Topic: CX500 friction plate

[von_Wanderlust]

I noticed a single CX500 friction disc (item 22201-415-306) going cheap on Ebay a few weeks ago, it looked pretty similar to the CB500/550/650 (from here on in just described as a CB500) discs so I decided to get it and have a look. I've checked and it is the identical diameter/shape as a CB500, and fits within the clutch basket. I've also noticed now that Barnett clutches for CX and CB500s have the same the part number number, so doubly sure they can be swapped. (FYI, my verniers say that they are 2.7mm thick as new.)

Notice in the pic (the CX disc is laying on top of my CB one) that the friction material is distributed differently on the friction disc, there are more blocks, with slightly wider grooves. Looking on cmsnl.com, the "B" friction disc has a slanted groove pattern.

Has anyone played with these before, more to the point, does anyone know if these are an "upgrade"? I am hoping that we can get some info out of the Honda tech people like the bryanjs and bellcows of the world.

I've tried to search the internets for some CX parts manuals but haven't had much luck so far, I'm curious to see how far these go along the CX line, i.e. I wonder what the CX650 Turbo had. Barnett doesn't have any listing for this, so can't tell what it has yet. If anyone has any links to CX parts manuals, please post here.

[bryanj]

The 500 clutch was notorious for slipping on take up and one mod was to fit 450 plates. One of them had angled oil slots and the other straight but i cant remember which way round, i do know it makes a difference which way round the angled slots go!!

[my78k]

try the choppercharles forums for info on the CX. Not sure what all they would have on there but it is worth a shot

[charlevoix418]

http://www.manualedereparatie.info/en/download/honda-cx-500-c-1982-parts-list.html

[von_Wanderlust]

Thanks for the info guys, that parts list is great. I've also checked the choppercharles forum which lead me to the australiancx.asn.au forums, and from what I can work out (it's not quite confirmed on either) the clutches on the turbo versions were taken from Goldwings, so there are no magical friction plates we can use to get 50 times the grip etc. 

I'd like to get more of those plates to give them a go and see how they would end up if you packed in an extra plate like a CB650 does. I think there must be a reason they changed the design or possibly the compound..? Or maybe it is something unexciting as there being a new part number due to Honda using a new manufacturer..? In any case, I respect bryanj's input, so it's had me re-think that idea. Besides, I don't have enough cash at the moment to go doing experiments, so will have to stick with the CB650 option I think. Also, I haven't actually ridden my bikes yet so I wouldn't have anything to compare the CX plates to anyway! 

Cheers,

[bryanj]

Thank you for those few kind words.

There was a modification "Kit" for the very early 500 which changed the shift drum stopper and neutral detents along with the clutch pushrod, clutch plates and clutch cover

In the picture it shows the fibre plates with the angled groove and shows to fit them with the angle from clutch centre on left to clutch outer on right.
Hope that makes sense.

The info on using 450 plates is from a handwritten note in a parts book from the USA.

Merry Xmas
Bryan