SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

Shifting problems

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jcknapp:
Hey all
So I've always had issues in the shifting of the cb500 I ride. It's a 1971 cb500 four and sometimes when I shift it's hard or not smooth. I also sometimes can't get it into gear unless I let off the clutch a bit or hit that sweet spot. Any others had problems? I heard this model was notorious for having this problem. I rebuilt the clutch ( new plates, new basket, new lifter rod, new mechanisms in the left side crankcase too) but still have problems sometimes. Is this a matter of fine tuning the clutch on the clutch lever, left side crank case screw or anywhere else?? It's been happening for some time and drives me crazy. My buddy said it may be due to "hard drum gears" internally but I really don't want to tear this open to replace those. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks

J

K2-K6:
Your comment about releasing the clutch slightly (if I read that correctly) to help get it into gear suggests that the clutch is operating as it should, i.e. with the engine running and lever pulled in the gearbox is then stationary and needs to be rotated to assist you in moving the gear lever into 1st gear. If that is the case, I would say that part of it is OK.

A question, how easy is the thottle to operate? if this is stiff/ difficult to get fine adjustment then it will screw your timing by having a missmatch as you shift and make it hard for you to syncronise a smooth change.

The gears should shift the same with or without using the clutch when on the move, it's just thottle and timing that gets it to match well.

Hope this helps, post again with any questions.

matthewmosse:
On my '74 500/4 I used to be able to go 90 miles with no cluch usage with a sidecar attatched. However that was following on from bmw ownership where I got well practiced at slick gearchanges at spot on rpm's

steve j:
Gearchange problems can be oil thickness related. Have you changed the engine oil recently?Maybe to a thicker viscocity, my 550k was running perfectly ok last year and as usual I changed oil and filter for new year and im now struggling to get neutral and the gearchange seems harder ive gone from 10/40 to 15/40 oil coincidence?seems I could be changing it again soon.

K2-K6:
Isn't it the 40 grade that is held when up to temp? so should be the same when warm as I understand it.

Thought the 10/15 is the cold rating so should not have a big impact possibly.

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