Topic: CB550 clutch adjustment

[Scott S]

 Trying to adjust the clutch on my '78 550K. Going by the factory manual and I have it working properly, dots on the clutch cover lined up, correct free play at lever, etc.

 It's engaging too far out for my taste. I'd like to feel the clutch engaging when the lever is closer to the handlebars, about 1/2 way out through the travel. Right now, it's about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way out. What do I need to adjust to bring the engagement point closer to the perch/handlebars?

[sniper1]

Have you adjusted the locknut and "screw" on the clutch cover? That typically will help. Follow the instructions in the manual exactly.

[Scott S]

 Yes. I did use the manual, but the instructions aren't very clear, to me anyway....

 I loosened the adjuster at the lever AND and the clutch cover arm until there was full slack in the cable.
 I used the locknut and screw to line up the dots. They're almost lined up properly without having to adjust anything.
 Adjusted the lower nuts just until the slack was taken up in the cable and the little "nib" on the end of the cable was snug in the arm.
 Adjusted the lever end until proper free play was achieved.

 The clutch works fine, I just don't like WHERE it engages. Is there a way to adjust these three items to get it to start engaging a little closer to the perch/bars?

[Frostyboy]

How about increasing the free play by backing of the wheel adjuster at the bar lever? Provided you can still engage first without clashing the take up point should come back towards the bar for you.

[uksparky]

loosen the cable at the bars...loosen lock nut clutch cover..turn screw until it gets tight..loosen 1/4 turn tighten lock nut..adjust cable at bars with about 3 mm slack in the cable..

[Scott S]

 That seemed to have helped a bit. Not as close to the perch as I like, but better. That's similar to how I did my XS650 adjustment. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it just where you want it.
 Wonder why the factory instructions aren't that clear?