Backfire on rebuild

Got ready to fire up my KZ1100 after top end rebuild, and got a backfire. Wondering what my problems could be and where to start looking. Also my clutch hand lever doesn't want to pull the clutch lever down below. I don't want to force it for fear of damaging something. I did no work on the clutch.Any opinions would be appreciated.

One backfire is no reason for concern unless that is all it does. If all it does is backfires as you try to start it then I would make sure the ignition rotor was not put on 180 off. Next I would make sure the wiring to the coils is correct then I would pull the valve cover and make sure the cam timing is correct. Did you do the top end or someone else. Did the clutch work prior to the work being done on the bike?

I had the head reworked by a shop here in town. I installed the rings and did the rest of the work as far as assembly goes. I was pretty careful with every aspect of it No problem with the clutch prior to tear down.

Sounds like we both are having troubbles with our bikes!!!My guess would be,if it was sitting without oil for a time,the plates might have dried up a little,maybe sticking tight.Or the cable broke....