Topic: Finally Finished - Not! Need Clutch Advice.

[imamotohead]

After 4 years of starts and stops I got my '75 750F cafe project out of the garage under its own power .  Of course all was not perfect.  For the second time since I got it running I had to pop it into 2nd gear to break the clutch loose so it would idle with the bike in gear with the lever pulled in.  I have adjusted the clutch per the manual specs and am running 10w-40 semi-synthetic Castorol.  Everything on the bike is pretty much new except the motor.  I runs great but I can't shift it into neutral while its running and it clunks into first like a Harley.  I searched the forum and saw many posts recommending adjusting the clutch (done I think), and oil recommendations - sounds like I should probably switch to a mineral based moto oil.  I guess my question is should I replace the clutch?  I have no idea how old it is.  I could pull it apart and check its condition but I'm worried about  the sticking problem since its done it twice.  If I should go the replacement route what should I go with?  Barnett seems to have a good name.  I saw this kit on EBAy:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-CB750-K-CB-750-F-BARNETT-KEVLAR-CLUTCH-KIT-69-78-/270583332979?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%   Would that be a good choice?  Any thoughts or recommendations will be appreciated!

I posted before and after shots of the bike.  It been a long time coming.  Finally the real fun can begin!!   

Thanks!

Scott

[PeWe]

This might be what you need.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=78643.0

I have drilled the holes in the hub, not tested it yet. Same as the last photos, 8 holes.
I do not remember any specific problems finding the neutral though. For me normal to gear down to 1st, eventually up to 2:nd and down again to find the neutral. Sometimes by fiddling with the clutch lever, release and grip. My hand and foot knew what to do, just reflexes

[Reganator]

I just finished up my own CB750.  It had sat for at least a year and the clutch was sticking on mine as well.  Just to double check, when you adjusted the clutch at the clutch you loosened the lock nut, turned the adjuster screw clockwise until you felt resistance, and then backed off 1/4 to 1/2 turn and tightened the lock nut?
I'm using Casterol 10w40 motorcycle oil at the moment as well with no issues, so I wouldn't think that's your problem. 

CB750 supply sells clutch parts and lots of CB750 parts dirt cheap, you may want to check into that site as well.

[Lostboy Steve]

I can't speak for a 750, but I will tell you about my 550. My bike had been sitting since 91. It had an original 9000 miles and the clutch looked great and was not sticking. It was lazy to grab in between gears. I ordered all EBC stuff from my local cycle-gear. Springs clutches and steels. I left the basket alone and just made sure my adjustments were perfect. I also media blasted my pressure plate to get a dull non directional finish. Strangely, my clutch cable was too long now, probably from years of stretching and new stiffer springs. After a new cable, everything was absolutely wonderful. It feels so nice, grabs well, and I have no issues in or out of gear and neutral. (I also run Castrol Synthetic Motorcycle oil.)

[imamotohead]

Thanks for the replies!  They give me a good starting point.  Won't be able to do anthing for another week but I will post my results.  Any more recommendations for clutch replacement kits?

Thanks!

Scott

[kghost]

If you have more time then money......

Assuming you have adjusted the clutch properly,

Remove the clutch plates. Give the fibre and steel plates a light scuffing with some 400 sandpaper. Reinstall.

Otherwise try the thread previously suggested or some new parts.

I've done this on several 750's with the same problem.

[K3Owner]

Replacing everything with new and fresh (I prefer OEM) would be just the ticket but, if you're a little tight on the dollar, ride it and let that clutch soak for a while. Sitting dry for long periods isn't good as the locked clutch demonstrated. A lengthy 'break-in' will give you more data for a more informed decision. If it doesn't improve, you can remove and soak or replace.

[Bailgang]

I don't have first hand knowledge on the Barnett clutch because I've never tried one but from what I've read they are great for the track but a bear on the street. I guess they have pretty strong clutch springs that can wear your left hand out in street use. On my 550 I removed all the steel clutch plates, sand blasted them to give them some etch, reinstall with original fiber plates along with new EBC springs and it works great. My kids '73 750 on the other hand sat for about 20 years and when I first got it running it's clutch wouldn't release so I had to take it all apart, cleaned all the plates, soaked them in oil and it worked however finding neutral was a bear at times. We just installed a fresh '77 750 engine in his frame which has a trans that's in much better shape than the trans in the 73 engine was, sand blasted the steel discs and reinstalled with original fiber discs along with new EBC springs like I did with my 550. I also drilled the hub per Hondaman and so far it works great even finding neutral. A lot of variables though between the clutchs in the 73 and 77 engines because like I said the trans in the 77 was in better shape to begin with plus I had drilled the hub on the 77 engine which I hadn't done to the 73 engine.