Topic: Grabby "chirpy" clutch

[zabzob]

Just installed a new clutch. Genuine Honda metal plates, roughed up with 600 sandpaper. Some friction plates from I think vintagecb750.com, and some "high performance" springs. Clutch has been adjusted several times, but I'm still finding it really grabby on take of. Makes a kind of chirp-chirp sound as it grip and takes off, which seems to get a little better as it warms up. Using 20W50 motorcycle oil, which was fine before.

Any suggestions? Is this normal break-in?

[ekpent]

 Hopefully all those 'new' aftermarket metal plates are nice and flat or did they come in a Honda package ? Maybe a couple of good burnouts will break it all in 

[pjlogue]

Did you soak the new friction plates in motor oil before assembly? 

-P.

[zabzob]

pjlogue - yes, they were soaked in oil for days while I waited for the new metal plates to show up.

ekpent - the metal plates are Honda, not aftermarket, and came in in their Honda packages. I didn't check them for flatness though. Just assumed they would be good!

After a little more riding with a passenger on the back last night, things really smoothed out. We'll see how it feel today when it's cold again.

[PeWe]

I tried vintagecb750 hipo springs in my K6. They were of the shorter type and very hard. The longer Barnett springs felt and worked better with less on-off feeling. This with 836/80rwhp. Needed the slightly harder Barnett springs when bore passed 1000cc. Barnett springs for CB550.

[Steve_K]

I put new fiber and steel plates in my 73 750K and mine chirps when cold  when first starting off.  My cure was to hold the clutch in while it is warming up.  I am in neutral when I do this and squeeze the lever and hold for 10- 15 seconds and repeat.  I am guessing oil has a chance to get in between the plates. (I did soak the fiber plates)  After I did my clutch, I brought Hondaman's book and he speaks of a clutch hub modification to improve the clutch.  I have no problem after the oil is warm.  20w-50 motorcycle oil in my engine.
Steve