Topic: clutch plate "b" or double decker clutch plate

[whitewallshoes]

Greetings everyone,

I'm in the middle of replacing the friction plates in the clutch of my newly purchased 1976 CB550F. This is the first time I've even done this. I got the clutch assembly out, removed the friction plates and steel plates, and then became a bit lost.  According to the diagram in the Clymer manual I have, it appears I am missing the "clutch plate and friction plate "B"". The diagram shows this part to be what looks like two steel plates stacked together.  I searched for the double decker style steel plates but couldn't find them. So I ended up buying the whole clutch assembly off ebay. However, when I received the clutch assembly in the mail, it also didn't have the double decker steel plate. So it seems I am either incorrect in thinking there is a double decker steel plate in the clutch assembly or the  clutch assembly I got off ebay was knowingly sold to me with the part missing. I guess my question is this, is there a double decker clutch plate "B" in the 1976 CB550F? Can anyone help?

Thanks so much,

wwt

[bryanj]

550 never had, to my knowledge, the double plate; only the later 750 and the goldwings

[whitewallshoes]

Thanks bryanj!
That seems to make the most sense. I'm begining to really not like my Clymer manual. There have been numerous errors in there.  Do you recommend a better manual and where to get it?

Thanks,

wws

[Jonesy]

The changeover year to the new anti-rattle design was 1975 with the intro of the GoldWing. The CB750 (and probably the 550) followed suit the same year. My '78 550 does have the double plate in the clutch.

I upgraded to the new clutch on my '73 750 and it makes a nice difference.

[bryanj]

Best manual is the genuine Honda BUT, like all Honda manuals, it is written for the professional mechanic and ignores some of the basics, i have a copy(with all the supplements) scanned to cd email me direct

[eurban]

The changeover year to the new anti-rattle design was 1975 with the intro of the GoldWing. The CB750 (and probably the 550) followed suit the same year. My '78 550 does have the double plate in the clutch.

I upgraded to the new clutch on my '73 750 and it makes a nice difference.

Don't think this clutch mod appeared in the 750s until 77.  I have no idea about the 550s.

[whitewallshoes]

Thanks to everyone for all the help. From the info I got, I assumed my bike just didn't have the double decker clutch plate. So this weekend I put the new friction plates and the clutch and installed it. What do you know, worked like a charm!

Thanks again,

wws

[chung]

The more the merrier. Stuff all you can in there. If it will disengage enough to stop or shift then it's OK.

I have used kits that had thin plates that allowed an extra plate. "Stock" may not always be what you have in your hand???