Topic: How perfect should I expect my clutch to be? (350F)

[dougan]

I'm going to be getting my bike out of storage in the next few weeks and getting my pre-season maintenance done.

I've always suspected that my clutch needs work but I'm not sure if it's just a result of having a bike that was made in the 70's or if there is really an issue.  I don't feel like cracking it open if I'm not going to gain anything.  First, when I pull the clutch in, it feels like it doesn't fully disengage.  With the clutch level pulled in, if I'm in gear, it will still have some pressure on the rear wheel, but it's very, very slight.  Not enough to move me if I'm on the bike with my feet down.  Also, when the bike is at a complete stop, it sometimes doesn't like to shift down into first.  If the bike is moving at all it is not a problem, though-- just while perfectly still.

I'm using that 10w40 valvoline for wet clutches.  I'm going to be changing the oil soon and I plan to use that again.  I've already fiddled with tuning the clutch lever and that's not made it better.

So, I don't know, what do you all think, is this typical behavior or do you think I can do better?  Neither of these things is a big deal, just imperfect.

[HondanutRider]

You probably can do more.  Take a look at the Honda Service Manual for the clutch adjustments.

[dave500]

do the full clutch adjustment with the engine hot,after that it might still be a bit draggy when still cold,if you cant adjust it to disengage fully without then slipping under hard power the friction discs will need replacing.

[dougan]

Oh, yeah, that reminds me, forgot to mention that everything I described is true when the engine is warm... the clutch sticks worse when it's cold but that I am not worried about.

[ADW]

I'd agree with the other responders. My 350F doesn't behave that way. Service manual adjustment procedure dials it in just fine, so yours should be able to be dialed in per the procedure too. If not then it probably needs work.

[Stev-o]

How old is your cable? A stretched cable can cause headaches.  If it's over a couple years old or a cheap aftermarket, get a new one from Honda.
(Pretty sure they are available)

[camelman]

Dougan,

I've written about this before in the posts listed below.  If simple adjustments do not fix your clutch issues, then you might want to remove the clutch drum and smooth the fingers down.  I have had to do this on literally every Honda I've owned to get smooth shifting.  That's a total of 9 different Hondas, and they all had small indentations worn in the clutch fingers.  A simple way to avoid this issue is to not slam through the gears when you are shifting... but where's the fun in that?  ;-)

Scroll down and look for my first posts:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=95809.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=85893.0

Regards,
Camelman

[dougan]

Dougan,

I've written about this before in the posts listed below.  If simple adjustments do not fix your clutch issues, then you might want to remove the clutch drum and smooth the fingers down.  I have had to do this on literally every Honda I've owned to get smooth shifting.  That's a total of 9 different Hondas, and they all had small indentations worn in the clutch fingers.  A simple way to avoid this issue is to not slam through the gears when you are shifting... but where's the fun in that?  ;-)

Scroll down and look for my first posts:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=95809.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=85893.0

Regards,
Camelman

Thanks, the part you are referring to is #23 here right?

[camelman]

Yep. It looks like you have small indents on at least one side of the fingers. Use a wide file to smooth them out. Go gently!

[dougan]

Yep. It looks like you have small indents on at least one side of the fingers. Use a wide file to smooth them out. Go gently!

Oh, I should have mentioned this is a photo I found on the internet, not mine.  I'll be cracking it open tomorrow, hopefully while the rain finally washes the salt off the roads.

THanks for all the tips, I'll make sure to post back about how it goes.

[dougan]

I went to take the clutch cover off, and found about half of the phillips head screws' heads to be stripped.  I guess I will have to drill them out, which is something I've been able to avoid thus far on this bike (I guess this is probably typical for something older than me). 

I've never done this before, though, and I'd feel more comfortable knowing I already have the replacement screws when I do it.  I can't seem to find anywhere in my manual that lists what the screw specs are... can anybody help me get that information?

Thanks!

[camelman]

They are literally called "cheese head" screws and are available at Ace Hardware. Get an impact screwdriver to remove those types of screws.