My 2003 883R clutch was getting harder and harder to pull. With only 20,000 miles on it I had a mechanic change out the clutch cable and it worked fine with the new cable... for about 100 miles.. Then the clutch would not disengage the transmission.. At first I thought the cable had stretched in the Arizona heat so I took about 1/2" of play out of the cable sleeve adjuster.
At that point I heard a noise like marbles coming from the clutch.. I took it back to the mechanic and he pulled the clutch cover and upon initial inspection everything appeared okay. He then pulled off the clutch locking plate, inner and outer ramps and at that point when he grabbed the clutch adjusting screw and moved it in a circle it was obvious that the bearing supporting the screw had gone.. As long as he is into it this far he's going to check the pressed-in bearing in the clutch shell and any plates for wear too.
Arizona heat will destroy anything, I guess..
...Upon further inspection both bearings and the clutch adjustment screw wear damaged, and the friction plates were worn enough to warrant replacing too.. Oh well.. it's only money!