Do I need a new clutch?
 

Symptoms:
When cold the bike jerks a lot when pulling away,
The cable is pretty well extended out, (both ends but has a little left)
The bike doesnt move freely around when in 1st gear with the clutch held fully on,
Recently its been a sod to get it in neutral (almost impossible: having to turn it off then find neutral makes it a lot easier) On and crunches into 1st gear quite badly compared to what it used to be.
Done 45,000 miles and sometimes approx once daily - doesnt change between gears well.

Note I changed the worm drive (clutch actuator) a year ago as it had missing ball bearings and wasnt changing gear, fixed the problem. I believe its adjusted fine, I assume my problem is a worn clutch.

If so is all i need to replace would be the clutch plates, and springs, or would i need to replace the basket aswell.

Fairly competent in this sort of thing but never done clutches before.

Cheers for any advice! on replacement and how to do it from your experiences.

Also: DO I NEED TO SHOUT?

Being a mechanical numpty, I have the following opinion:

Everything you've said seems like the clutch just isn't disengaging properly. That being said, try to adjust the cable (if you have enough left), and change the oil since the SV uses a wet clutch.

If that fails, I'd rather try a new clutch cable than a whole new clutch.

If all else fails, I'd say, yes, you need a new clutch. But then again, I'm a mechanical numpty! I'm sure those with more knowledge will be along shortly :)

Hiya,
Worth reading this thread:
http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=44419 as it covers clutch adjustment and other related issues.

If your gear shifts are poor I would check that:
Your clutch is adjusted as per information in the above thread
Your clutch cable is oiled / greased
Your chain is in good condition and oiled
Your chain tension is correct (20-30mm of play when on side stand IIRC)


Edit: Generally I'm in agreement with Baph and it sounds like the clutch isn't being fully released.

Jambo

Please note, curvey's you can just pop the clutch cover off, pointy's you need to pop the combined cover off which includes the coolant pump, so the coolant needs to be drained first. I couldn't see which model you have but worth bearing in mind...

I hate my clutch. I have replaced, plates, basket, worm drive and cable and it still drags!!