Topic: Yet another SOHC/4 clutch issue I cannot seem to solve..

[Ralph Verdult]

Hi guys!

Last weekend I picked up my CB500F from the workshop, where it had an overdue checkup. One of the reasons I brought it in, is to have them check up on the clutch. It needed quite some force to shift gears, and while it run it could never find its neutral. They replaced the clutch plates and cover, among some other things, and seemed all good on pickup.

So today I took her out for a spin and it appeared to be super smooth, but then all of a sudden it started acting up again, even worse than it did before the checkup. Sometimes it is very hard to shift gears. Half of the times it shifts really easily, but then the next traffic light I almost don't get it from first to second. It seems it doesn't want to switch in "normal" shift rpm's, like 4/5000. When I rev it up to 7000 it goes again, or when I let go of the gas and let it wind down to lower rpm. The next minute it works like brand new again...

Of course I'd get it back to the workshop, but the owner is on holiday so I thought I might check with you knowledgable bunch here. The workshop is a CB Four exclusive shop, so they know very well what they're doing, but still I'm a little bummed out.

You guys got any clues?
A pic of my bike just to show off a little..

[70CB750]

There is a pushrod that traverses the engine left-to-right from the clutch arm to the clutch basket. That is a frequent culprit for problems as it breaks quite often. It is supposed to be a 1-piece unit, but often the ends (steel pressed onto an aluminum shaft) have come loose.

That design was changed in later years, so you'll need to verify your exact engine code to the parts list to confirm this design.

Are 500s as oil sensitive as 750s?

[Bankerdanny]

Cal's info will probably solve your issue. Now tell me about that exhaust please.

[Ralph Verdult]

Thanks for the help guys!
Today I opened up the clutch and the pushrod is still completely in tact.
Took her out for a ride again, but I didn't have much time so it was only like 15km, in which it worked like a charm. Could it be something that changes when the bike gets is all heated up?


@bankerdanny, the exhaust is a custom made one by a friend of the owner of the shop, who owned the bike before me. I fell in love with it as well, and bought the bike The end is just from a cafe racer shop, but the 4-1 pipes he made and welded himself.

[flatlander]

i'm not that familiar with the 500 clutch (have a 550 myself).
the mechanism of the 500 is a bit more tricky, and includes things like what dave calls the "corkscrew release mechanism" in this post: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,177781.msg2065124.html#msg2065124

did you check all these things if they are ok and don't catch somehow?

where's your picture taken? looks like it could be some of the polders in north holland?

[Ralph Verdult]

I've always been told by the shop owner to use 10W40 half synthetic motorcycle specific oil, so I'm pretty sure he used that as well when he changed the oil last week.

I'll check the thread, thanks!

Yeah, it's in North Holland, between Edam and Oosthuizen. I live in Amsterdam and love to go for a ride in the countryside, it's beautiful!

[flatlander]

your oil needs to be jaso ma certified, which means it's for use in motorcycles with wet clutch that use the same oil for engine, gear box and clutch. 10w40 is fine, you can use a bit heavier as well depending on temperatures and your riding. mineral, half-synth, full synth... as well as brand, that's almost a political or religious question leading to lots of debate on the forum. you can search the forum if you have a lot of spare time 

that area north of amsterdam if nice for riding, i agree. i'm actually also in amsterdam.
which shop do you go to here?

[Ralph Verdult]

I bought my bike at BlauwePlaat motoren, just after they moved from Utrecht to Eindhoven. I still go to these guys because I symphatize with them, but I'm looking for a good place a little closer.

I'll look into the oil! Thanks!

[robvangulik]

www.fourdeel.nl in Purmerend?

[flatlander]

blauweplaat is good and marc knows a lot about these bikes. he also has a ton of parts that you may not easily find anywhere else.

i have heard good things about fourdeel as well, but have never been there myself. if you need a specialised shop a bit closer than eindhoven they may be worth a visit.

i also know the guys at reivilo who are at veemarkt in oost. they are not explicitly specialised on sohc4s as the other two are. but they do a lot of work on vintage and cafe bikes so should be able to help as well, and are within the city.

having said that... i do pretty much all the work myself unless it needs stationary machines and such. it is hard to find mechanics  that really know these old bikes. learning to do it yourself, you can be more sure of the quality of the work and it is not that hard at all.

[Deltarider]

Hi guys!

Last weekend I picked up my CB500F from the workshop, where it had an overdue checkup. One of the reasons I brought it in, is to have them check up on the clutch. It needed quite some force to shift gears, and while it run it could never find its neutral. They replaced the clutch plates and cover, among some other things, and seemed all good on pickup.

So today I took her out for a spin and it appeared to be super smooth, but then all of a sudden it started acting up again, even worse than it did before the checkup. Sometimes it is very hard to shift gears. Half of the times it shifts really easily, but then the next traffic light I almost don't get it from first to second. It seems it doesn't want to switch in "normal" shift rpm's, like 4/5000. When I rev it up to 7000 it goes again, or when I let go of the gas and let it wind down to lower rpm. The next minute it works like brand new again...

Of course I'd get it back to the workshop, but the owner is on holiday so I thought I might check with you knowledgable bunch here. The workshop is a CB Four exclusive shop, so they know very well what they're doing, but still I'm a little bummed out.

You guys got any clues?
A pic of my bike just to show off a little..

Are you sure the engine is not overheating? Like when the carbs are set too lean?

[Deltarider]

If you redo the adjusting, you may read what is posted here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,165583.msg1914790.html#msg1914790  And don't worry about specific JASO oil. The CB500 handles car oil just as well.
I forgot to mention that CB500 owners must make sure the four sprocketcover bolts are not loose but all well fastened.