I have tried everything I can think of in trying to bleed the air out of the clutch lines on a '82 V45. The clear plastic tube attached to the bleeder fitting on the slave cylinder shows no bubbles and if I leave it open when I release the clutch lever the fluid goes back like I believe it should. I have bled the lines long beyond any bubbles but can not get any pressure. I have rebuilt the slave cylinder and have tried three master cylinders with the last one coming off a running bike. I have blown out the lines and they are clear. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The trick I had to use was to loosen the banjo bolt at the master cylinder and squeeze the lever until the bubbles which rise to the top of the system (that banjo joint is the highest point) then tighten the banjo bolt and release the lever. I had to do this about 4 times to get all the bubbles out and get my clutch back.
On the tips and tricks page......... http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/tips.htm#A1.19
Thanks Jeff and Ken. After two months of messing with the clutch I have finally got it fixed. The shop manual should mention what you suggested.