Topic: Looking for clutch plate replacement recommendations - 1975 CB550K

[tkarahalios]

Hi all,
I'm about to go in and replace my clutch on my 1975 CB550K1 (22,000 miles) Since I'm going to open it up I'm expecting to replace everything in there such as the friction plates, steel plates, springs, and clutch cable.

Is there anything else I should think about replacing while everything is open?

I plan on this being a comfortable touring rider to get around town and take short 2-3 hour weekend trips. That said, what brand of parts would be best? (Vesrah, Barnett, Honda, EBC)

Also I've heard if use a Honda clutch cable instead of a Motion Pro or other brand I won't need to lube the Honda cable. Is that true?

Thank you for your tips! Can't wait to get winter projects started!!!

[calj737]

Stock cable will lube prior to install. Use stock Honda clutch discs, plates and springs. They fit perfectly every time, and are of the quality you need. Aftermarket parts have been known to have figment issues, and heavier springs are unwarranted, and often binned after sampling due to a too heavy lever.

[jonda500]

Hmm, 550 clutch plates - I also asked about this recently - after getting no recommendations, and because of financial limitations, I bought a used complete 550F clutch assembly on ebay. This gamble paid off - my clutch slipping problem is cured, and as a bonus, because I got the earlier clutch without the extra thick dampener plate that later ones have - my clutch lever is lighter to pull in!

Like Calj said, it's wise to use stock Hinda parts to avoid figment issues..
John

[oldhatt45]

tkarahalios,

Before you go and just replace your clutch disks, etc., you might want to measure them.
I have a CB750 K6 with 24,000 miles on it.
When I measured the thickness of my clutch disks, they had only worn 0.002 on average.
They were a long way from needing to be changed. 
Just saying because new disks are not cheap and if they aren't used up...................     

If you do decide to change them, Use the Honda OEM disks.

Charlie

[tkarahalios]

One more follow on question.

I've looked online and in my Clymers but still a bit confused about the number and types of parts I will need to redo my clutch. Here is what I think I need for a 1975 CB550K1.

1 clutch spring set (4 springs)
1 set of six identical metal clutch plates
1 set of 7 friction plates (6 of them are identical and one of them is a different size)

Am I right about this? just wondering what to expect before I open up the bike. Hopefully once I open up the bike it will be obvious but I was particularly curious about if the friction plates are identical or if there is one of them that is unique.

Thanks!

[Deltarider]

Honda OEM cables are the best there are. Would you believe that I am still using my second clutch cable and second throttle cable? BTW, I've kept the old ones as they're were not broken. They have a Teflon lining and DON'T like to be lubed. As far as clutch springs and plates, since the 500 and 550 underwent modifications it is important to consult the Parts List that covers your model first. http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550

1 set of six identical metal clutch plates

I doubt that you need them. Are they blued?

[oldhatt45]

tkarahalios,

Not sure on the 550 but on the 750 K6 that I own, there are 6 friction disks that are "square cut" and a top slightly larger friction disk that is "slant cut".  I don't know if the 550 or 500 used the same approach, but it is worth checking out.

I do know from what I've read, that using all "slant cut" friction disks is probably not what you want to use, even though some suppliers will say otherwise.  However, this is not to say that everyone has had the same experience, just my opinion (so we don't start another popcorn thread.  LOL)

Charlie

[jonda500]

tkarahalios, the outer one of the seven friction discs is indeed different having wider tangs. Sometimes it has slant cuts, but sometimes straight cuts like the other six. I don't believe it matters which you use.

Generally it is only the friction discs that wear - measuring the thickness is how to tell worn ones. In my experience it is not neccesary to replace any other clutch parts as it is the friction discs getting too thin that causes the clutch to start slipping (or coming into contact with friction modifiers found in car oils).
John

[Deltarider]

Indeed, do measurements first. Maybe you need nothing but to make an adjustment. Why use Clymer if you can have the Honda Shop manual?