Topic: clutch lifter rod

[hymodyne]

I'm in need of a replacement rod for the left side cover of my 500K1, specifically, the short 2-3 inch dowel that extends right in front of the small  drive chain sprocket.  my master link let go on my first ride on the new bike   (legally) and the chain jammed against it, bending it. can I get a steel rod and fabricate this myself, or does it require a specific grade of steel. also, the piece that the clutch cable attaches to inside the left side cover has been twisted and broken ( see figure 111 on page 39 of the Honda manual). do I have to get a whole new lifter mechanism to replace this riveted attachment point for the clutch cable? I also need a replacement clutch adjuster for this bike. the current one has a  crack  in the thin collar at the top.

any help in addressing these issues would be appreciated. I just got it out on the road...

many thanks,

hym

[bryanj]

There is no "short" clutch rod---it should all be in one piece
The riveted on cable end does not come seperate, its all part of the screw piece
If the adjuster is damaged it does need replacement


Somewhere on the forum is another thread on this, I have no more "spare" rods but i did list the sizes for making a steel replacement, and you may well have to buy a case to get the adjusters as i believe they are obsoleted BUT I know at least one part is from a different, earlier, Honda and you might get one that way.

[jreich]

Here is a rod for sale on ebay, if you haven't already seen it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-Honda-Clutch-Rod-CB450-CL450-CB500-Four-CB500T_W0QQitemZ230122422999QQihZ013QQcategoryZ10066QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I believe this guy has sold a couple in the last few weeks, so he may have more available.

Here is a very helpful link, again, if you haven't already seen it: http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=14273.0

I believe that you may be able to turn the clutch adjuster 180 degrees, if you don't want to buy a new one. As far as replacing the lifter mechanism, you'll find that many of the 500 clutch lifters are buggered up in the same manner....you may be able to drill out that rivet, and fabricate a new piece that the clutch cable end can slide into....I've been thinking of doing the same on mine

Cheers

[jreich]

Here is another that I came across:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-72-cb500-cb-500-honda-clutch-pin_W0QQitemZ230122212781QQihZ013QQcategoryZ35601QQcmdZViewItem

[hymodyne]

my rod is in two pieces, and doesn't seem to have been broken or matched together by a PO. on the left side engine cover, there is an opening for a metal rod right in front of the small drive chain sprocket. the clutch lifter rod, the long one you describe and post pics of is in the engine and is fine. this is a short piece that fits into the opening on the left side, and butts against the other end of the long rod.

look,
I'm just describing what I have. if this should be a complete rod, and not two, let me know, and please show me a pic of the proper installation. as my manual doesn't show it.

many thanks,

hym

[bryanj]

The rod should not be in two pieces but is regularly broken by a loose chain, The original is a steel ended alloy rod whilst i have a late replacement, in a Honda parts bag, that is all steel. Best resource for seeing the parts is to look at the parts page and you will see what, and where, everything is----except that it dont show the cable fitting too good

[number13]

Hey Hymodyne -

Here's a thread on that topic:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=14273.0

PM me if you have any other questions. I struggled with
the clutch on my 500 for a while, but it is smooth
as silk now.

#13

[hymodyne]

many thanks for the posts I've already made a new cable attachment(for the very reasons you described #13) and I'll look at thelifter rods recently listed on ebay. I've got some steel rod that is almost the right diameter, but if this ebayer's piece is OK and less hassle, I'll go for it.

respect,

hym