Potential issue with the clutch and Kicker

Hey everyone, first post here and I've tried the almighty search.

I'm having trouble kickstarting my xs400, it seems to engage the clutch only halfway. It's like it only has half the compression of what it should.

I've tried adjusting the clutch cable / taking off the left hand side clutch case so the cable was not involved / and also partially removing the clutch push rod and it still won't seem to give me enough compression to kick over.

Sometimes it starts first kick but it seems if I miss the first kick opportunity I have not chance of starting it unless I bump start it.

Kind of grasping at straws here.

Could it be the clutch springs not returning to the engaged state?

any ideas would be great

thanks

nutral with the clutch disengaged is the only way the bike will kick, just as an fyi if you didnt know that allready

@ ahale i think you meant the clutch has to be fully engaged and in neutral to transmit the power from the back of the gearbox to the front crank via the clutch.

@ scoobs not sure what you mean regarding compression verses clutch. compression is the piston/bores and valve timing. clutch is the link in the transmission of power!