Motorcycle Repair: 1980 gs550 clutch frozen, suzuki gs550l, gs550

Question
hi i just recently bought a 1980 suzuki gs550l and the clutch is frozen ,do i need a new clutch or s this somethng that i can free up ? the rod will pull out but will not push in to disengage the clutch at all.

Answer
Pete,
you may have to disassemble the clutch
and check the plates for rust or warping.
Sometimes they will break free while
under load if they are just stuck.
Have you tried riding it like this?
Maybe if warmed up and under some load,
it might break free. You have to do this
in a safe place and have the bike rolling
before you put it in gear.
The plates may have rusted together and
may need to be sanded clean and possibly
reused if okay. Check that the rod is straight
and the clutch actuating mechanism is not broken.