Topic: That stupid ball bearing at the end of your clutch rod

[Tugboat]

OK - this is actually about my KZ but it works the same as a CB500 & 750. At the end of the clutch rod there is a ball bearing. Inside the motor. I think mine is missing as it now shifts weird and the brand new clutch cable I just installed is adjusted almost all the way out just to get it to work at all. It must've happened when I pulled out the rod to clean that area while installing a new chain.

So....

I'm about 95% sure that this is my problem. Is there any way to check to see if it's down inside the hole where the rod goes? Think a magnetized screwdriver would pull it out? I just don't want to shove another one down there only to find out that wasn't the problem and then have an extra one that I can't extract.

[HondaMan]

It should be in the clutch lifter itself. I usually grease the little buggers in so they can't fall out again...the lifter has a hole that also accepts the rod, the ball goes in the hole first.

[Tugboat]

So put the ball in and "ram" it in musket-style?

[Tugboat]

Yep - I had reservations about this because I could swear that ball never fell out on my watch. Probably explains the way it's been adjusted the whole 2.5 years I've owned it - PO lost it. Ha! Well I'm happy to report that I put a ball bearing in the hole and - with a dab of grease on the end - put the rod back in. I had to back the adjuster WAY out to accomodate the new spacing; but after reinstalling the sprocket cover and tightening up the cable I took it aroudn the block and it shifts better than it ever has. Who knew?!? Thanks again HM!

[Tugboat]

So here's a question: if the ball bearing I used was too small, is there a chance it could get moved out of position internally and do some damage? The one I used was an old steering bearing and it seemed to fit pretty well into the hole but may not have been exactly right.

[mrrch]

It shouldn't go anywhere, a properly sized one will stay centered though.