Hello all,
More learning to be done.
Firstly

does anyone have access to a user manual or service manual for the 1-VJ it appears to be strangely low key
** Somebody else? But, the engine is the same as the later 3AJ model, except for the oil pump and technical data.
I have had a great deal of fun so far with my bike but want to get it running a bit smoother. Hence the request for a user manual.
My clutch takes at the very extent of the travel available, so I want to replace the plates (and springs) but before I go nuts:
How easy is it to do this with basic tools?
Any specific tools needed?
** Nothing special needed.
What is the time frame?
** Depends; As a novice, take your time, work cleanly, check and check again, 1 day?
What parts are needed? - Clutch plates, springs and gasket, anything else?
** That's it. Probably no need to replace the steel clutch plates.
Oh and Any tips? - Will some vital, highly strung spring jump out and run away from me?
** No nasty springs running away. Be sure to liberally lubricate the clutch plates in engine oil before installation.
As I remember, there are two narrower clutch plates. They should go at the positions as per manual.
The allen bolts holding the clutch cover are of differents lengths. Make a carton with holes to keep them in the correct location. This saves a lot of time and possible damage to threads in your precious engine.
Thats about it: except for the manual request. Please

please

please
The way I figure it, is to remove battery and tank, lie bike on side and then attack with spanners, heat gun and 3in1 penetrating spray. Alternate order and try again (remembering to apply heat before spray.)

My bike has the fittings in place for an automatic kick start decompressor on the cylinder head, but no attachment to the kickstart lever: another thread