Rich, adjusting the clutch cable should only take a few minutes. The adjustment is down on the left side cover.
BTW, with the bike off and on it's center stand. You should be able to shift through the gears without the clutch. Try getting the rear wheel off the ground, and shift into first with your hand... you may need to rotate the rear wheel with your other hand as you do this. A little back and fourth with shifting and rotating the wheel. Your looking to get the bike in each gear..1-5, Without using the clutch.Then rotate the wheel forward in each gear and make sure it stops when it's in gear.... give the wheel a good push forward, you should feel good resistance. That will at least give you some indication of whether your trans needs service. If your able to shift it through ALL the gears, and the wheel stops when it's in gear.... your trans is likely ok.