Motorcycle Repair: Clutch issues on 1984 Honda Shadow 700C, cold weather rolls, clutch pack

Question
My vintage Shadow will not engage the clutch to allow shifting.  I have replaced the master cylinder (including a new piston assembly) and replaced the clutch plates with those from another 1984 700C to no avail.  I bled the line and do not have any obvious air in the system.  I am wondering if there is enough good fluid pressure coming from the master cylinder to actuate the clutch assembly.  The engine runs fine and strong.  Any help would be appreciated.  I would love to be able to give this a few more miles before the cold weather rolls in!!!

Answer
Chuck, the clutch line is the hardest to bleed, due to all the twists and turns in the line, as it makes its way up to the handlebars.

If the master cylinder has a clean and smooth bore surface, then the master cylinder repair kit with new piston should make enough pressure to move the slave cylinder. Did you remove the slave cylinder to see if it is leaking and/or moving with fluid pressure?

When bleeding the hydraulic line, either put a piece of clear tubing into a small container with some brake fluid in the bottom, then open the bleed nut and pump fluid through until you have no bubbles coming out. In some cases, you may need a vacuum pump to try to pull the fluid through the system, hopefully with any remaining air. Always break all the fluid connections loose and bleed air from each of them, especially right at the master cylinder.

If the clutch pack is okay, the slave cylinder isn't seized up or leaking and the master cylinder is good, then you still have air in the system lines.

Bill Silver