1985/...

Look over the left side cover illustrations as well as those for the clutch and see if there appears to be anything missing or broken in your bike.

Bleeding air from the hydraulic clutch system can be a real trial and until you get all the air out, you won't have the hydraulic pressure to press on the end of the clutch pushrod. You really can't push the rod with your hands or tools as you are fighting a clutch pack stacked with heavy springs.

IF the clutch slave cylinder piston is all the way out and not contacting the clutch pushrod shaft tip, then something is broken or missing in the chain of parts to the clutch pressure plate.

Try putting the slave cylinder in a heavy clamp or vice so you can accurately determine if the full hydraulic pressure is available to do its work. Then, you will probably need to drain the oil and pull the clutch cover to inspect the clutch parts inside. Something is broken, missing and/or you still have air in the clutch hydraulic system.

Bill Silver