That is true, there is an extra element of drag when pushing a bike with a dipped clutch rather than being in neutral, but conversely, there shouldn't be excessive resistance that makes the bike hard to move, especially with a machine as light as the CBR, which is what it sounds like 12andom is getting.


The bike certainly shouldn't be pitching forward when starting in gear with a dipped clutch, as that indicates that clutch hasn't fully separated the crank from the drive.

 

Let's assume you are right. Why would it have changed? The answer that it is there is no problem after a change doesn't make any sense to me. I have a cbr600rr right next to it and it doesn't have the issue and felt like the f4i did before the problem. I put the RR on the same stand and it doesn't drag at all. I need possible solutions. Sounds like you may have the same issue if that is your normal.

 

I agree with 74demon here. There will always be a residual amount of drag which typically we don't feel as we're sat on it on the tarmac. It's normally not noticeable.
After a winter lay up, my clutch isn't at it's best until I've warmed up the bike and pumped the clutch a few times, just to free up those plates a little.
You could try this, or maybe a bit of adjustment to lessen your drag but ultimately, I believe drags going to still exist in some form.

 

This definitely wasn't the first ride of the season that I noticed the change. I adjusted the clutch cable every which way and even had it pulled extremely tight just to see. Doesn't seem have improved.

I went ahead an ordered replacement plates and plan to open the clutch up. The challenge is finding that darn liquid gasket... Any leads?

 

[UPDATE] my parts came in for the clutch plates, friction plates, clutch springs, and clutch cable. Replaced the whole stack. The clutch drag still causes the bike to lunge forward shifting to first. Out of ideas...

 

It might be time to bite the bullet & get the bike into a garage to be looked at.