Author Topic: K3 Clutch Cable  (Read 1516 times)

Offline PennoK3

  • SOHC Associate
  • Posts: 62
    • View Profile
K3 Clutch Cable
« on: August 19, 2026, 03:53:07 PM »
Struggling with the clutch on my K3.  Checked lots of videos, diagrams and previous threads and all assembled as it should be.   BUT I have so much slack in the clutch cable it is impossible to get it anywhere near operating.   It's a new pattern cable, is it possible that it is too long compared to the genuine article?  The inner cable is 135cm the outer is 126cm.
« Last Edit: August 19, 2026, 04:03:11 PM by PennoK3 »

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8718
    • View Profile
Re: K3 Clutch Cable
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2026, 04:16:38 PM »
If yours is a UK model with lower bars as standard, maybe you have bought a cable for a USA spec model that has higher bars fitted as standard.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8621
    • View Profile
Re: K3 Clutch Cable
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2026, 05:19:15 PM »
How does the new cable  compare lengthwise to the one you took off?
Just the outer cable length is all you need for comparison I would have thought.

My 500K1 cable was 107 cm (42") in length it was from Wemoto, not expensive.

My old pattern  cable was 8" longer being for a US model most likely. That said the actuation length was virtually the same. My 500 has the adjuster bolt on the casing as well as the adjustment at the end(s). My clutch has the long pushrod mechanism.
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline mickwinf

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1825
    • View Profile
Re: K3 Clutch Cable
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2026, 06:30:46 PM »
sounds to me the arm in the clutch cover is out of place so adjustment is not possible. may have to remove clutch cover to check.was it working before?
Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

Offline Bryanj

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 12559
    • View Profile
Re: K3 Clutch Cable
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2026, 07:31:29 PM »
The K3 does not have the long pushrod, most pattern suppliers say the 500,550 and 750 cables are the same but they are not.

If you screw the adjuster on the clutch cover too far it is possible for the internal lever to "jump" the cam