Author Topic: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA  (Read 809 times)

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Offline HMBdreamer

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New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« on: March 23, 2019, 09:05:20 PM »
Hi everybody!
I'm a long time lurker and first time poster.
I can't express how grateful I am for the existence of this resource. The info I have learned from questions and answers already posted has been extremely valuable. The generosity of the members freely sharing their knowledge gained from actual experience makes this community and others like it is one of the greatest things about the internet. It almost somewhat restores my faith in humanity.

I live and work in Half Moon Bay, CA on the coast in the San Francisco Bay Area. Literally a stones throw from Hwy1. I currently have only 1 motorcycle that until very recently was parked for the last 15 years.

It is a CB750K4 frame with a K3 engine, a later front end, some cool chrome bits, and a Honda Dream tail light.

I'm looking forward to becoming part of a great online community
It's ok if it leaks a little oil, that just means there is oil in it.
It's when it stops leaking that you should worry.

Offline FourUsTry

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2019, 12:43:30 AM »
Welcome from MA. I lived out your way years ago and one of my favorite bicycle rides was up from Palo Alto along Skyline and out to Half Moon Bay. I'm sure it's more built up now but probably still gorgeous. Also took my first motorcycle on Skyline a lot (and all over Northern CA) -- great riding but once there was a wet, mossy curve that was wiping out all the riders  :P . I hope you enjoy all the great riding out there (and how much of the year you can do it).
1978 CB550K

Past:
2001 VFR800
1980 CX500

Offline HMBdreamer

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2019, 08:45:27 AM »
Hi Fourustry
Thanks for the reply :)
I originally moved to Mountain View in 1993 when I was 18. I was never able make it to Skyline on a bicycle, but it quickly became my favorite area for motorcycle rides. Definitely got to watch out for those mossy curves... Lots of great roads between Santa Cruz and to the north of San Francisco!
 I’m just now trying to get back to riding after a 15 year break. That’s how long it has been since the motorcycle in the picture took a crap. I finally got to a point (mentally and financially) where I could deal with the problems it had. After about 6 months of tinkering I was able to start it(!) last weekend. I took it for a short ride around the parking lot ... and now it has a clutch problem. I will be starting a thread soon to hopefully get some guidance on what might have gone wrong.
It's ok if it leaks a little oil, that just means there is oil in it.
It's when it stops leaking that you should worry.

Offline MD

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2019, 04:49:33 PM »
Welcome from NE MN,

One comment I got on my 550 was that the plates can stick if a bike has sat for a long time.  The cure given was to keep working the clutch so the plates can get knocked loose.

-MD
1975 CB550F Super Sport;  Lake Superior Circle 1000, 45-90 Saddle 1000, All in Yooper 1000 and SS 2000 in 48 hrs:  1985 GL1200A, MN in State SS1K

Offline HMBdreamer

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2019, 08:00:07 PM »
Hi MD
Thanks for the tip! This is the kind of advice I'm looking for! Did yours free up? What did you have to do? Did you just pull on the clutch lever a bunch of times?
In researching clutch problems, that seems to be the most common thing that goes wrong in bikes that haven't run for a long time.
What worries me is just the way that this problem suddenly occurred. I got about about 5 good feeling clutches, then 3 or so "mushy" feeling clutches where the friction point was kind of vague, then 1 chattery, grabby clutch, and then it felt like the cable snapped suddenly. I checked the cable and it was still intact. I removed the outer clutch cover and the lifter arm that the cable pulls on was popped out of place a little bit. I pushed on it with my finger and it popped back into place.
 I tried to do an adjustment on the lifter arm but no change. now the clutch lever has resistance like it is compressing the springs, but it doesn't disengage.
I keep thinking something must have broke, but I don't want to take it apart until I get a couple of second opinions, or know what to look for when I'm in there.
It's ok if it leaks a little oil, that just means there is oil in it.
It's when it stops leaking that you should worry.

Offline jgger

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2019, 09:40:24 PM »
Welcome,  for the clutch with the motor off put it in 3rd gear or higher then pull the lever and rock the bike forward then backward. You can tell when the plates break free because it will be easier to push.
"The SOHC4 uses a computer located about 2-3 ft above the seat.  Those sometimes need additional programming." -stolen from  Two Tired

The difference between an ass kisser and brown noser is merely depth perception.  Stolen from RAFster122s

Offline HMBdreamer

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2019, 09:56:29 PM »
Hi jgger,
Thank you so much for the advice! I will try that tomorrow after work.
I will be ecstatic if this is a problem that can be solved without pulling the clutch apart!
It's ok if it leaks a little oil, that just means there is oil in it.
It's when it stops leaking that you should worry.

Offline HMBdreamer

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #7 on: March 25, 2019, 06:09:13 PM »
Hey MD and jgger,
You guys were right on the money!
I did what jgger suggested and within a couple of minutes the clutch became unstuck and started working again!   ;D
I can't believe it was such an easy fix. Things just don't usually go that way for me. :)
I really appreciate the help, and if you ever come through Half Moon Bay , lunch is on me!
It's ok if it leaks a little oil, that just means there is oil in it.
It's when it stops leaking that you should worry.

Offline jgger

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #8 on: March 25, 2019, 06:44:14 PM »
Glad it worked out for you.
"The SOHC4 uses a computer located about 2-3 ft above the seat.  Those sometimes need additional programming." -stolen from  Two Tired

The difference between an ass kisser and brown noser is merely depth perception.  Stolen from RAFster122s

Offline MD

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Re: New member in Half Moon Bay, CA
« Reply #9 on: March 25, 2019, 07:16:01 PM »
Glad it worked out for you.

I'll second that.

-MD
1975 CB550F Super Sport;  Lake Superior Circle 1000, 45-90 Saddle 1000, All in Yooper 1000 and SS 2000 in 48 hrs:  1985 GL1200A, MN in State SS1K