Topic: Clutch info

[Tonyh]

Hi everybody, my steed is a 1977 CB550F Super Sport with the following numbers: Chassis: CB550F-2107414 & Engine:CB550E-1146358 which shows it as an F3?. My question is (i apologise if this has been covered before) the clutch basket contains a double plate. I want to replace the friction plates, can i leave out the double plate and fit 7 friction plates, and any tips on clutch adjustment please.
Many thanks.

[Nurse Julie]

Tony, if you are in the UK, which I am too, your bike is a UK model F2, we didn't get F3 in the UK model range. Your F2 is quite close in VIN and Engine number to my UK 550/4 F2. I've sent you a PM.

[Deltarider]

According to your engine number and p.17 of the appropiate parts list, yours has the modified clutch. Consult: http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac550/CB550F2/CB550F2_1.pdf
A F3 never existed. 

[flatlander]

the lads are right re. F3 and checking the parts list.
now if you do want to get rid of the double plate, you'll need to make sure you end up with the same overall height of the stack of plates.

here's a thread with some details about mixing different steel and fibre plates to get it right:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,145565.0.html

[bryanj]

Leave it as standard its there to attempt to quieten the clutch rattle

[Flyin900]

Leave it as standard its there to attempt to quieten the clutch rattle

+1 on that thought. On the earlier 70's Honda Goldwings there is also a mod to replace the dual metal disc plate with an extra friction disc and metal plate, since the brass rivets sometimes fail on this plate on high mileage engines.(100K+ miles)
I have never seen a small bore air cooled bike have this issue based on the minimal mileage most riders do on these machines. Getting the stack height correct is critical, if not you can create other issues with the clutch action.
Are you doing this mod for any real reason like this plate has issues, or for something to try because you saw it on the internet?