Motorcycle Repair: Suzuki Boulevard C50 problems, suzuki boulevard c50, clutch lever

Question
Last weekend I had a buddy over who is interested in learning to ride.  I let him get on my Suzuki Boulevard C50 and taught him how to let out the clutch while giving it gas, thus riding the bike.  He stalled out qutie a few times but eventually got it.  Or so I thought.  He went down the street, tried to turn around and had a few really nasty stalls.  He made it back up to where I was at and I said we should go in.  Suddenly it refused to engage the gears.  The shift lever works, the clutch cable is not broken and I feel normal tension when I pull it but I start teh bike, shift into first, let out the clutch and it acts like it is sitting there in neutral.  I have a warranty on it but it means having to have it towed 115 miles to get it worked on.  Just thought I'd ask if there was something simple wrong that I could take care of on my own.  I was a trained mechanic in the army so i have an understanding of how to work on an engine but this is out of my range of knowledge.  Ahh, if only I had bought an Armored Personell Carrier instead of a motorcycle, I would know exactly what to do. :)  Thanks for your help,

Micah  

Answer
Hi Micah,

If the clutch lever has normal feel, there's nothing simple to check.

With your experience (MOS) you can handle about any repair on the MC. Get a copy of the service manual and troubleshoot the problem. Basics apply from vehicle to vehicle. MC's are fairly simple design.

You may continue checking the problem. With the rear wheel raised slightly, engine turned off, transmission in first or second gear, try and rotate the rear wheel. Try with clutch engaged and disengaged. Note the results.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively