I recently purchased a new 09 GSXR 600. Everything is fine except the clutch lever seems too tight.Tight enough where it causes my hand to cramp after short rides around town. Is this normal? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This problem normally only occurs when the clutch cable needs to be shortened to very littleplay at the lever.If you've lots of free travel in the lever,clutch pack is too tight and shift is hard.I'm sure you know that.Anyway,since is still a problem,I'd be checking the throut at clutch pack before replacing the clutch.Throught lever could be bent or out of position,or just worn out from playing hard.You know how we are.

Did you adjust the freeplay on your clutch lever? You should havee 3-5 mm of freeplay. If so, maybe youjust need a new clutch.

The most common cause is that the bearing that the handle rotates on is worn out and now it is rubbing metal on metal. Buy a new clutch lever and install it and everything will be good as new.

Use the locking screw and make sure it is tight - it shouldn't come loose unless you have too much play in the cable, in which case, change the cable.
The clutch adjuster is very simple for a reason - it works, if it keeps coming undone, it is either not done up tight enough (hand tight only) or it is the cable - it isn't rocket science.

There will be some drag with it in gear and the clutch disengaged. The big test.. does it try to creep along when idling in 1st? The wheel should be free enough to turn by hand sorta, but there should be resistance. Once the oil is warm the drag will decrease significantly. When adjusting the clutch be sure to have the proper free lever. If you have it too tight it's going to start slipping, and hose the plates. You should be able to slip a penny between the handle and the perch at the gap crossed by the cable, before the clutch starts to open (the lever moves on the motor)

Wat lube are you running in the case? some goopey slop will cause a significant drag. When the clutch is in you are still turning all the gears in the transmission, that is a load of drag!
Have you recently rebuilt clutch? Check for notches in the basket dragging on the plates.

Plates and liners out of order will really drag bad. Have you had the plates out of the basket?

When it's idling and you put it into gear, does it kill the engine?

are you shure you have ALL the clutch plates?? the cable is well lubed? the pushrodbearing/adjuster may be in the middle of the clutch basket cover plate. OR you have the wrong springs installed!

Hi!
Help is at Hand (Excuse pun),
This problem described strongly relates to a seizing clutch cable or frayed.
If you remove it try and pull/push the inner with your fingers there should be No resistance, you may get away with a good oiling but I would recommend replacement.
Good Luck!
Paul 'W'
Onyer~EDson(:0) {#><
Please remember to politely rate my effort!

sounds like your clutch springs are old they tend to get hard as they get old. but even with the good springs you cant move the shaft with your hands . take the clutches and basket out its not hard just remember how it comes apart lol