Clutch drag (Pushrod/Cable/Adjustment?) woes CB500k2

[deltarider]

This partlist identifies your model on p.3, by its framenumber, as a CB500K2-A: https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB500/CB500-K1-K2-Parts-List.pdf Standard clutchcable for that model is: 22870-323-020. Lenght overall of that OEM cable is around: 121,5cm. European models had a shorter cable: 22870-323-621.

[TimS-Orby]

This partlist identifies your model on p.3, by its framenumber, as a CB500K2-A: https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB500/CB500-K1-K2-Parts-List.pdf Standard clutchcable for that model is: 22870-323-020. Lenght overall of that OEM cable is around: 121,5cm. European models had a shorter cable: 22870-323-621.

Right, so that's the one DS is selling for £90+: https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/parts/by-part-number/hpart_22870323020 and it's also here: https://www.cmsnl.com/products/cableclutch_22870323020/#compatible-models

The one on this bike as it came to me measures 112.5cm in total (that's the actual cable end-to end), so I'm assuming thats the shorter European cable (which by the way is a repro)? No wonder it's been a struggle.

I'm starting to lean towards Ted's suggestion and hunt for a pattern one via the dimensions. Actually, Venhil supply 'Universal' cables that you fashion to the required size. Does anyone have any experience of those? It just seems a bit extreme to pay £100+ for a cable and wait two weeks for the thing.
T

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

When hunting for my clutch cable I did a variety of internet searches using the part number only, not on eBay just a general search.

Eventually I found one as mine was a short one at Wemoto for £12.00

[Bryanj]

OR , fit uk lower bars

[Johnny4428]

If I remember I had one from Wemoto too. I bought one for a 550f cause I fitted bars for the same. Could have probably done with a slightly shorter one still but it’s looped up in the fuel tank tunnel and seems fine!

[TimS-Orby]

Thanks for everyones help with this. It's been a bit of a challenge, but the wealth of knowledge here is invaluable.
So, you'll remember the steels in the clutch were quite corroded. I carefully got rid of that on them with some 0000 steel wool, and gave those and the friction plates a real good scrub down with Brake Cleaner. Left the cleaned friction plates soaking in oil overnight and then rebuilt and refitted the clutch, a new gasket on the clutch cover, and then with my heart in my mouth this morning I got the bike up to temperature, squeezed the clutch many time, and then dropped it into gear. Lo and Behold, all is well. Clutch seems to be operating beautifully now and the lever feels as I would expect it to feel. The tips regarding adjustment were invaluable. But now I have no drag, and I have all my fingers crossed.
One little thing, I really can't get the thing into neutral with the engine running, but I'm thinking this is just a matter of more trial and error adjustment??

After some experimentation I seem to have found the shortest route for my short clutch cable, and at least now it's not stretched like a guitar string on full lock. I'm going to spend some time looking around for the appropriate cable (Thanks for the tip regarding the 500 cable, Johnny), however I'm more and more attracted by the thought of the lower European bars... that seems like a good solution, and I actually find these bars a little tall anyway. It's just a matter of sourcing said bars now. I can find pattern 'drag' bars to fit, but I'm guessing they will be missing the vital cable entry holes. Any ideas much appreciated.
Once again, Thanks All. Much appreciated.
T

[Bryanj]

From dss uk site