Tranmission spinning while clutch engaged

Ok, I just bought a 1982 Xj550 last weekend that had been sitting about four years. I have been working on it like crazy, got it running....doesn't idle well but it runs. So anyway I have a couple questions for anyone willing to lend advice. One about the idle, as long as I keep the throttle up enough to keep the bike above idle it runs, it dies most of the time when it goes back down to an idle. Secondly, I'm thinking the clutch is stuck or something. When I engage the transmission into gear the back wheel takes off spinning before I even let out on the clutch, and if you pull the clutch it doesn't disengage the transmission......ANY SUGGESTIONS????

 

You're going to have to try and adjust the clutch.

To fix your idle your carbs must be cleaned and properly synched. There are several great writeups on this website in the FAQ section.

Your valve clearances need checked as well.

And before you ride check your rear brake shoes for delamination!

 

nothing wrong with the clutch, they all do that
with the clutch in you should be able to easily stop it with the brake
but
sometimes they get stuck after setting a long time
motor off, in gear, clutch pulled in, push it back and forth a few feet
if the wheel rolls, the clutch is disengaged

 

You need to do an oil change and get the bike good and hot a couple times, then re-adjust the clutch. If it continues to drag, you'll need to pull it apart and at the very least, clean it.