CB350 in London, Shifting/Clutch Issues

[LeSingeQuiRit]

Hi DTT,

London (UK based).

Have bought a Honda CB350 1971 from a builder in Ireland, who might be around here (Gavan, all the best) Anyway, he's converted into the most beautiful scrambler, I'll post a pic but it's inspired by the dragon tattoo film.

ANYWAY, bike and have me have generally been getting on very well, blasting down the embankment and stopping for photos by tourists (seriously). But minor recent issue:

Having some clutch/shifting issues - after about 20mins riding, once it's warmed up, we start to have some problems.

Mainly - shifting into neutral, keeps on missing going down from 2nd or up from 1st, but with a bit of jiggling makes it around 60-70% of the time.

Then, after another 30mins we start to have issues getting up into 2nd from 1st, in that the shifter gets extremely stiff (or even stuck) and won't go up. Worth bearing in mind that it WILL then go up with a bit of throttle whilst shifting - although I feel like this isn't right? I always thought you had to come off the gas to change gear.

Also, we can't shift into neutral whilst stationary at all - although is to be expected?

Possibly worth mentioning that the garage told me it has an oil leak, although nothing too serious - I'm checking the oil regularly and it seems fine.

Would be great to get a few pointers, ideally if it's something I could fix myself, as the mechanics here (SW London) don't seem to be hugely interested in old bikes like this.

Are they any DTT or interested members based down here btw?

Any feedback much appreciated, all the best chaps!

Andy

 

[xb33bsa]

you should be able to shift up and down very easily without even using the clutch
shifting issues are not clutch related
finding neutral while stationary,engine running certainly can be clutch related if you have a slightly dragging clutch
make sure all external shifter linkage is lubed and not binding and able to travel up and down smoothly
if all this is good then check for a binding or bent shift shaft,if you remove the chain cover case and moving the shifter becomes easy then your shift shaft is binding in the cover likely bent
i ride a 350 as well and had a very sticky shifting situation and it worked ot to be a loose screw on the shift "stopper" behind the clutch
of course check this last after the other checks and check the star wheel and roller while you are in there the detent plunger needs to be free acting as well

 

[LeSingeQuiRit]

Thanks, I'll check that out.

One thing I forgot to mention, I had a mechanic do a service and I think he changed the oil. I've read that modern oil can wreck these old engines, is that likely?

 

[teddpage]

Re: CB350 in London, Shifting/Clutch Issues

Modern, synthetic oils will usually make our clutches slip since they are wet clutches. A good grade 10w40 or 15w40 is what most folks use. I run rotella 15w40 in my honda with no issues.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2

 

[xb33bsa]

modern eco oils also have, at least here in usa ,had the zinc deleted
the zink is good for our cam followers without it we are at risk