Author Topic: '71 CB500 won't go into 2nd (Read 3489 times)

CB500 newbie · « **on:** June 10, 2012, 06:33:22 AM »

Hey everyone

I'm new to the forum and CB scene. I have a beautiful 500 with mostly NOS parts and it's been running well. Of course the clutch has been a bit finicky.

Now I find that I am stuck in first and neutral and can't shift up into 2nd and beyond. It actually started while I was on a ride (not after sitting for long) so I'm confused. My instincts say the clutch plates are stuck but I'm not sure.

Any help for an eager novice?

Stev-o · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:29:04 AM »

Welcome. Post some pics of your bike.

Your issue is fairly common, read here...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=87857.0

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:39:17 AM »

Thanks. Have read some of these. Still a bit flustered trying to translate! Will check the clutch mechanism to see if any of those problems are mine. I'm new to bikes in general so it might take me longer than most!

Do you think disassembling the clutch and cleaning the plates etc is a good idea for a first step or is there a less intrusive solution I should try first?

Will post pics as soon as I get to a computer. Can't seem to do it off a mobile.

Thanks!

Deltarider · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2012, 10:03:40 AM »

Let's start with the easiest: is your drive chain well adjusted? Let's say 2 cm play in the middle. Not less.
Are the 4 screws that tighten the left side cover tight?
Then, the CB500 clutch has to be adjusted very precise, but then it should work fine.

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2012, 03:42:59 PM »

Turns out its a bent shift fork. Way more work than I have the skills for just yet. Perhaps a project for later. Will either have to outsource the work or find an engine to swap out. What a first season.

Stev-o · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2012, 04:10:43 PM »

Sorry to here that, the 500 has a history of trans issues.
It is def not a job for a newby, unless you have the shop, tools, time and will to do it.
Replacement motors are out there, but may not run as good as yours.

Put a want ad in the parts needed section?

dave500 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:26:27 PM »

yeah it might be a plan A becomes plan B job?if the fork is bent itll be from being forced over as the gear jumped out repeatedly,it may have worn dogs and slots on the 2nd/3rd gear wheel aswell.

Stev-o · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:28:40 PM »

Dave - you know these 500's better than most, is it just abuse that causes most of the 500 trans issues?

Have you had any issues?

dave500 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:35:26 PM »

ive had a funky 500 trans or two,,another 550 improvement was the way the end float on the shift drum was held in check,,the 500 also lets the drum slip side ways so the fork goes with it and the gear dosent fully bite then,it just makes it worse,a well cared for trans will hold up ok but once they get shifted too fast or flat shifted the trouble starts,,it only takes several good high load jump outs to bend and wear the fork aswell as damage the dog/slots/.i dont have a 500 now only 550,in a 500 frame/badges etc.,i stocked up on 550 engines and transmissions.

Stev-o · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:37:16 PM »

So a 550 will mount right up, right? Any mods needed??

dave500 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:40:17 PM »

umm?you need the 550 clutch cable,,the 500 one has more free slack you cant adjust out,,and you also need the right hand rear right engine mount,,this also serves as the clutch cable lower end holder.

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #11 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:43:33 PM »

Am actually thinking of swapping in a 550 on my 500 frame. This is really helpful. More tips on the swap?

dave500 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:46:59 PM »

it bolts straight in,if you have a later 550 with the pd carbs use your 500 carbs and intake manifolds.

you need this bracket for the clutch cable.

Stev-o · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:47:05 PM »

Faisal - where are you located? good idea, slap a 550 in there!

dave500 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:49:15 PM »

ive posted these pictures a few times now for the same question,,maybe i should post it all in the faq or tips and tricks section?

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:57:25 PM »

Looks like I'm a long way from
You. Am in Toronto, Canada.

Stev-o · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2012, 08:01:56 PM »

Ok, load the truck, here you go. Buy this, slap the motor in your bike and sell off all of the other parts.
Or keep it, fix the 500 trans and you have two bikes.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcy/3009550203.html

dave500 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2012, 08:05:07 PM »

yeah buy that,,put the 550 motor into the 500,,i like the early tanks better with the chrome cap.

the first 550s were the same frame etc as the 500,the later 550s had different rear peg mounting and tank and air box and front forks and carbs etc.

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2012, 09:01:54 PM »

Wow. Looks like a good option. Super helpful guys! Will update you. Thanks!

dave500 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2012, 11:58:26 PM »

one other thing on the 500 is the clutch rod,,it can snap in two and make the adjustment impossible untill you find it has broken,,ive never had one break but a few others have,,theres a thread on fabricating a heavier duty replacement.

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #20 on:** June 11, 2012, 12:47:16 PM »

Hi Dave,

I talked to another tech today (over the phone) and he suggested that it might not be a bent shifter fork after all but possibly a broken spring inside the left cover for the shifter. Does this sound plausible? If so, I can open her up and check that myself!

finally got a pic up!

dave500 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 11, 2012, 12:58:46 PM »

theres no spring in the left cover for the shifter,there are several springs behind the clutch under the right cover,depending on which one breaks or unhooks youll either have the shift lever not return to the central position or no shifting what so ever.

CB500 newbie · « **Reply #22 on:** June 11, 2012, 01:08:54 PM »

Interesting. That is a super clean engine you have there!

My bike does shift into 1st gear and I can get it into neutral as well - just nowhere beyond that in the upward direction. The return for the shifter pedal seems fine too so that spring must be OK. Coincidentally, my Kickstarter is also not engaging (older problem) - maybe there is a connection?

I'm just trying to cross off any easier fixes before going ahead with the engine replacement/project. Your wisdom is immensely appreciated! You can see, she is a beauty - and I don;t want to operate if I don't have to!

2wheels · « **Reply #23 on:** June 11, 2012, 01:48:55 PM »

I hope you can fix it, that's always the best way to go. But if not
See link
These guys seem to have parts advertised all the time. About 150 Km north of you.

I know this link is for a 350 but it may be worth contacting them.
http://owensound.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-street-cruisers-choppers-Parting-Out-1974-Honda-CB-350-W0QQAdIdZ335246377

bjatwood · « **Reply #24 on:** June 12, 2012, 06:11:34 AM »

Quote from: CB500 newbie on June 11, 2012, 01:08:54 PM

You can see, she is a beauty - and I don;t want to operate if I don't have to!

That is a nice looking bike! Almost museum quality

Hope you can get it fixed. You could send the motor to Hondaman and have him repair it. He's resonable and then the motor would be the "correct" one that came on the bike in the first place. Worth more $$ too that way.

News:

Author Topic: '71 CB500 won't go into 2nd (Read 3489 times)