Lever pulled = clutch disengaged. Lever out = clutch engaged. To make sure it is fully engaged (full spring pressure on the plates, not slipping-burning the plates up) I adjust mine so there is just the smallest detectable amount of free play in the lever. This allows me to pull it in with my first two fingers, keeping my pinky and ring finger around the grip, and get full disengagement-read: bike doesn't die when put into gear. It may jump, but shoudln't die. Unless things were radically different on much older bikes, this method should work.