Topic: 1973 Honda CB500F How to TOW with broken clutch cable? *pic*

[Honda3]

Ive had my 73 Honda in the garage for a while as it has a few issues, mainly a leaky head gasket and frayed and disconnected clutch cable.

Im not going to bother replacing the cable for what Im trying to do.

I have free towing and a friend, who is an old timer, agreed to do what needs doing on the bike.

I have free towing.

How can the bike be securely towed (if its in neutral...as i recall, tow companies like it to be IN GEAR when on the tow) if its in neutral?

Maybe a dumb question, but I'd like an answer.

Thanks!

[evinrude7]

put it up on the trailer in neutral.  once it's up there rock it back and forth and put it in first.  don't need the clutch cable. 

[Honda3]

put it up on the trailer in neutral.  once it's up there rock it back and forth and put it in first.  don't need the clutch cable.

OK and forgive my ignorance, but how will they get it back in neutral when its time to unload?

And thanks for responding!

[evinrude7]

put it up on the trailer in neutral.  once it's up there rock it back and forth and put it in first.  don't need the clutch cable.

OK and forgive my ignorance, but how will they get it back in neutral when its time to unload?

And thanks for responding!

rock it back and forth and flip it into neutral. 

[Scott S]

 Towing implies pulling it behind a vehicle with the wheels in motion. If your are hauling it, as in the bed of a truck or on a trailer, just do as evinrude said.
 Make sure the front wheel is chocked or up against the bed of the truck. Use straps on the bars or lower triple and cinch down the front. Not crazy tight or you'll blow out the fork seals.

[Honda3]

Towing implies pulling it behind a vehicle with the wheels in motion. If your are hauling it, as in the bed of a truck or on a trailer, just do as evinrude said.
 Make sure the front wheel is chocked or up against the bed of the truck. Use straps on the bars or lower triple and cinch down the front. Not crazy tight or you'll blow out the fork seals.

Thanks.

But my last question to him was out to get it OUT of first gear when its time to unload.

[Scott S]

How can the bike be securely towed (if its in neutral...as i recall, tow companies like it to be IN GEAR when on the tow) if its in neutral?

Maybe a dumb question, but I'd like an answer.

Thanks!

 I was answering this question.

[Honda3]

How can the bike be securely towed (if its in neutral...as i recall, tow companies like it to be IN GEAR when on the tow) if its in neutral?

Maybe a dumb question, but I'd like an answer.

Thanks!

Oh I missed it.

Thanks for the help. I really do appreciate it!


 I was answering this question.

[Bankerdanny]

The clutch is only really necessary when the engine is running. Switching between first and neutral with the bike shut off doesn't require the clutch. Like Scott said, if you are having difficulty shifting back and forth a slight rocking motion while shifting should take care of it.

Also, if you are stranded by a broken clutch cable far from home where towing isn't an option, get the bike rolling with the engine running (push with your feet) and once you are moving you can pop it into 1st and you should be able to shift up without the clutch. On most of my bikes you can also shift down if you are careful about it. then when approaching a stop sign/light shift into neutral at just over a walking pace then complete the stop.

[Scott S]

 I followed my dad on his XS650 for probably 75 miles like that once. He broke his clutch lever on a ride and I ran interference at stop signs, telling him to speed up or slow down, depending on traffic. He put a spare lever in the tool kit after that day.

[Redline it]

i would be seeking a motorcycle "driver" training course to take before ever getting around one, even if loading it up to haul.  they got the hands on ability to show you things like going forwards and backwards, but certainly take the first aid course at the same time, and bring a friend or neighbor. take your time on that, traffic these days are quite intensely dangerous, talking on the phone, and in a big hurry. good luck.

[ekpent]

  Clutches are not even really needed when your driving with a constant mesh tranny. Sure I am not the only one who has made it home with a broken clutch cable,just have to make it through the stoplights and stop signs on the slow roll. Smoke in the left hand makes for good clutchless shifts also 

[TwoTired]

  Clutches are not even really needed when your driving with a constant mesh tranny. Sure I am not the only one who has made it home with a broken clutch cable,just have to make it through the stoplights and stop signs on the slow roll. Smoke in the left hand makes for good clutchless shifts also 

While I agree it can be done, to do it without understanding the trans mechanicals w.r.t. engine RPM, often leads to bent/worn shift forks, and gear dog maladies.  Our bikes have NO synchronizers in the trans.

Yes, I've driven with a broken clutch cable.  Never any more than I absolutely had to.

Cheers,

[ekpent]

  Clutches are not even really needed when your driving with a constant mesh tranny. Sure I am not the only one who has made it home with a broken clutch cable,just have to make it through the stoplights and stop signs on the slow roll. Smoke in the left hand makes for good clutchless shifts also 

While I agree it can be done, to do it without understanding the trans mechanicals w.r.t. engine RPM, often leads to bent/worn shift forks, and gear dog maladies.  Our bikes have NO synchronizers in the trans.

Yes, I've driven with a broken clutch cable.  Never any more than I absolutely had to.

Cheers,

  I would not advocate doing it either unless its an emergency situation. My last clutchless ride home was on a GT750 Water Buffalo on its very first maiden voyage after I had fixed her all up. Cable did not break but the lifter arm did behind a cover. Confidence inspiring stuff 

[spotty]

on the other hand try changing gear when the gear lever has fallen off somewhere in the last couple of hundred miles.......

[dave500]

I used to upshift dirt bikes all the time clutch less,used clutch for down shifting though.

[1976cb750f836]

Old school, drag bike, air shift,No clutch!