Topic: CB550 (was a CB500) Clutch Holder / rod parts

[joemcvw1951]

Hi , I am new to the forum

I recently had a guy start to restore my 1973 CB500 that had sat for 25 years. He quoted me for a top end rebuild, new pistons & rings etc then apparently ran into problems and swapped my engine out for a CB550 engine which seems to be running OK, sad part is he never told me what he did, he just ran away. I can't get the clutch to disengage, So now I have a CB550 clutch setup on a CB500 frame I think a big issue is that the cable end over the lever is not affixed to anything so there is no force raising the lever (I attached a pic, the worm clamp does not secure the cable, also it would only bind it if I tighten) . I did find a picture of a 550 clutch setup, it looks like there is some sort of frame attached holder for the clutch cable end, also a rod from the end to the clutch lever itself. I think I don't know the right terminology for these parts and the Honda dealer can't find the part numbers (or the proper description either).

Does anyone know if I am on the right track that I need to get a holder bracket and a extension rod ??  Any idea of the part numbers or where I can get them ?  Any alternatives, tips , or suggestions ?  thanks

[wowbagger]

I think your main issue is you are using a 500 clutch cable on a 500 clutch mechanism. I'm betting a 500 cable would fix the issue.

[SohRon]

This is probably the bracket you're missing; It's for the 550 clutch. I think the cables are different, but I'm not sure. There's no rod, that's just the cable itself



Here's another pic (the bracket has been painted black in this shot) showing the cable



Hopefully Dave or another CB500 guru will chime in

[joemcvw1951]

I don't know what the cable is, I have a CB500 frame with a CB550 engine in it now. I wonder what the part number of this bracket is and if it will even fit my frame

Thanks for the picture, it's very clear

[SohRon]

I expect it will work as there weren't that many changes frame-wise between the 500 and 550. The bracket can be had on ebay, or check out the "parts for sale" section here on the site. Someone is usually parting out a 550.. might have what you need. Ask for a "right rear engine hanger bracket".

Like I said, maybe Dave 500 or someone more knowledgeable will reply.

[dave500]

you need that different engine mount bracket like sohron shows,you also need the 550 clutch cable as they have a different free length,this has been a problem for a few guys over the years so heres a file photo of the 550s free length,,this is with the cable disconnected at the handle bar lever end and all the slack pulled downwards.

[Duanob]

Wow your mechanic is quite the DB!

The good news is (hopefully you have a decent engine) tThe 550 tranny and clutch setup is way better than the 500. As long as the swap is in good shape. It sounds like your issues so far are an easy fix. As dave and sohron says get yourself the bracket and proper cable, follow the instructions to adjust the clutch cable and you should be good to go.

[joemcvw1951]

Thanks all for the help, I did find the mount on Ebay , also got some clutch friction plates & springs, a gasket and a cable, want to set it up right since I no longer know the history I'll keep my fingers crossed from here

[joemcvw1951]

got the parts and it's now shifting great