Topic: Clutch friction point question

[Scott2.0]

Hi all, long time reader, first time poster. (Edit, just realized it's not my first post.  D'oh!)

I recently picked up a 73 CB750 pictured below.  I've gone through the bike and cleaned up the carbs, the tank, put in new fuel lines, petcock, sprocket, chain, battery...

The bike runs great with just a couple minor annoyances.  One is the friction point on the clutch.  The lever has to be almost all the way released before the clutch engages (disengages?).  I've played with the adjustments both at the lever and on the lower right side.  The cable is nice and tight and the lever has a nice, smooth feel to it.  Is this normal for these bikes or does this mean I need a new cable and/or new clutch altogether?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[MCRider]

Hey, you've got a tripleAAA header like in my avatar!  Cool. (mine is lost to the ages)

As to the clutch friction point, yes it is the nature of the bike, on the one hand.

When you say you adjusted the lower rt, did you mean the cable or the adjuster behind the chrome cover?

[Scott2.0]

Hey, you've got a tripleAAA header like in my avatar!  Cool. (mine is lost to the ages)

As to the clutch friction point, yes it is the nature of the bike, on the one hand.

When you say you adjusted the lower rt, did you mean the cable or the adjuster behind the chrome cover?

Hey, I've been wondering what this header is called.  Thanks!  The bike came with it.  I think it's pretty cool looking. 

I adjusted the lock nut and cable in front of the chrome cover just to take a little slack out of the line.  I didn't realize there was an adjuster behind the cover.   What does that adjustment do?

[CycleRanger]

Scott, howdy!  Nice bike, nice pipe!

Grab a pdf of the Honda Shop Manual here:  http://honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/shop-manual

In it is described the exact procedure for adjusting the clutch.  You can also get copies of the parts list and owners manual from the same site.

[MCRider]

Hey, you've got a tripleAAA header like in my avatar!  Cool. (mine is lost to the ages)

As to the clutch friction point, yes it is the nature of the bike, on the one hand.

When you say you adjusted the lower rt, did you mean the cable or the adjuster behind the chrome cover?

Hey, I've been wondering what this header is called.  Thanks!  The bike came with it.  I think it's pretty cool looking. 

I adjusted the lock nut and cable in front of the chrome cover just to take a little slack out of the line.  I didn't realize there was an adjuster behind the cover.   What does that adjustment do?

My header was lost to thieves in 1971. There have been a few others on the board, but not many, and none in as good a shape as yours it seems. They weren't made very long.

The adjuster under the cover can move the friction point in and out the lever travel. But it won't really broaden the point. In other words, it is a quick grab by nature. If you like it otherwise, leave it alone.

[Scott2.0]

Scott, howdy!  Nice bike, nice pipe!

Grab a pdf of the Honda Shop Manual here:  http://honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/shop-manual

In it is described the exact procedure for adjusting the clutch.  You can also get copies of the parts list and owners manual from the same site.

Thanks for the compliment and the link!  I'll look up the procedure and will get to work.

My header was lost to thieves in 1971. There have been a few others on the board, but not many, and none in as good a shape as yours it seems. They weren't made very long.

The adjuster under the cover can move the friction point in and out the lever travel. But it won't really broaden the point. In other words, it is a quick grab by nature. If you like it otherwise, leave it alone.

Bummer about the thieves.  I didn't realize it was all that rare.  Score one for me!

The quick grab isn't too big of a deal but I really wish it engaged further down in the lever travel.  I have to almost fully release the lever before the bike begins to roll.  It sounds like the adjuster under the clutch cover is exactly what I need.  I'll download the manual that CycleRanger provided and will see if I can knock it out.  Thanks again!

[Scott2.0]

I'm here http://www.hondacbfour.com/download/man_officina/pdf_manuali/CB750_K-F/CB750_2.pdf on pages 57-61 and I see how to take apart and reassemble the clutch, but can't find reference to the clutch adjustment under the cover.  I'm attempting to bring the friction point down in the clutch lever travel, if possible.  Can someone help this dummy out? 

[MCRider]

I'm here http://www.hondacbfour.com/download/man_officina/pdf_manuali/CB750_K-F/CB750_2.pdf on pages 57-61 and I see how to take apart and reassemble the clutch, but can't find reference to the clutch adjustment under the cover.  I'm attempting to bring the friction point down in the clutch lever travel, if possible.  Can someone help this dummy out?

That information would more likely be in the tune up/routine maintenance section of the manual. Not in the actual hardware of the clutch itself.

You can do what you're asking, but you'll end up with some slop in the lever.

[Scott2.0]

I'm here http://www.hondacbfour.com/download/man_officina/pdf_manuali/CB750_K-F/CB750_2.pdf on pages 57-61 and I see how to take apart and reassemble the clutch, but can't find reference to the clutch adjustment under the cover.  I'm attempting to bring the friction point down in the clutch lever travel, if possible.  Can someone help this dummy out?

That information would more likely be in the tune up/routine maintenance section of the manual. Not in the actual hardware of the clutch itself.

You can do what you're asking, but you'll end up with some slop in the lever.

Thanks again, found it!  For anyone that may come across this thread in the future, clutch adjustment steps can be found here: http://www.hondacbfour.com/download/man_officina/pdf_manuali/CB750_K-F/CB750_4.pdf on page 183.

[lucky]

Clutch engagement question.

[mono]

when i was fiddling with the adjusting this on my 550, i adjusted the screw too far and caused the lever to come off of the rocker.  i don't know if it's the same mechanism on your '73 750, but i thought i'd throw it out there as a cautionary tale (so you don't have to drain your oil).

guys, is this something he should be wary of?