Topic: CB550 Clutch pull

[Ian_Butler]

Does anyone else have a 30lb clutch pull on their 550? I pulled the lever on my friend's 400 and his dad's sohc 650 and it was much lighter. I threw some WD-40 on the connecting rod outside the case and it made it slightly better. It's still very stiff. Anyone know how I might go about fixing this issue or is this standard? I cannot move the connecting rod by hand.

[flybox1]

heavy duty clutch springs?
it might just need a clean and re-lube

[Lostboy Steve]

After doing my clutch with the ebc hd springs and all, it is painful after a good ride because of the pull. Also has to do with my hard grips. I get a lot of discomfort in the thumb pocket area.

[totty]

Disconnect the cable at one end and check it's running freely and smoothly. I'm about to try the same on my 550 as I'm finding it's clutch heavy.

[Ian_Butler]

Cable replaced. Operation is smoother but still very heavy. I don't think that the PO ever changed the springs. The lifter is impossible to move by hand. Could this be an adjustment issue?

[Dave Voss]

Cable replaced. Operation is smoother but still very heavy.

Did you also lube the clutch cable?  Many new clutch cables are not adequately lubed when new, and require a good amount of lube to operate without undue friction along their length.

Also, check the routing of the clutch cable/sheath, there shouldn't be any sharp routing, especially up near the handlebar.  When I acquired my latest CB550, the clutch cable was routed under the left side of the bracket that supports the speedometer, instead of through the hole near it's base as it should be, and this caused the clutch pull at the lever to require a lot more hand strength.  Once properly routed, the clutch felt normal, rather than too stiff as before.

[Lostboy Steve]

Cable replaced. Operation is smoother but still very heavy.

Did you also lube the clutch cable?  Many new clutch cables are not adequately lubed when new, and require a good amount of lube to operate without undue friction along their length.

Also, check the routing of the clutch cable/sheath, there shouldn't be any sharp routing, especially up near the handlebar.  When I acquired my latest CB550, the clutch cable was routed under the left side of the bracket that supports the speedometer, instead of through the hole near it's base as it should be, and this caused the clutch pull at the lever to require a lot more hand strength.  Once properly routed, the clutch felt normal, rather than too stiff as before.

I myself have checked this and honestly the cable has a pretty straight path. I think its just those hd springs. (On my bike at least.)

[Ian_Butler]

Routing is same as stock. I left the lifter arm end unattached, and the cable moved freely. No noticeable resistance. I read somewhere that the lifters get worn into grooves. Could this cause a hard pull?