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Author Topic: '75 CB550 clutch problems  (Read 765 times)

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Offline stereosilence

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'75 CB550 clutch problems
« on: December 18, 2015, 02:02:14 PM »
I'm still working on a long slow rebuild of my CB550. I have everything mostly back together but no oil it it yet. Since I did a front end swap, I am having to change the length of the clutch cable. I think I just got that right.

My problem:
The bike is in neutral and the rear wheel spins. I can pop it up or down into 2nd or 1st gear and back. If I put it in gear and pull the clutch, the wheel does not spin. I need to figure out if I have re assembled it incorrectly or if I am somehow not pulling the lever far enough.

My questions:
How much travel should there be in the clutch lever? I think I have 1-2 inches currently.
Could this be an issue of not having any oil in the bike? Obviously, it is easier to take apart the clutch right now, but if it is just no oil, it is probably good.

I can provide pictures/video later if need be. Also, it worked before the bike was torn down.
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Offline DaveBarbier

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'75 CB550 clutch problems
« Reply #1 on: December 18, 2015, 02:43:46 PM »
You should have .4-.8" of free play in your lever. Says so in the manual, just snapped a picture ;). This is from my '78 550K manual.
« Last Edit: December 18, 2015, 02:45:52 PM by DaveBarbier »
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Offline flybox1

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Re: '75 CB550 clutch problems
« Reply #2 on: December 18, 2015, 02:52:14 PM »
Do you have less spin as the bike/oil/clutch plates warm up?
Mine slowly spins until it warms up.
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'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

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Offline DaveBarbier

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Re: '75 CB550 clutch problems
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2015, 03:06:27 PM »

Quote from: flybox1 on December 18, 2015, 02:52:14 PM
Do you have less spin as the bike/oil/clutch plates warm up?
Mine slowly spins until it warms up.


Quote from: stereosilence on December 18, 2015, 02:02:14 PM
I'm still working on a long slow rebuild of my CB550. I have everything mostly back together but no oil it it yet.

I think his main question is if the rear wheel should be able to spin by hand when the clutch is pulled and in gear.

I'm pretty sure it should but since there's no oil in it it might act differently. I'd make sure your clutch is adjusted properly at the engine end of the cable. The '78 has dots to align, not sure about the '75.
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Offline stereosilence

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Re: '75 CB550 clutch problems
« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2015, 07:27:45 PM »
Yeah, I meant, "How much travel should there be in the clutch lifter (the arm on the side of the clutch)?"

The bike is not yet running (fingers crossed), but if there is an issue with the clutch assembly, I would rather figure it out now before I have the exhaust attached and oil in it and everything.
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