Topic: '76 550 clutch??? problems

[td42184]

So I was riding today and had a lot of problems. I pulled over and when I went to take off I had some problems. I can put the bike in neutral and kick it over. If I pull in the clutch the kicker turns over with no resistance. If I put it in gear and kick it over the bike lunges forward even with the clutch pulled in. I am going to replace the clutch and see if it helps. I have a spare sitting on the bench. Should I be worried about the transmision or do you guys think it's just a clutch problem. Thanks.

[NickC]

Mine does the same thing, i think it is supposed to be like that......

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Its normal for the kick leaver to be free wheeling when the clutch is pulled in.  That's nothing to worry about.  Lunging with the clutch pulled in and in gear is something to look into, I've never tried it.

Since you are planning to replace the clutch, go ahead and do that.  Pay close attention to adjustment.  Let us know how it goes.



P.S.  I must not be too far from you.  I'm over on the BC end of Verona road.  Maybe see ya around town sometime!

[TwoTired]

The kicker works through the transmission on the 550.  You must have the clutch engaged and the trans in neutral for the kicker to turn the crankshaft.
It is the way it was designed.  If this is a problem for you, replacing the clutch won't lead to your satisfaction.  Only a different bike will make you happy.

Cheers,

[td42184]

Didn't know that about the 550's. I never tried the kicker with the clutch pulled in untill I ran into my problems. The big problem is the clutch won't disengage. I am changing the clutch anyway it has sat in a barn since '81.

[Chris Liston]

I never pull the clutch lever to kick my 550 over.  Doesn't work, tried it, nothing happens when the lever is pulled in.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

Yeah, me neither on my 74 550. Neutral, no clutch, kick. That's how mine kick started.