Since the clutch was working before, it has to be something simple once you find it.

 

Retaining ring of clutch rod end under the kicker cover is missing. So once I pulled out the rod the pressure was released and that end came off the release finger dropping the bearings

 

Long way of saying #5 in your diagram was missing. The smallest retaining ring I've ever seen by the way!

 

Glad you found it!!!

 

Track down the lazy **** that put that together that way and slap him for me.

Glad you found it, but damn.

 

Glad you found the culprit, your adjustment screw is still different from mine though, but shouldn't matter I assume,whatever works. Checked out pic of bike in profile looks good, would like to see more pics of it and curious about the emblems on the tanks.
I'm thinking that someone may have installed some pre 85 parts in your tranny, if I'm not mistaken, 85/86 is an identical-2 year tranny ,(late 84 included)...early 84 and earlier will have some different components here and there so consider that when buying any parts for it.

 

replace that bearing race on the kicker end with the newer ones as they burn out from time to time. ( have lost an entire bearing unit in the tranny as once they let go the bits get sucked straight in.

 

The culprit. A 90¢ retaining ring and a lazy PO. I had to laugh after driving 20 mins to Harley parts counter for that little guy. On a positive note I got an oil, primary, and tranny change out of the deal. Some new gaskets and uncovered a little bit more about my bike. Thanks everyone for the help and assistance.

 

is is there a particular style/brand better than the next?

 

Well I got her all put back together and took it for a test ride... Now I have a new issue. Hopefully you guys will know what's wrong or which topic to start a thread in.

Adjusted clutch and and rode it. Shifted great in and out of all gears. Then out of the blue lost all pressure in clutch. Stopped and checked tension and the shifting arm on tranny had no resistance. so I limped home, pulled derby and all looks good, started it up and magically had clutch again. Messed with it for a bit and found that the kicker isn't engaging and when I kick it somehow makes the clutch go limp. Use electric starter and clutch slowly build pressure again.

any ideas?