1985 WRX400 sticking clutch help

I just picked up a 1985 WRX400 in pretty good shape. I'm cleaning it up and anxious to really ride it.

One thing that troubles me is that the clutch sticks during the first start of the day. The clutch lever seems to be moving just fine but the first time into gear it "leaps" as the clutch isn't disengaging. After it's warmed up it creeps a little, but it does disengage.

But if the front wheel is not up against something that will stop the bike it's a harry step into first gear. Even the brakes will not hold it back.

Is there anything that I should be looking at to help the issue out?

WOW, thanks for the quick reply.

I'm clear on the pull apart and cleaning, but what's the process on adjusting the set screw?
Appreciate the help,
Stuart

adjust the cable at the lever end all the way in,at the center of the clutch youll see a hex head screw, and a lock nut, with an allen wrench and a 8mm box end, lossen the lock nut, then screw the hex head screw in until it stops, then back it off 1/4 to half a turn. you should have a little play on the engine side clutch lever.
you can adjust the fine play at the handle bar lever.
make sure you remember to tighten the lock nut..or youll be sorry.
usually when a clutch slips its from a worn set of plates, loose spring bolts, missing guides, or someone removed one of the dual springs looking for a light lever feel..
you should have 2 springs on each post. yellow coated springs are the heavy duty springs, white is the standard duty..

Thanks for the info, My 86 has the same problem. I can break the clutch loose by putting it gear and with the clutch pulled in and rocking it before starting.

Yeah, I almost went into orbit reving the engine and then putting it in gear.

seems all euro wet clutches are a sticky..what i do, let the bike warm up a little..
pull the clutch lever in,,, rev the engine a few times.
then drop it in gear, should be fine then.

My ritual consists of getting the bike moving before I put it in gear, then while riding in first gear, I pull in the clutch and tap the rear brake. This free's it up for the weekend.
It happens to mine when the bike sits for long periods of time.