When I pull the clutch lever it seems to feel solid after just pulling it in halfway. Sometimes it will release and operate as it should but then after pulling the lever a few more times it will feel solid again causing the clutch to drag. Does anybody know what this is?

Had same issue some years ago on a new 280 , in our case it was the allen bolt loose  [the one with the oil feed

hole in it ] as it was a new bike took it back to the dealers and was fixed while we waited

 Hope this assists you

Thanks Basil, not sure what bolt you mean - where is it located!

The 1 Basil is on about is bottom of the clutch drum i think see pic

Try revving bike while pulling clutch in. Sometimes this will wind it back in.Otherwise it's clutch cover of and a long socket to tighten up.No other dissasembly needed. Put bike on its side for this.

 It also could be as simple as he has over adjusted the lever. No free play.

Thanks all for advice. The lever has freeplay so it's not that. If it is the bolt that is loose should I put some threadlock on it.

 

Had a gg where the bolt head had sheared and was just sitting there blocking the slave cylinder. Really lucky it didnt work itself out and cause damage. Do it ASAP!

Some people run without the bolt in place to no detriment of the bike. I prefer running with it.

Regarding thread lock, it probably wouldnt do any harm, just be careful not to block the bolts centre hole.

If youre doing this yourself, when you have the clutch cover off, remember to keep the water pump drive aligned and the kickstart shim in place. 10 minute job btw

Edited September 5, 20178 yr by faussy

Thanks fussy.

Sorry faussy 'spell check' got it wrong.

Regarding threadlock:

Be careful with it, don't use too much and I would suggest using the "blue" vs the "red" (what we have in the States) .

The blue will allow for removal, whereas the red is almost permanent.  

The head on my bolt is not very thick so there is not much material for the Allen wrench to grab onto and could strip easily, I think it is a 3 mm or 4 mm

Thanks zippy. Bolt was indeed loose and broken. Now removed. Pretty poor design with a potentially costly repair.

 Did anyone mention, this has to be a hollow bolt, it is the vent.