Motorcycle Repair: 1976 Honda cb550 dies when clutch lets out in first, 1976 honda cb550, clutch plates

Question
Hi Rich

I have a 76 cb550 that idles just fine in neutral and when clutch is in. When clutch is let out, it pulls forward fine, until its completely out where it just sputters and dies. Are my clutch plates sticking and is not disengaging? Any answer is appreciated...Thanks

Answer
No, the clutch is working okay or it wouldn't die when you let it out or you wouldn't be able to shift gears with the clutch pulled in.  My guess is that the engine isn't running on all cylinders.  It's may sound like it's idling okay, but take a wet rag and put it on the exhaust pipes.  Each pipe should steam about the same amount.  If it doesn't steam, that cylinder isn't firing correctly.  It's also possible the engine just needs to be tuned up.  It just sounds like it's low on power.

Regards
Rich