cb360 kickstart problems

[dub19891]

Hello all, I'm posting for the first time, but this site has been a huge help during my rebuild.

I have a 1975 CB360 with a kickstart that won't engage. The bike fires up using the starter just fine. When in gear, the kickstart moves the rear wheel. When in neutral (clutch out) and with the clutch in, the kickstart ratchets nicely but only spins the clutch pressure plate, the engine does not engage. I'm near the end of my build and am hoping not to split the cases if at all possible, but any insight would be very much appreciated. I've seen a few people with similar issues but haven't really found any resolutions.

 

[redwillissuperman]

I have the same problem with a CB350. No idea why but something to do with the clutch I am assuming.

 

[sxecafe]

Any word on this one? Having the same issue.

 

[Kanticoy]

It's more than likely a clutch adjustment issue. Any bit tight and the kicker will not engage. It had to be set per the factory manual to work.

 

[teazer]

When you say "with the clutch in" do you mean you pulled on the clutch lever to lift the plates? many engines drive through the clutch. Did you try in neutral without touching the clutch lever?

 

[Kanticoy]

Re: Re: cb360 kickstart problems

When you say "with the clutch in" do you mean you pulled on the clutch lever to lift the plates? many engines drive through the clutch. Did you try in neutral without touching the clutch lever?

On a 360, pulling the clutch in will most certainly disengage the clutch from the drive. The clutch drives the transmission which drives the crank...which the kicker is connected to, so no engagement if the clutch is pulled. Definitely don't pull out when kicking. If it still doesn't kick over, the clutch is too tight.

 

[sxecafe]

Kant, what is your kick spins without the clutch basket on. I was changing my clutch plates and pushed the kickstarter and it spun as if the clutch was engaged, although, I had not pulled the lever and the basket was off. You mention the chain of the clutch driving the trans which drives the crank, which the kicker is connected to. This make me nervous for the obvious reason that if the kick is spinning freely, there might be something wrong on with the trans or crank.

I have a '74 CB550. How tight should the clutch springs be? Just snug?