Hi - I’ve not ridden my bike yet as the engine had an air leak when I bought it.
I’ve stripped/split the engine and rebuilt it. I haven’t quite got it running yet, but I’ve noticed a problem with the clutch.
When it’s in gear (1st), if I pull the clutch lever in and pull/push the bike back and forth, the engine is turning, ie the clutch isn’t working. I’m sure the clutch has gone back together exactly as it was. The only clutch related part that has been replaced is the clutch cable and that is operating the lever on the bottom of the engine fine. The ‘feel’ on the handlebar lever seems normal/correct, ie it feels like it is operating the clutch in the normal way, not too easy and not too stiff.
I will take the RH cover off tomorrow (and take some pictures!) to inspect the clutch, but what should I be looking out for?
All the plates etc seem to be in very good condition and came apart fine. The clutch basket seems fine.
Thanks…..

Phil, it's worth putting it into higher gears too and rocking it.
Could be just the friction plates sticking to the steels, can you see the clutch plates with the gearbox oil cap removed?

Thanks Pete. I’ll give that a go (Arghh, I’ve just drained the oil) but when I put the clutch back together, I did put lots of transmission oil on the plates.
 

Is the clutch just dragging a bit with the oil on the plates. Will it push through compression, as in 'definitely not freeing'. If its lifting so the plates are free but still doing it the only reason i can think of is lack of clearance for the clutch center [hub] as its bolted [big nut] up to the spacer that gives it running clearance. Have had that on mainly smaller bikes 100--125--175. So if you get in there again just see the hub revolves free with plates removed.
www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcy...clutch-250b-c-400b-c

Many thanks.

I put the transmission oil back in and pushed the bike up and down the road a few times with it in 3rd gear and the clutch lever pulled in. Clutch isn’t frozen solid (ie, the engine isn’t turning over), but it was difficult to push (a lot of resistance compared to pushing it in neutral)
Looks like I’ll have to open her up.
Or should I wait until I get the engine running and ‘give it a go’ ???
Your thoughts please…
 

I’m not the expert as some here but I’ve gone through 5 bikes front to back top to bottom in the past few years and I say start it and re-assess. I’m not convinced you have an issue. Sounds like you are conscientious about your work. Is the clutch adjusted both at the lever and motor per manual?  Good luck!

If you can push it up n down the road like that it'll be ok. Just wait until she's running. Carfull where you point it though when you first pop it into gear.