Shifting problem?

C

cthor10

New Member
So I finally got my 71 Honda CL350 to start and run. The only problem now is that, its really hard to shift both with the engine on and off. I could go through all the gears and itll run fine but shifting is extremely hard. The clutch lever is also really hard. Any ideas on where to start? Could it be the clutch?
 
You say the clutch is really hard. Have you tried lubing the cable or better yet replacing the cable? I'd try that before tearing my hair out.

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If all your gears work it probably isn't the trans. Although tough shifting with the bike not running isn't a great sign.
New clutch cable, routed in such a way as to minimize binding.
 
Doesn't the CL have a link?
Make sure it's adjusted properly and not full of slop (all 350's are unless modified)
 
i took everything apart. Also changed the chain. Now it seems like my clutch is not engaging at all. The lever feels fine now. Did I mess up in the reinstallation? Is there a certain way to reinstall the bearings thing that the clutch cable connects to? Any help would be great.

Thanks
 
I adjusted the actuator wrong but I didnt see a ball bearing in there. The owner before me must have lost it. Would this explain why the clutch was so hard and barely shifted into gear? Does anyone know the size of the ball bearing? Another question, is the cable adjuster on the top of the chain guard cover suppose to be free and only held in by tension ( not physically connected to cover)?
 
5/16"
Adjuster just drops into hole, should be a special tube nut
I posted pics of 360 in my build, not exactly the same but cut away cover gives you a good idea of what you should have going on
 
After hours of adjusting, the clutch is just not budging. The pedal is still hard and its really hard to shift out of first. The engagement point is really low towards the handlebar and it seems to barely engage. I'm running out of ideas. I'm starting to think it could be my transmission.
 
It's probably you, are you turning the rear wheel or is engine running while your shifting through gears?

Post some pics of gearchange setup
 
The engine isnt on. When the engine is on and I shift to first with the clutch still engaged, the bike is already wanting to move. Its almost as if the clutch is barely engaged. Just enough to shift. What do you mean by gearchange setup? Inside the chain cover?
 
Do you have the little ball that pushes on the clutch pushrod?

#21 in this pic?

http://partstreamstg.arinet.com/Image?arik=vK4lMrw5YZNCBf2ThUq8&arib=HOM&arim=NcM7VeBkWbcrbcFvkwzFNA2&aria=LiCO7HPg9hLQ80fC6yQg9Q2&ariz=1&ariv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buymotorcycleparts.com%2FOEMpartfinder.htm
 
I cant see that picture but the ball is in there. Its way in there. I'm wondering if it should be that deep in there. Ill take some pictures here in a bit and post it up. Thanks for all the help so far guys.
 
Here are the pictures of the setup. Is the ball suppose to be that deep? I took her out and tried shifting through all the gears earlier. For some reason I was able to shift through all the gears without the clutch while riding! I'm confused! I know its not the transmission but something with the clutch configuration. Maybe within the clutch itself? Help me figure this out guys...Thanks for all the help so far.

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You are 'unscrewing' the adjuster screw?
It moves the entire mechanism closer to the push rod when you do
Tightening the locknut tends to mess things up
 
yea im loosening it. im right in the middle where its bearable. any looser and i cant press my lever and any tighter then the clutch wont engage. Is something wrong with my clutch/transmission for me to be able to drive and shift without clutch? All i need the clutch for is stopping and getting it into 1st.
 
You could lube the cable first if it isn't completely free and smooth (looks pretty old in pic)
The position of the operating arm looks good though, spring isn't extended.
Try setting handlebar adjuster 1 turn out from fully bottomed, cover adjuster fully bottomed then adjust the screw in cover until it just touches push rod.
Next, adjust cable adjuster on cover so you have about 10mm movement at end of handlebar lever (about 3mm - 1/8" where cable barrel fits into lever)
Check cable routing is as smooth as possible with largest curves and no kinks
 
Ok guys. I've lubed the cable and readjusted the actuator multiple times. The bike is still acting up. I can shift throughout all the gears and drive perfectly normal. Even took it on the highway today but when I do press the clutch and engage it, I cant shift! Anyone have any idea what is going on? Could it be my clutch itself?
 
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