Author Topic: '73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?  (Read 3052 times)

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Offline frito

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'73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?
« on: April 12, 2011, 05:51:09 PM »
Been having this problem off and on for a few weeks.  First noticed it in first gear.  Pull in the clutch, put the bike into first then let it out normal but the clutch still seems to be engaged a bit.  Sometimes going into 2nd will get the bike rolling.  This morning I noticed if I pop it a couple of times it seems to get unstuck and rides normal. 

The first time it started happening (just in first), I got a new clutch cable and changed the oil.  Haven't put on the new cable yet, but got the new oil in there and it seemed to like that.  Then the problem started creeping up again.  One day, then let the bike rest for about a week.  Worked fine again for a couple few weeks of daily riding.  Now it's funky again.  2 days in a row.  Just wondering what it might be. 

I have to be honest - I haven't checked the oil level recently, but did last time and it was solid.  I don't see oil leaks anywhere either.  But I'll check oil level tonight.  Need to find a time to change the cable since the old one may be banged up.
« Last Edit: April 12, 2011, 06:06:20 PM by frito »

Offline haill

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Re: '73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2011, 06:38:05 PM »
have you greased the clutch lifter assembly? Done with the grease nipple right by the gear shifter. it needs looking after, if the lifter gets dry the clutch would act the way your describing.

Offline Leanier

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Re: '73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2011, 06:47:08 PM »
Had that happen on two of my smaller honda's.  Turned out an adjustment solved the problem.  Seemed it was pulling to far and popping the clutch pusher to far or something.  Slight turn of the adjuster screw by the shifter may solve it.
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Offline westondc

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Re: '73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2011, 08:30:36 PM »
Had that happen on two of my smaller honda's.  Turned out an adjustment solved the problem.  Seemed it was pulling to far and popping the clutch pusher to far or something.  Slight turn of the adjuster screw by the shifter may solve it.

+1 adjustment problem, had the same issue with my 72 cb500. opened the shop manual and followed the clutch adjustment instructions. a year later and not once has the clutch acted up.
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Offline kylemontoya

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Re: '73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2011, 02:51:42 PM »
have you greased the clutch lifter assembly? Done with the grease nipple right by the gear shifter. it needs looking after, if the lifter gets dry the clutch would act the way your describing.

I had the exact same problem, and this fixed it. the nipple on mine dosent seem to work, so i just disassembled the part and filled it. now it works fine.
74 cb500

Offline dergs713

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Re: '73 CB 500/4 - Stuck clutch?
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2013, 09:24:51 PM »
Having the same issue w mine and still not solved. Bike jumps and dies while shifting into first...
Matt