Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: AndyH on December 20, 2018, 09:23:13 AM

Title: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: AndyH 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"!!  :) :)
Title: Re: 500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: hairygit 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.
Title: Re: 500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: deltarider 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.
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: AndyH 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?
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: hairygit 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

Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: deltarider 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.
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: Bryanj on December 20, 2018, 01:52:20 PM
Is pushrod in one piece?
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: peterengland on December 20, 2018, 04:58:45 PM
KM's ? thought this was the UK   :)
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: flatfour 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.
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: AndyH on December 22, 2018, 08:15:14 AM
Is pushrod in one piece?

It's in one piece Bryan.  :)
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: Trigger 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  ;)
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: AndyH 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.
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: Tomb 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
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: JezzaPeach 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
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: deltarider on December 27, 2018, 09:33:18 PM
Left? ???
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: deltarider on January 04, 2019, 07:13:15 PM
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
Jeremy, can you inform us exactly how the clutch cable is supposed to be routed?
Title: Re: CB500K1 stiff clutch lever
Post by: Johnwebley on January 04, 2019, 10:18:19 PM
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
Jeremy, can you inform us exactly how the clutch cable is supposed to be routed?


  I will check later,but I am sure it goes from the lever ,round the  headstock,under the RH tank mount,through the hole in the frame next to the coils ,down between the 2 LH carbs,rubber mounts and onto the final drive case,.

 try that ,keep the bends as wide open as possible ,the larger the diameter,the better
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