Topic: Clutch conundrum

[crantonr]

Hi all,

I've had problems with a dragging clutch since the day I bought my 550K3. I've replaced the clutch cable, re-adjusted several times but to no avail. I've decided its time to replace the friction plates and springs but whilst inspecting the steel plates I noticed they had small indents on the inside that look as though they could be oil ways. Checking various parts lists I believe these are 22321-323-000 'B' clutch plates from a CB500 (see photo). There are five installed plus 1x comp 'B' plate at position 4.

question - are the earlier CB500 'B' plates compatible with my 550 basket and comp 'B' plate? Other than the indents they look identical. Also while I'm asking questions I can never remember whether it is sharp or bevelled edge of the steel plates to the front.

Thanks Richard

[bryanj]

Those plate look like they have been "stuck" to the fibres for some time and would benefit from a good cleaning.
Not sure what a "comp B" plate is

[crantonr]

Yes they had been cleaned up but have been sat next to old friction plates for too long. Comp 'B' plate is the double rivet plate (item 7 in schematic attached)

[bryanj]

Having probs getting onto cmsnl but it seems the plates have a different centre number to the 500 so i would say they are not compatible, same with that double plate

[crantonr]

Ok I think I might have worked this one out for myself. Later 550 clutches with the double B plate require slightly different single plates (22321-329-000) which look all the world like the earlier 500 plates with the indent. Will just clean up existing plates and fit new friction plates & springs and hope that works. Unless someone tells me different I believe it to be sharp edge facing towards the back of the clutch and bevelled edge forward.

Thanks Richard

[crantonr]

Having given this a bit more thought, one would expect the oil ways on the inside of the plates to line up with the oil holes on the clutch centre set at 90 degs. Anyone have any thoughts on how these plates should line up?

[bryanj]

Dont remember any mention in the K3 supplement of the manual

[crantonr]

Problem Resolved.

Just to close this off I replaced the friction plates and springs. Comp 'B' plate went in 4th from centre and positioned all steels with sharp edges inwards.  Tested and probably the best the clutch has been in the six years since I bought the bike.

Thanks all.