Author Topic: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever  (Read 1989 times)

Offline AndyH

  • I'm privileged to be a
  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 187
    • View Profile
CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« on: December 20, 2018, 09:23:13 AM »
Contrary to some unsubstantiated rumours that I'd sold my 500K1, it's still with me!  8)

Something that's been annoying me for quite some time is the stiffness of the clutch lever.  Engagement of the clutch itself is fine, with no "grabbing" or suddenness (is that a word?) so I think I've got the adjustment fairly right.  I've removed the cable and checked that there's no problem there, but a few months back I replaced the various oil seals on the LHS.   Perhaps I didn't put enough grease in the clutch lifter and adjuster assembly when I put the cover back on.  The silly little grease nipple on the cover itself is NFG in my view.....I have a small nipple grease gun but I couldn't force any grease in.  >:(
All ideas/suggestions on how to make the lever smooooooth gratefully received!  ;D

Meanwhile,  a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Healthy 2019 to all and sundry from "Down Under, West of Everywhere"!!  :) :)
« Last Edit: December 20, 2018, 09:26:48 AM by AndyH »
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline hairygit

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2708
    • View Profile
Re: 500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2018, 09:25:21 AM »
Always worth trying a new GENUINE cable, you'd be amazed at the difference compared to old ones or pattern parts.
If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline deltarider

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1337
  • My kingdom for a turkey!
    • View Profile
Re: 500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2018, 10:01:36 AM »
Always worth trying a new GENUINE cable, you'd be amazed at the difference compared to old ones or pattern parts.
+1 And make sure cable is routed correctly.

Offline AndyH

  • I'm privileged to be a
  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 187
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2018, 10:15:58 AM »
Thanks guys, I think you're right.  I'll purchase a replacement cable.
Are "slinkyglide" worth a look or should I simply go OEM?
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline hairygit

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2708
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2018, 11:11:05 AM »
OEM will be the best available, tried many pattern makes over the years, but OEM always sorts it.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline deltarider

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1337
  • My kingdom for a turkey!
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2018, 12:13:59 PM »
Here some details of a genuine cable. Compare that with imitation products... Never had one break. Replaced one after ca. 60.000 kms. The second one has done 75.000 kms now, but probably needs replacement soon.

Offline Bryanj

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 10692
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #6 on: December 20, 2018, 01:52:20 PM »
Is pushrod in one piece?

Offline peterengland

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 189
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #7 on: December 20, 2018, 04:58:45 PM »
KM's ? thought this was the UK   :)
Suzuki 50
Suzuki GT185
Honda CD175
Yamaha RD350
Honda 50 crunch box
Honda 400/4
Honda 550/4
Honda 750C

Offline flatfour

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 296
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #8 on: December 20, 2018, 05:22:10 PM »
I change the clutch cable on my K1 every couple of years, as the 500 clutch is already heavier than the 750 and it does make a difference. I use DS cables, which seem to work well, however there often seems to be a shortage of supply so now, as with many other parts, I keep a spare on the shelf in the garage.

I am gradually building up a stock of spares for the old Honda's that I have and I even recently persuaded myself to buy a second sprocket carrier from CMS for the CB500 in case of future need.

Offline AndyH

  • I'm privileged to be a
  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 187
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2018, 08:15:14 AM »
Is pushrod in one piece?

It's in one piece Bryan.  :)
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline Trigger

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8434
  • Engines built on reputation, not advertising.
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2018, 08:21:06 AM »
Check that the ball is in the lifter and it is nice and round, a slight flat spot can give problems  ;)

Offline AndyH

  • I'm privileged to be a
  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 187
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #11 on: December 22, 2018, 10:44:25 AM »
Check that the ball is in the lifter and it is nice and round, a slight flat spot can give problems  ;)

When I did the seals I checked the ball Trig.  All OK.
I'll replace the cable (trivial cost when all said n done) and report back.
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline Tomb

  • SOHC Pro
  • Posts: 658
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #12 on: December 24, 2018, 11:12:45 AM »
What condition is the clutch actuating helix thread?

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89065.0
Tom
'73 CB550 with CB500 engine café racer
'62 CB77 Sprinter
'70 CD175
'78 CB550 with sidecar
'80 Z50R
And a load of old Yamaha 1100's

Offline JezzaPeach

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 384
  • CB500/4 K1 1972 gold
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #13 on: December 26, 2018, 08:32:08 AM »
If not already see if it’s routed above the left tank mounting lug.
When I altered mine to that route it seemed to help, and I think my old one was back in the 1970s.
Regards Jeremy
1972 CB500/4 K1 Gold
Wanted: my 500/4 UGP96M
from 1975-78. Garnet Brown.

Offline deltarider

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1337
  • My kingdom for a turkey!
    • View Profile
Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
« Reply #14 on: December 27, 2018, 09:33:18 PM »
Left? ???

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal