Motorcycle Repair: Honda cl350 clutch, bike bandit, clutch adjustment

Question
My 72 honda cl350 has a problem where the clutch does not seem to disengage fully. When I first start it everything runs fine, but after running it for a bit whenever I stop, I have to hold the brake to keep it from creeping forward, even though I have the clutch handle pulled all the way in. when stop, with the brake on to keep it from moving, the engine will idle for about ten seconds, then I have to start appplying throttle to keep the engine from stalling, but then the bike starts to push through my front brake. Again, this problem only shows up when the bike is hot, the clutch seems to fully disengage when I first start the bike and the fisrt 5-10 minutes of riding. I dont understand why this problem comes and goes as it does, any help would be Appreciated
Thanks
Scott Tomlinson

Answer
Hi Scott,

Get a copy of the service manual and review the section of clutch adjustment.

You may find a manual here:

www.honda4fun.com/man_officina/man_officina.html

The clutch may need a simple adjustment or the clutch may be grabbing as a reult of warped clutch plates.

Metal clutch plates may be warping when up to operating temperatures. This may cause them to partially engage the fiber clutch plates.

Always replace metal plate, fiber plates, and clutch springs as a set. No exceptions.

View parts microfiche at Bike Bandit: www.bikebandit.com

Learn more about motorcycle repair at Dan's free MC repair course on-line: www.dansmc.com


Respectfully,
Mark Shively