Topic: 1975 CB750 Clutch / Transmission Question

[John G]

I have what I believe is the correct clutch cable adjustment but I can shift gears and nothing happens? It's like I'm in neutral  even though I'm in 2nd gear. I have had the clutch out and put it back in. It's a head scratcher. Does that gap between the clutch plates and that housing look normal?

[HondaMan]

Yikes!
No, it's not normal.
The very first thing you need to do now to avoid breaking the pressure plate is: unscrew the 4 clutch bolts, 1 turn at a time, until they are out. This will relieve the extreme pressure that is currently on the cast-aluminum pressure plate, and they frequently break when assembled wrong, like this one.

Then, re-remove the hub and turn it until the splines drop back into place: you are "off" by a portion of 1 turn. This will seat the pressure plate into the splines as is correct. Then retighten those 4 bolts again on a closed-up clutch pack, 1 turn at a time.

Also: when removing that special nut (and washer) that holds this clutch to the mainshaft, make SURE the cupped side of the washer is toward the engine, not toward you. It must compress the washer as you torque that fancy nut down.

[John G]

I can't believe it. Thank you very much HondaMan. I'll reassemble everything tomorrow and I'm sure it will function properly now. Can't believe I didn't figure that one out. Looking forward to enjoying this wonderful motorcycle.

[Mark K]

The very first thing you need to do now to avoid breaking the pressure plate is: unscrew the 4 clutch bolts, 1 turn at a time, until they are out. This will relieve the extreme pressure that is currently on the cast-aluminum pressure plate, and they frequently break when assembled wrong, like this one.

Then, re-remove the hub and turn it until the splines drop back into place: you are "off" by a portion of 1 turn. This will seat the pressure plate into the splines as is correct. Then retighten those 4 bolts again on a closed-up clutch pack, 1 turn at a time.

Had to post my example of "don't ask me how I know" of ensuring proper reassembly of the clutch. I broke mine during reassembly, doing the one turn at a time. The plates weren't properly aligned, a resounding SNAP, and had to find/order replacement. Good to know there are reproductions available, albeit kind of pricey, made from billet aluminum.