Topic: In neutral - rear wheel doesn't spin free

[sonnamuso]

I just finished a 1200 mile trip this weekend (rolled 40K miles) on a 1976 CB550K.  When I got back and was riding around, I noticed the chain was a bit loose.  I put the bike up on the center stand to adjust and noticed that with the bike in neutral the wheel spins one direction semi-freely, but the other direction does not turn at all.  I have no experience with working on the gearbox/transmission so just wanted to get some thoughts before I get in up to my elbows.

Any suggestions or ideas on what to expect? 

Thanks
Paul.

[kghost]

Could you elaborate a bit more? Which direction does it spin freely in? Any associated noises from the chain or gearbox?

From reading your post my first wild ass guess would be really worn sprockets one either the front or rear in conjunction with a worn chain.

Baring that I would make sure the rear axle is mounted straight on the swing arm. Check the alignment marks on the swing arm (both sides should match)

[sonnamuso]

Thanks for the suggestions.  According to the alignment marks the axle is straight in the swing arm. There is a slight squeek from the gearbox when I spin the wheel.  The easy direction to spin is backwards for the rear wheel, the hard direction is forwards.  I put lube on my chain immediately before the trip (i.e. 1200 miles ago) and in neutral the wheel spun freely in both directions.  Even with the clutch pulled in completely, the wheel acts the same.  If I take the chain off, the wheel spins free, so I know it's not a rear brake issue.

thanks again,
Paul.

[TwoTired]

Have you put on an o ring 530 chain?  Or, do you have the standard one.  Have you looked at the front sprocket area?

Do you have an over-sized tire on the bike?

I once had a rear axle bearing go out on a 78 CB550. And under chain tension or certain other conditions, the remaining rollers would line up on one side of the bearing and the wheel would kant off alignment.  This would allow the tire to rub against bits of the bike.  Bike was also pretty squirly to drive like the rear end was on marbles, sometimes.

[alfabeast]

It makes sense that it is harder to move the wheel forward by hand, in normal operation the gearbox is pulling the chain tight but when you move the wheel by hand you are pushing the chain and it will slacken and bunch up on the drive sprocket, making it stiff or jam.

[sonnamuso]

I have not replaced the chain - got the standard one.  I did pull off the cover to look at the front sprocket area, looks fine.  No oversized tire, but the sensation it has when it doesnt roll is that of the tire rubbing somewhere - I've looked everywhere and the tire is not rubbing. When riding the bike, it feels normal.  Thanks again.

[bryanj]

check your rear brake adjustment as well. If you move the wheel back you tighten the brake!

[eldar]

You say this does not happen if the chain is OFF the rear sprocket? THen I would not think it has to do with the brake or even the rear tire.  If your sprockets all look good, then I would say it is tranny related or maybe clutch related. The clutch may need adjustment. 

Can you move the bike back when you are sitting on it?