Clutch dampers arrived today (ordered from vintagecb750.com) so got right to it. The kit comes with very clear instructions and you don't need any specialized tools (apart from the clutch bolt "castle" socket) to get the job done. Takes a couple of hours, here's the skinny.
With the clutch removed and basket separated, drill out the rivets on the back of the basket (make sure to protect the needle bearings inside the hub from getting shit all over them) -
and use a chisel to knock off the rivet heads -
Then you can remove the damper housing and gear -
and drive out the rivet stems (I used a flattened masonry nail) -
The old rubber dampers are absolutely not fit for purpose after 38-odd years. No longer rubber, more like hard and brittle plastic that is doing absolutely no damping whatsoever, hence the clutch rattle -
So bin them. Then tap the rivet holes -
install the new dampers, damper housing and gear -
get some blue loctite on the new bolts and install the backing plate -
Job done.
Here's how the engine sounds with the rebuilt clutch (cold start) -
It's absolutely night and day. Frankly I'm amazed - I'd definitely curbed my optimism but damn I'm thrilled with the result. No clutch rattle whosoever - the engine now really does sound brand new.
You got one of these bikes? Clutch rattles? Do yourself a favour and spend the $50 on the kit. Couple of beers and a couple of hours later and your bike will sound way better. Especially if you've rebuilt the engine - these new rubbers make all the difference. If you're in Europe the kit is available from a guy over on cb1100f.net (username - wout) who can ship these from Belgium (I think that's where he's from). Brilliant.
With the clutch removed and basket separated, drill out the rivets on the back of the basket (make sure to protect the needle bearings inside the hub from getting shit all over them) -
and use a chisel to knock off the rivet heads -
Then you can remove the damper housing and gear -
and drive out the rivet stems (I used a flattened masonry nail) -
The old rubber dampers are absolutely not fit for purpose after 38-odd years. No longer rubber, more like hard and brittle plastic that is doing absolutely no damping whatsoever, hence the clutch rattle -
So bin them. Then tap the rivet holes -
install the new dampers, damper housing and gear -
get some blue loctite on the new bolts and install the backing plate -
Job done.
Here's how the engine sounds with the rebuilt clutch (cold start) -
It's absolutely night and day. Frankly I'm amazed - I'd definitely curbed my optimism but damn I'm thrilled with the result. No clutch rattle whosoever - the engine now really does sound brand new.
You got one of these bikes? Clutch rattles? Do yourself a favour and spend the $50 on the kit. Couple of beers and a couple of hours later and your bike will sound way better. Especially if you've rebuilt the engine - these new rubbers make all the difference. If you're in Europe the kit is available from a guy over on cb1100f.net (username - wout) who can ship these from Belgium (I think that's where he's from). Brilliant.
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