I have a 1990 EX500. The battery is drained, so I was going to push start it...just get it rolling down a hill and let the clutch out while I'm in 2nd gear and hope it starts. When I put it in 2nd and try to roll it though, it doesn't feel like the clutch is all the way disengaged even though I've got the clutch lever in all the way. I can roll it, but it takes a lot of effort, I'd have to find a pretty steep hill to get it rolling on its own. So, is there a problem with my clutch? Is it warped and dragging? The bike rides ok, I was riding it up until about a month ago.

Thanks
Adam

 

No, your clutch is probably fine. When cold, the clutch plates are still pretty sticky.
It would be wiser to get a Battery Tender Jr for about $30 and recharge your battery that way, but since nobody does the sensible thing anymore:
1) Shove that thing to the top of the nearest hill you can find.
2) VERY IMPORTANT!: turn the key to the ON position and make sure your engine kill switch is also set to ON. also pull back your choke lever to engage the fuel enrichener. (While easily forgotten, this step is crucial.)
3) Get it rolling as fast as you possibly can in neutral, hop aboard and pull in the clutch.
4) With the clutch in, snick the lever firmly into second. (This might require a firm, smooth upward pull, to overcome the positive-neutral finder function of the shifting mechanism.
5) Simultaneously bounce your fat-@$$ on the seat while quickly releasing the clutch. (The reason for bouncing your fat-@$$ is to maximize traction on the rear tire at the precise moment you are releasing the clutch, to avoid skidding to a hopeless stop in front of your bemused neighbors. Hopefully you completed step 2, or one of these smart@$$es is sure to notice this and you will become the primary focus for ridicule in your neighborhood for the next six months.)
6) Pull the clutch in as soon as the engine begins to fire on its own.
7) Go for a ride of at least 10 miles at freeway speed to recharge the battery.
8) Stop off at a dealership and buy a Battery Tender Jr for about $30. (It will quickly pay for itself not only by reducing the number of batteries you will buy over time, but also other components of the electrical system which become stressed and also exhibit shortened service lives due to wide variations in charge to the system.)

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Peace!
-CCinC