Topic: Clutch pulled in ...but gear still engages and lurches forward!?

[DeanRoberts]

Ok ...I might be off my rocker ...but, when I first got my 72 SOHC I can remember driving it around ...pulling the clutch in and going thru the gears.   After doing my rebuild I started it up ...pulled the clutch in and as soon as I kick it into 1st gear it engages and wants to take off ...with still having the clutch pulled in.   I tried adjusting the clutch but nothing happens!?  Could it be the clutch plates sticking or not?   Confused to say the least:)

[ekpent]

What model is it and how long has it been setting. Not unusaul at all for these,at least my 750's to have the clutch stick after setting for a long period.Usually a good warm up of the engine and oil and maybe some rocking in gear with engine off will break them loose. Maybe tie a rope around the clutch handle to handgrip overnight also.

[DeanRoberts]

Its a 1972 CB750.   I will give both those methods a try.   Man I love this place.  You guys are all so helpful!   By the way, nice bikes Ekpent.   I have a 72 73 and 77 cb750's.   Looks like you have quite the collection yourself.

[VTCBike750]

You could always take it apart  .  Its pretty easy.  Im a HUGE fan of the Clutch Modification.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=78643.0

[shark]

I hold the clutch lever in when warming the bike up. That and the oil I'm using have helped keep the problem to a minimum.

[Prospect]

I had the opposite problem with my 71 cb750.  I tried all the tricks but the clutch plates were just too stuck to free without taking the clutch appart.  It was easy to do if you take your time and follow the suggestions in my thread below

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=92496.msg1034015#msg1034015

[MCRider]

Did you have the clutch apart during your rebuild?

[DeanRoberts]

Nope, i've never taken it apart.   I'm going to try a few tricks mentioned above to see if that helps.   Otherwise i'm taking it apart and peeking into the problem a little more.   
Again guys, thanks for your help! 

[MCRider]

Nope, i've never taken it apart.   I'm going to try a few tricks mentioned above to see if that helps.   Otherwise i'm taking it apart and peeking into the problem a little more.   
Again guys, thanks for your help!

Great. It likely needs a clean up and it will be better than ever. Read the threads that have been posted, especially my comments about marking the hub and pressure plate before disassembly so they go back together with the splines in the right place.

Once its apart, a scrub down of the fiber plates with a nylon brush and solvent will remove the nasty old oil that has glazed onto the plates forming a bonding agent.  These clutches will get sticky from simply sitting with old oil in them, not uncommon. Sometimes you can free them up witout disassembly.

If you want to put it off, run some SeaFoam thru it for 50 miles or so, and change it out with some fresh oil.

[Frostyboy]

I've had my 550 for over 20 years now & have had a sticky clutch since I got it. Before I start it, key off, I put it in neutral, pull the clutch in & use the kick starter a couple of times. The clutch lets go & the kick starter goes free when the clutch lets go.
Turn the key on, start her up & it goes into gear nice & smooth. Give it a try & let me know if it's okay.