Motorcycle Repair: 2002 honda vtx 1800 will shift but wont move, honda vtx 1800, castrol gtx

Question
Hello Chris I have a 2002 vtx1800 when I got it the bike would not shift.  It was stuck in neutral.  I removed the clutch cover and noticed a lot of black flakes on the outside of the clutch.  I then moved the shifter rod vertically about an inch then put it back into place and checked the shifting and it seemed to shift fine through all 5 gears.  I then drained the oil put back on the clutch cover and installed some castrol gtx 10 w40.  I started the bike and put it in gear then released the clutch as to take off but it did not take off.  I can easily shift through all the gears without the clutch pressed in and the bike will not move.  When I shift it to 1st it does act like it is engaging slightly with a slight movement forward.  I was thinking that the clutch plates may be fried and need replacement.  Is this a possibility?  what do you think the problem is?  It is shaft driven so when I pushed the boot back I see slight movement when it is first engaged but nothing changes due to engine speed.  There is no wierd noises so is there any ideas you could come up with to help me get her running again? I do not know much about the bike prior to me purchasing it as the previous owner passed away.  I do have a honda manual and have not found anything in it.  So I figured I would ask the masters.  Thanks, Rick

Answer
Hi Rick.

Your first instinct is correct; Rebuild the clutch.  Those black flakes are bits of the clutchplates, so the clutchplates are, in fact, fried.  Chances are that the previous owner either dogged the clutch a lot or didn't know how to work a clutch very well.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON