Topic: CB500 Clucth/Transmission Issues and Questions

[Blue jacket]

I am new to vintage bikes. I have a 73 CB500 that I am having some issues with.  Not sure if they are related or not. 

First, it's difficult to get into neutral and it doesn't seem to matter if it's running or stopped.  It seems like it just goes right past neutral when pulling up the shiftier. 

Also, the neutral light will come on even though the bike is in gear, it's not slipping out of gear, just the light comes on.

Finally, and I think this is a clutch cable issue, when the bike warms up the clutch doesn't want to fully engage and the bike will try to pull even when I am stopped and have the clutch fully pulled in. 

I have a new clutch cable ordered, but wondered what other things I might want to look at while I am working on it. 


Thanks

[Moosey]

The clutch disks may may stuck together. Do a search on stuck clutch and there are some threads on here how to get them to break loose.

[Blue jacket]

Thanks, going to replace the clutch cable this weekend.  We'll see if that helps

[wowbagger]

When you replace the clutch cable make sure to follow the proper adjustment procedure for the 500.

1 - Screw in the adjuster screw on the hand lever as far as possible.
2 - Screw in the case adjustment screw on the cable as far as possible (where the cable enters the side cover).
3 - Loosen the lock screw on the left side cover
4 - With a large flat blade, tighten the slotted adjuster clutch as far as it will go. Then, back it off about an 1/8 of an inch
5 - Tighten the lock screw
6 - Screw out the case adjustment screw to take up slack
7 - If needed, screw out the hand lever adjuster to take up extra slack. Make sure to leave about 1/4 in of free play in the lever
8 - Set the lock screw on the hand lever
9 - Set the lock nut on the case adjuster
10 - Go ride

As calj737 said, when you replace the cable:
- Check that the push rod is in one piece and is not cracked (Part #7)
- Check that he ball bearing is in the clutch lifter where the push rod goes into the cam
- Check the clutch lifter for any damage and verify that the spring is in working order (Parts #3 & #4)
- Check the adjuster clutch for cracks and check that the seal is not damaged (Parts #5 & #9)
- Lube the adjuster clutch and lifter with some grease before reassembling

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb500k2-four-1973-usa_model461/partslist/E++11.html#results