Topic: cb550 four with slipping clutch

[crobar]

The clutch is slipping on my 78 cb550 four.

I bought it a few weeks back, it's been running pretty well but before tune-up had been sitting since 1998.

Originally the clutch didn't engage till the lever was almost all the way out so i adjusted it at the lever because i kept stalling it. It's been fine since then but the other day I was riding and when I went up hill or tried to accelerate while at high speed already, the clutch would slip and then re-engage once i let off.

i know there are other ways to adjust it but don't know how, or i may need some new springs or a new clutch.

any ideas? thanks

[bryanj]

Download the manual for adjustments, but basicaly there is a mark on the operating arm that should line up with a mark on the casing when lever is lifted to cotact point

[crobar]

will check that out, thanks

[TwoTired]

Some motor oils will cause the clutch to slip.

[Duanob]

A bad cable will do the same. If it's sticky or corroded inside the sheath your clutch won't engage quick enough. I jst replaced mine it was like having a brand new clutch.

[P_Camps]

I have the same bike and
I've just gone through this exercise.  New clutch plates and springs solved the issue.