Topic: 78 CB550 short cables, where to buy

[exponent]

Looking for short cables for my 78 CB550, I bought the wrong ones because I didn't know that the 77/78s had a different slack. 4into1 is out of stock and I can't find them on amazon, common motor, ebay or dimecity. Any info helps

[bryanj]

Because it is the one off bastard child of the 550's you will have to stick with people that list them

[Ace Blackwell]

I'm assuming we are talking clutch cable as well.   I just bought one that was suppose to fit 77 550Fs and 750s.  It's long.  It will activate the clutch barely.  I have the handle bar and bottom adjusters all the way out.   Cables will stretch over time, so I'm guessing it will just get worse.

So now I don't know if...
1) I just have the wrong cable because they are supposed to be shorter for my model?
2) Does the clutch have some sort of weak spring or worn plates that the cable can't compensate for? (Loose cable being an indication of a bigger issue)
3) Can the clutch arm on the case be shifted by a tooth to take up the slack or the arm's not fixed to clutch by toothed spline?

I've tried to look at my Clymer manual.  Picture wise it leaves a lot to be desired.

Thanks

[bryanj]

550 clutch cables are all the same, only difference is different height handlebars in different markets. 77/78K throttle cables are different to the rest because they have different carbs (pd type), this type is also fitted to 750 F2 and i think Hondamatic but i do not know if the carb cables are the same.
The operating lever can not be moved but there is an adjustment procedure in the manual BUT BE CAREFULL as if you adjust too far the casing has to come off to rectify the problem

[FourUsTry]

MotionPro will make short throttle and clutch cables for you. I got them for my 1978 CB550 and they are a good fit. Not quite OEM quality but decent.

[Ace Blackwell]

Bryanj,  thanks, that made a big improvement.  At first it was smooth getting to neutral while sitting still.  After about a 10-15min ride, it was a little more difficult.  Not unusable but like pull up from 1st and it over traveling to 2nd then back down went back to 1st.  Took a couple tries to hit neutral.  May try to adjust a tad more tomorrow.  The markers weren't perfectly in line but after your warning and the fact that I was adjusting counter clockwise. I got nervous something was going to come loose inside and I'd have to pull the case.

In any case I appreciate the help

[bryanj]

Standard on old Hondas is select neutral whilst slowing down not after stopping.

[AvrilPress]

Hello...i also had the same query. I was hoping someone would have access to a bunch of clutch cables and could just look for one around the right size and pass on the tip. As far as I can tell I would need something close to a 35" housing/sheath length an 41" total length. That's with clip-on.