Motorcycle Repair: 1975 HondaCB200t, clutch cable, contact breaker

Question
Hi Jack,

I purchased a 1975 Honda CB200t about two weeks ago.  Since, I've ridden it just about every day.  From the get-go, it hasn't shifted right: it gets stuck in 1st, N, and 2nd quite a bit.  When I get going in 1st, it's often takes a couple tries to get it to click up to 2nd, and even more to get it up to 3rd and 4th.  Sometimes it's the same problem going down...

More recently (last night and today), I am unable to start the bike.  The electric start wasn't working when I got it.  But I (and the previous owner, according to him) was always able to start it within one or two kicks of the kick-start.  Not anymore.  It's been covered at night, hasn't been exposed to water, and the temperature here (Bloomington, IN) hasn't changed much in the last week. Prior to not being able to start it, I hadn't noticed any signs of stalling, sputtering or anything.  These seems (to my untrained ear and lack of experience) to have come out of no where.

I don't know if these two problems or at all related or completely separate.  I'm not even sure if I'm giving you enough info, but any help you might be able to offer on either or both problems would be much appreciated.

Thanks.


Answer
Hiya,

I kinda think you got two different issues. The shifting problem is prolly due to a worn out shifter fork. But sometimes an improperly adjusted clutch and/or cable can cause the same problem. Start by making sure the clutch cable is adjusted properly and has the proper amount of freeplay. Now the second problem... hmm.. first thing to due is to determine if there is spark when ya kick it over. I usually use starting fluid (just a quick blast into the air box with the filter element removed), open the throttle and kick her over a few times. If you get no pops or sputters, then you have a spark/ignition problem. If she does start on starting fluid, then you have a fuel delivery/carb problem. Also... make sure you take a look at the contact breaker points... if there is debris or yuk on them, the bike won't run. Good luck Tony!!!


Jack