QuestionHi Bill
I have a 76 cb550 that idles just fine in neutral and when clutch is in. When clutch is let out, it pulls forward fine, until its completely out where it just sputters and dies. Are my clutch plates sticking and is not disengaging? Any answer is appreciated...Thanks
AnswerBobby, from what you describe, the clutch is just short of full engagement, not disengagement. If the plates were warped or sticking, it wouldn't disengage when you pulled the clutch lever in.
Assuming that the clutch pack is okay, pay attention to the clutch adjustment procedure. Loosen both ends of the cable adjusters, so you have maximum play, then use the slotted clutch adjuster to take up the play. From full stop, back it off just a fraction, then lock it down. Take up excess slack at the bottom cable adjustment, then fine tune at the top.
I don't know if this is your first bike or not and if there were modifications to it or if it is all stock. 550s don't have a lot of low end power, so you have to feather the clutch and give it some rpms when you are launching it from a stop. The carbs have a bit of a flat spot, just off idle, too, so that can cause the engine to stumble, but don't let it bog down with too little rpms, at low speed.
Ensure that the ignition timing is set properly, that the spark advancer is functioning normally, as well. If the carbs are all clean, the timing is set correctly, the valve adjustments are set and you have good compression all the way across the cylinders, it should be fine to ride. Retarded timing will cause the engine to run poorly at low speeds and acceleration performance will be reduced.
Check your drive chain slack, too. Lube and adjust it so you have about 3/4" slack in the middle of the two sprockets at minimum. If you have tight and loose spots, as you check the chain slack, you will need to replace the drive chain and/or sprockets.
Bill Silver
