[DaveO430]

You will need to remove the front cover and check the shift mechanism. The problem could be farther in but that is the place to start. You have to drain the oil and coolant and there is a gasket and several o-rings that will need replacing, also a good time to check the water pump.

 

[DaveO430]

Do you have a hydraulic clutch?
If so, check you fluid level. You may have to bleed it.

Does your 1100 have a hydraulic clutch?

 

[DaveO430]

That would seem to point to your suspicion of a dragging clutch loading the gears and making shifting difficult.

Of course it could be something else but I see nothing in the linkage under the front cover that would cause that.

Shifting a motorcycle without using the clutch is easily done, some riders might not even notice if it quit releasing until they stopped. If the clutch didn't work he would have trouble getting it in gear when not moving and it would be obviously the problem.