Topic: 1977 CB550F No tension on clutch actuator arm.

[amirsafayan]

Hello Internets,

I've begun working on getting my SuperSport back to life.  I've rebuilt the carbs and got a replacement slip on muffler and doing the normal maintenance items to include fluids and cables. Bikes starts very easily and holds a great idle and she wants to hit the road!

Prior to replacing the clutch cable, I noticed very little return tension on the clutch lever.  I try to introduce my two sons to wrenching and my youngest son installed the clutch cable and overtightened it.  The actuator arm had moved "up" too far and I immediately saw what he was doing and release the tension.  After adjusting the clutch cable, there is NO return tension to take the lever back to resting position. I've tried the normal adjustment process - but wondering if others have found the actuator arm spring to be very weak?  With no clutch cable attached, when moving the actuator arm with my fingers, I can certainly feel a little return tension - but have no idea what level of attention there SHOULD be to actually retract the cable and clutch lever.   The cable path is correct and the cable moves freely when not attached to the actuator arm or the clutch lever ( naturally as it is new ).

TIA,

Amir

[amirsafayan]

So I called a friend who has a "motorcycle problem" and he happened to have a CB550F engine lying around.  Turns out the actuator arm doesn't actually engage the clutch plates until it hits around the 9 oclock position ( as viewed from the rear of the bike ).  And my replacement cable was at LEAST 2 inches TOO LONG.  I'm going to get the correct cable and install it and I'm sure it will work just fine.