Motorcycle Repair: Yamaha V Star Clutch and Fuel problems, clutch adjustment, clutch lever

Question
Hey,

About two months ago I got a 2001 V-Star 650 Classic and I'm having some problems with it. First, the fuel valve (on, res, off) doesn't work. I was trying to find out which position was on and which was reserve, and in the process discovered that it would run fine even in off. I went about 15 min down the highway with the fuel valve on off. Any ideas on how to fix this, or do I just need to get a new valve?

The other problem is, I think, more major. The clutch will not completely disengage. I tried adjusting the cable, but could not get it to completely disengage. It is still rideable and you can stop with it in gear, but I'm guessing that this can't be good for the clutch. If its not running and in gear with the clutch lever pulled in, I had to push it DOWN a hill, it wouldn't roll on its own. Again, Any ideas on what's wrong?


Thanks,
Brian


Answer
Hi Brian,

I suspect the petcock is defective. Remove it from the tank, inspect it, clean or replace it as necessary.

Do you have the service manual? If not, refer to the manual for clutch adjustment. It may be necessary to replace clutch plates due to wear. Metal plate may be warped, fiber playes may be worn thin, springs may be worn. Replace all as set.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively