Topic: New clutch cable problems cb500

[jonathantaylor86]

I have a 72 cb500 that i am trying to replace the clutch cable. I have it attached correctly at the handlebar and inside the cover, but when I put the cover back on it will only shift up and down once and the neutral light wont come on. Also the clutch adjuster on the outside will barely move. The two manuals I have dont give detailed info on this and it is leaving me at a dead end

[jonathantaylor86]

anyone have any ideas?

[bryanj]

Unfortunately you have one of those problems that needs to be "hands on" fixed and is incredibly difficult to describe

[JBMorse]

My clutch adjuster was stuck too.  I took everything apart, cleaned it, lubed it, and put it all back together.  Careful not to lose the ball that sits behind the adjuster.  As far as being able to shift, are you sure you've got the cable on right?  I had the same problem and read some posts here on putting a new clutch cable on and realized I had it wrong.  I can't remember the exact procedure, but try a search. 
Also, you mentioned you had the manual, which is great.  If you already have it, I recommend downloading the parts fiche.  There are exploded views of everything, more I think than what the manual has.
Good luck!

[CB500_k2]

First, make sure you did not drop the ball bearing out of the clutch adjuster mounted on the case.  If the adjuster is difficult to turn you can push it out of the case, clean up the surfaces, grease and reassemble.  the adjuster clamp will hold it in place once the adjustment is complete.  This must have been the experimental period for Honda.  The clutch actuating mechanisms for the 500, 350 and 400 are all fundamentally different.

[jonathantaylor86]

I got the clutch to shift into neutral but I adjusted the lever to the correct amount of play and I cannot pull it back. It is very tight and it won't let me shift gears. Any ideas?

[bryanj]

You wont shift gears easy unless BOTH shafts are turning, if there is clutch disengagement try riding it