Topic: 77 CB550f clutch won't fully disengage

[JLOWE]

I downloaded the clutch adjustment instructions (since it was slightly different than my other bike) and followed them to the letter. But the clutch WILL NOT fully disengage. Even if I remove the cable and lift the arm manually it still drags a little. I turned the set screw in all the way, and it still drags to the point where you can only start the bike in neutral, but you can push the bike in first with the clutch pulled (although you can feel it drag.)

What am I doing wrong? The clutch worked passably when the bike was parked a couple months ago. Also- with it adjusted the way it is, the clutch lever is pretty effing hard to pull, definitely harder than it should be. A guy locally suggested draining the fluid and putting in fresh because maybe it's gotten gummy? Should I do that, and what kind of fluid is correct?

 This is my boyfriends bike, but I've kind of taken over for now, we've only had this like 6 months and it's been one thing after another! I swear we aren't complete idiots, I have an 81 GS450 cafe, and we had an awesome little cb125 we restored, plus he has a newer CBR. But this spruce goose has me pulling my hair....

[dave500]

loosen the cable off at both ends,apply thumb pressure upwards on the clutch arm and adjusting the screw get the dots to pretty much align,then reset the cable,if that dosent help the clutch maybe worn out?make sure the cable has this much free length or its the wrong cable.

[Deltarider]

Since the clutch operated well before the bike sat for a long while, I'd suggest to 'break' it free first*. If possible and with the engine off, select first gear and push your bike forward. If you happen to have changed the clutch cable, please inform us the make of the new one.
* It's not uncommon the clutch is hard to operate when these bikes have been parked for a long while.

[thep1pe]

The clutch is cable operated. No fluid to drain.

[JLOWE]

The bike has been sitting a few months. It did not run great before so it definitely wasn't a daily driver. Finally get it to fire and run nice and now the clutch is sticky 
And I know the clutch itself is cable operated, I mean the transmission fluid or whatever is in there keeping the clutch plates lubricated.

If I put the bike in first, and don't pull the clutch, you can't push it. Well, maybe YOU can, but I'm 125 pounds wet, so I'm doing pretty good to push it around in neutral.   

[dave500]

if you don't pull the clutch the rear wheel should skid when pushed.

[thep1pe]

Are you using the correct adjustment method? The 550 adjustment details are an add on at the back of the manual. There have been a few owners, new to 550's, got the adjustment method wrong because of it being stuck on at the back pages.

[Bodi]

The clutch runs in engine oil, there is no special fluid. I agree that you should check the Honda procedure for clutch adjustment. It seems to me that you have the engine adjustment wrong, that the lifting cam is running out of travel before the clutch is fully disengaged. You want it set so the throwout bearing is just barely not loaded with the engine lever relaxed.

[theriddler]

I would agree with using factory setup ... I have a 750f1 & used to find it to be like this ... like trouble find nrutral when warm ... lurch when taking off. Then I followed factory instructions & it now operates the best it has ever done....