Friction Zone

The friction zone is almost all of the way out on the clutch.  Is that normal for a sport bike?  I have a 1999 Suzuki GSX600R (Katana).  It's really tough when I'm starting out on a hill, because I'm afraid to let go of the brake until I hit the friction zone.  Should I just get used to it, or should I have the clutch looked at?  

my clutch engage point is pretty far out too. go out and sit on your bike on flat ground, put it in gear and just let the clutch out slowly until you feel it start to bite a little. then pull it right back in.  repeat 10 or 20 times until you know exactly the moment it will engage (from muscle memory).  then on hills use the friction zone in place of the brake, or in addition, because it wont really hurt the clutch (as its wet), and you will be able to get off the brakes right away.  

We did that on the first day of my MSF course, I don't know why I didn't think about doing that.

Thanks!  

thats exactly how i learned to do that!  way to be taking the MSF class.  way smart!  

When not on a hill you should be able to get moving clutch alone. how many miles do you have on the bike? Also if you have a wheel adjuster on the clutch cable at the lever your free play in the lever before  it starts to pull on the clutch should be about the width of a quater.I havent played around with a 99 bike in a long time but what i am saying is first you will have adjustment and when you are all out of adjustment your friction plates are burnt and done. a quick easy way to test for a slipping/burnt clutch is when going up a hill put it in one gear higher than noraml and if your bike starts to slow down and bog out your clutch is holding and if your rpm's increase your slipping and right on the line of a blown clutch.  

Right, when I'm not on an incline there's no problem, but also I don't feel the need to hold the brake when I'm starting out.  She only has about 4,400 miles on her.  I don't smell anything (like the clutch burning) when I'm shifting, so I guess it's okay.  I'll check into adjusting it.

Thanks!  

another way that works well is when o starting on a hill use your left leg as a kick stand and keep your right foot on the rear brake then your hands free for clutch and throttle. When you start to pull release the rear brake zero roll back with that method.and yea no way the clutch is toast at 4400, but could be getting sloppy in the adjustment.
The cables stretch and you should have two adjusters just play around with the one on the lever.