Topic: 71 cb500 hard clutch pull

[Moosey]

I have a 71 cb500 and recently did a rebuild on motor. The bike sat for years before I bought it. Was rust bucket. I replaced the clutch springs and cleaned up the clutch disks. The long push rod is in good shape and in one piece. the actuator arm inside sprocket cover works well and the ball bearing is in place. My issue is the pull on the clutch lever is just a bear.
How can I make this easier? Can I run Just two clutch springs instead of four? Will the clutch pull get any easier when the case is filled with oil and it gets heated up when engine gets running?

[toolguy]

I tried an aftermarket cable when i redid my 500. .  the clutch was hard to pull. .  bought a factory Honda cable and it was smooth and easy. . they are available.

[Moosey]

Bump

[wowbagger]

No, you cannot remove springs. Less springs mean less pressure on the plates and will cause slipping. These are wet clutches. So, it may get easier once the plates are oiled. If you didn't do so, it is best to soak the plates in oil for at least an hour before installation. You should also lube your cable and inspect for any kinks or tears in it. Also, make sure to so the full clutch adjustment:

1 - let all slack out of the cable at the clutch lever
2 - Loosen cable adjustment where it enters the left side cover
2 - loosen the lock screw on the left side cover
3 - tighten the large clutch adjuster slot fully. Then, back it off a bit (less than 1/8 turn)
4 - tighten lock screw
5 - tighten the cable adjustment where it enters the left side cover
6 - take up any remaining cable slack using the thumb screw on the clutch lever. There should be a slight amount of free play before the lever engages the clutch

If after all of that it is still difficult to pull then you may want to invest in a new clutch cable. Honda parts are always worth the money.

[jonda500]

OEM cables aren't cheap- before buying one I would first dissasemble the actuater from the sprocket cover and clean & regrease the quick threads- gotta be worth a try!