1982 Yamaha XJ650J clutch adjustment

Loosen the handle bar adjustment a lot, .then take a little slack out of the cable at the engine connection, then re-adjust the handlebar lever with a bout 1/8" play

The "Starter Clutch" is on the end of the "Starter Motor"

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1982-yamaha-maxim-650-xj650j-starting-clutch/o/m147106sch225865

You may want to make sure the clutch cable is properly adjusted. At the clutch lever on the handlebars, pull back the rubber cover over the end of the cable where it goes into the lever. You'll find a round lock wheel that you tighten to prevent the clutch cable adjustment from moving. Loosen that wheel then you can turn the clutch cable adjustment in or out to adjust the clutch engagement and take up. For those bikes, you want to adjust it so that there is a small amount of slack in the clutch lever. Look at the "crack" where the lever pivots when you pull on it. Adjust the clutch cable by turning that adjustment in or out until you have just barely enough opening to slip a nickel edge into the very outside of that "crack" when you apply very, very light pressure to the clutch lever (just enough pressure to take the slack out of the lever). Tighten the lock wheel back into place and try it now. Also, make sure you are using a good, FIRM foot pressure to engage each gear. If you don't engage firmly enough or the adjustment is out, then it will pop out of gear. You notice it more on the lower gears because the lower gears allow the engine to send more torque thru the clutch, thereby providing more force to make it pop out of gear.

If this doesn't help, then take it to a shop to see if it's simple worn clutch disks (easy to replace on this bike) or if the gears have worn teeth in the transmission.

Good news, you just need adjust the clutch cable..

Always order the part for your model and year when getting parts and make sure it matches in length with the old one. Note how much cable is sticking out of the housing.
Is it 3 1/2 inches or 4 inches or 2 inches. make sure the new one matches.

Put the new cable on with lots of slack.Slack at the adjuster, and slack at the handlebar adjuster
Now pull the lever in, it will be easy because of the slack.let it stay there.
It will stay against the grip.
As you tighten the cable adjustment down by the cover, you'll notice the clutch lever move out.
Once it reaches the top, stop adjusting and pull it in again.
Continue adjusting and pulling the lever until the lever springs back to the top.
You can feel resistence which is the clutches disengaging.
Make sure there is 1/8" free play when the lever springs back.
Now turn the clutch cable adjust on the handlebar outward, which will remove the rest of the slack.
Only leave 2mm slack on the lever.

Now start your bike up and it should work like new.
You want your clutch to disengage within the first 1/2" of pulling the lever in.
This ensures the clutches are definately disengaged by the time you get the lever pulled back to the grip when shifting.

If your clutches are slipping or dragging no matter how you adjust the cable then your clutches may need replaced.
But sounds to me like its just an adjustment.
Hope to be helpful
Big Al

There is a small spring that returns the shift mechanism to a neutral position that has probably broken or become unhooked. The same problem can happen if upon reassembly the shift activator gears slide past each other and no longer twist the mechanism. Either way you should be able to look at the mechanism and spring by taking off the shift lever and removing the engine cover behind the lever. The cover. http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1982-yamaha-xj650j/o/m8214#sch227044 The mechanism and small spring (part#2) http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1982-yamaha-xj650j/o/m8214#sch227724

Unless you have had your clutch recently replaced it is probably starting to wear or it is not fully engaging. Some possible causes - the clutch lever is not allowing it to fully engage. Look at swivel by clutch cover and see if cable gets loose. Spring maybe weak or cable maybe binding. Your bearing on your clutch lever may also be worn out. Remove and inspect.

hi buddy you can either adjust the clutch on the lever or along the cable will be an adjuster these pics will help you

It neds to be where there is at least a little slack in the cable at the lever. Or else it will not be fully engaging.

Sounds like the bike has been doing wheeles and burnouts. As the clutch plates wear the cable needs adjusting. You have reached the end of the actuating cam. New plates are your best bet.

Your clutch is not fully disengaging.Adjust the cable at the lever until you have plenty of free play.Then adjust the cable at the motor until you have full engagement then readjust lever to 3/8 in play.Fine tune at the motor.It may take a few trys but you can get it.