Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: PennoK3 on August 19, 2026, 03:53:07 PM

Title: K3 Clutch Cable
Post by: PennoK3 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.
Title: Re: K3 Clutch Cable
Post by: Nurse Julie 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.
Title: Re: K3 Clutch Cable
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) 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.
Title: Re: K3 Clutch Cable
Post by: mickwinf 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?
Title: Re: K3 Clutch Cable
Post by: Bryanj 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