SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB750

CAN'T FIND NEUTRAL WHEN HOT

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gp_st3:
Difficulty finding neutral when stationary with a fully hot engine has been a problem for me most of the eight years I've had my K2. Basically, everything works perfectly when engine is cold / warming up but becomes next to impossible when the oil temp is above about 60C.
Type and age of oil makes a difference but the biggest improvement came after trying various options and finally changing to smooth rather than dimpled steels.
Current setup uses only five rather than seven square cut friction plates with stronger springs to reduce the tendency for slip when accelerating hard.
Finding neutral can still be a little hit and miss in hot weather but at least doesn't require so much effort it feels something might break!
We're not the only ones btw, there are several threads about this problem on the US forum with no real consensus on the cause(s)...

StevieWonder:
Many thanks to all for helping me move this forward.  I have re-adjusted the clutch (yes Julie, the Owner's Manual has a small error! See later.) with the help of description from K2-K6, the lever is now in a more like 7 o'clock position and cable slack almost completely taken out. Thought we'd fixed it, as on the centre stand when hot, gears and neutral selected easily, but noted rear wheel still turning when in-gear with clutch disengaged (clutch lever pulled), which could be stopped with a boot. However when off the stand, couldn't get neutral  :-\ :-\

gp_st3 has described my very similar issue perfectly. Has clearly gone to some lengths with fewer and non-dimpled steel plates. Be grateful for a lead to the source of these. CMS site picture looks smooth. DSS doesn't have picture but can order them in.

So for what it's worth, the way I see it: There is a clutch issue, not a slip problem but drag or not fully disengaging. This puts torque into the gearbox, not enough to drive the bike forward, but places cogs under tension, resulting in difficulty pulling them apart and finding neutral.

With a wet (running in oil) clutch one might expect more drag when cold (I use mineral oil - synthetic should be smoother?). So I need to inspect the clutch, maybe some of the clutch plates are buckled or perhaps the lifting mechanism has inadequate range and can be improved? Whilst it's out might as well do a full service and include friction plates and springs.

Owner's Manual Page 58. "Loosen the clutch lifter adjusting screw lock nut '2', turn the clutch adjusting screw in the counterclockwise direction 'B' (correct so far) until a slight resistance is felt (wrong: until it loosens). From this position, turn the adjusting screw in the clockwise direction 'A' 1/4~1/2 turn. Tighten the lock nut '2'." Correct.

What fun!

shifter:
Try a different make of oil next time see if that improves as I had the same problem when using Motul 5000. In one of my bikes ,

bobv7:
I was quite surprised to read that so many SOHC owners are using 20w50 motor oil. I can't remember this weight being recommended for any Honda motorcycle since the introduction of 10w40 grades at the start of the 70's. In fact all the workshop manuals I have covering singles, twins and fours name Castrol GTX (at the time a 10w40 weight) as the prefered oil. Duckhams 20w50, also one of Castrol group brands doesn't get a mention as an option anywhere I have seen. I accept others may have a different opinion but I have never used 20w50 oil in any Honda engine; and there you are for what it's worth. ;)

Bryanj:
Its in the owners manual for warmer conditions

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