Motorcycle Repair: 800cc suzuki intruder, clutch master cylinder, suzuki intruder

Question
Mike- I've got a clutch issue- after a long ride - 3 days or so- the clutch went from working - to not- It seemed to me the clutch handle was not engaging the clutch - the fluid was old and dirty so I flushed it and bleed it but the flaccid clutch handle persists.  I removed the handle and the little rubber "cup" the clutch "piston / rod ??) goes into is warn - I wonder if it is possible that it is the problem?  Is there anything you can think of that I can do to "harden" up the clutch handle- which is what it seems the problem is? I can force a shift into first or second but it really seems that the clutch is not being engaged.  I should mention I live on a small island and therefor getting parts is a several week process so trial and error takes months.
thanks for your assistance
Cheers
Paul

Answer
Paul, the little rubber cup you mentioned is quite probably the culprit here. It creates a seal so that the fluid is pressurised when the lever is pulled, allowing the clutch plates to separate. I hate to say it, but I believe you need a clutch master cylinder rebuild kit to get back on the road. When you order one, I strongly suggest you get a factory service manual, too, so that you can perform the repairs yourself.