Author Topic: cb650 custom clutch problems  (Read 1464 times)

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Offline skydaddy2010

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cb650 custom clutch problems
« on: May 27, 2014, 09:43:27 PM »
Hopefully I can find a little help here. Just picked up a 1981 cb650 custom for pretty cheap.  Starts right up but needs a "clutch adjustment" probably should have considered that fact a little more when buying. Basically it was like the clutch cable was too long by about an inch. Figured easy fix.  New cable and new clutch cover because I crackled the mounting bracket while making adjustments.  Now I can barely get the right tension on the cable.  When I do, I squeeze the clutch and try to start it in first.  Lurches forward.  Thought maybe I just needed to put a little oil through it so I put it on the center stand and started it up. Shifts fine through all gears but not while using the clutch. I'd hate to bite the bullet and pay someone to fix it. I mean what's the point of a project of you can't figure it out yourself.  But I'm wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction.

Offline RJ CB450

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Re: cb650 custom clutch problems
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2014, 10:16:26 PM »
For the 650, first thing you want to do is set your handle adjustment in most of the way,  Give a couple turns to full in sort of space for just a little spacing.  Next, at the bottom, have it threaded in most of the way (so is sticking out to the clutch linkage.  This will give you max slack for your starting point.

Now, there is a big threaded nut in the centre of your cover.  A giant screw essentially.  You gotta spin that off.  Underneath, there is a screw with a locking nut.  10mm nut.  Use a valve adjust tool is the easiest way, else a socket and put a screwdriver through.

Loosen the nut.  Then adjust the screw until you start to get spring resistance, back out 1/8th to 1/4 turn and lock down.  Don't forget that if you are using a socket and not an adjuster to account for what the screw will turn as you lock it in.

Lastly, adjust the cable.  Do this from the bottom locking nuts.  spin the one on the end out and move it until it gets near tension point, and fiddle with it until you get the handle feel you are looking for.  You should see the nut and plate move as you pull the handle.  The bit of motion where it doesn't move is your slack, you want a little bit, the rest is the motion that releases the clutch plates.

Because any cable works entirely on tension, if this cannot get it dialed in, then the cable is wrong (from sheathe end to connection slack improper) or is something mechanical.

Edit:  Adding my personal experience with my 650.  It was way out of adjustment under the cover for it's pre-tension, and probably for a while.  The clutch had a problem with glazing and slipping for a while because of it.  For me, they had turned that nut in too much to compensate for a siezed cable.  Your's probably is turned too far out so that the clutch throw isn't releasing the clutch plates.  Mechanically, they are extremely simple, isn't too much that could cause your problem outside of wierd mechanical failure or clutch plates frozen together somehow...
« Last Edit: May 27, 2014, 10:21:09 PM by RJ CB450 »
74 CB450 K7 Supersport, 82 CB650sc Nighthawk, 1982 CBX 1000, 2015 Tiger XCx.... And some ol minibike with a 5hp Briggs.

Offline skydaddy2010

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Re: cb650 custom clutch problems
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2014, 10:01:36 AM »
So based on that. If I adjust the screw under the cap all the way out,  I should be able to put the bike in gear and get no tire movement right? 

Offline skydaddy2010

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Re: cb650 custom clutch problems
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2014, 11:33:17 AM »
If the clutch is seized, wouldn't the back tire move as though it was in gear even though the bike is in neutral

Offline skydaddy2010

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Re: cb650 custom clutch problems
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2014, 09:08:32 PM »
So update, clutch was frozen.  Probably from sitting for so long. Picked up a new clutch and noticed how simple the adjustment was.