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550sohc · 09-05-2009, 05:09 PM

Hi, I'm new to this site. After over thirty years absence, I thought I'd like to ride a motorcycle again before I get to old. After a couple of years tinkering I finally got my 76 550 running. I had a young friend ride it to let me know what was going to need attention. All he said it needed was a clutch cable. Put it on this morning, pulled the lever twice and it acted like there was no pressure plate springs. I've had the clutch pack out at least a dozen times and can't see whats wrong. Everything seems to line up. but it just doesn't activate the clutch to disengage. Didn't think it was going to such a frustrating problem. What have I done wrong or overlooked.

Thanks

mscuddy · 09-06-2009, 03:34 PM

So you took the clutch apart, right? No left over parts I hope, 'cause it sounds like you forgot to put that little doohicky steel circular T-shaped thingamabob under the pressure plate, that disengages the clutch. Also check the ball-bearing that goes between the clutch-rod and the throwout bearing release. In fact, my CB550 manual has an exploded view of the whole clutch assembly that might help out...if you want to buy a manual.

550sohc · 09-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Thanks Mcsuddy, Fotgot the basic step I take when working on my hot rods, check the new part against the old. Got sent the wrong cable. Put the old cable on, it will do until I get a replacement. At least I know the workings of a 550 clutch. Not a total loss I guess.

mscuddy · 09-09-2009, 05:33 PM

You're welcome there 550.

Damn Hondas..pretty hard to destroy even with the wrong parts. That 550 was unbreakable.

Kenneth_Moore · 09-10-2009, 05:38 AM

I had a 1974 CB550. It was the smoothest bike I ever rode; the engine had plenty of power and ran like a bat. I used it to commute to college in Orlando from Cocoa Beach for a year. There was just swamps and fields between the towns in those days and the CB would cruise at 90 without breaking a sweat. Got great gas mileage too.

Good luck, and welcome back.

09-05-2009, 05:09 PM	#1
550sohc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	550 clutch cable Hi, I'm new to this site. After over thirty years absence, I thought I'd like to ride a motorcycle again before I get to old. After a couple of years tinkering I finally got my 76 550 running. I had a young friend ride it to let me know what was going to need attention. All he said it needed was a clutch cable. Put it on this morning, pulled the lever twice and it acted like there was no pressure plate springs. I've had the clutch pack out at least a dozen times and can't see whats wrong. Everything seems to line up. but it just doesn't activate the clutch to disengage. Didn't think it was going to such a frustrating problem. What have I done wrong or overlooked. Thanks

09-06-2009, 03:34 PM	#2
mscuddy MODERATOR X Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Next to my still checkin the temp. Posts: 5,444	So you took the clutch apart, right? No left over parts I hope, 'cause it sounds like you forgot to put that little doohicky steel circular T-shaped thingamabob under the pressure plate, that disengages the clutch. Also check the ball-bearing that goes between the clutch-rod and the throwout bearing release. In fact, my CB550 manual has an exploded view of the whole clutch assembly that might help out...if you want to buy a manual. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.

09-09-2009, 05:33 PM	#4
mscuddy MODERATOR X Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Next to my still checkin the temp. Posts: 5,444	You're welcome there 550. Damn Hondas..pretty hard to destroy even with the wrong parts. That 550 was unbreakable. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.

09-10-2009, 05:38 AM	#5
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	I had a 1974 CB550. It was the smoothest bike I ever rode; the engine had plenty of power and ran like a bat. I used it to commute to college in Orlando from Cocoa Beach for a year. There was just swamps and fields between the towns in those days and the CB would cruise at 90 without breaking a sweat. Got great gas mileage too. Good luck, and welcome back. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

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09-08-2009, 07:20 PM	#3
550sohc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	Thanks Mcsuddy, Fotgot the basic step I take when working on my hot rods, check the new part against the old. Got sent the wrong cable. Put the old cable on, it will do until I get a replacement. At least I know the workings of a 550 clutch. Not a total loss I guess.