QuestionHi there, I recently got a 65 cb160 with 10,000 miles and everything seems to work fine (this is my first motorcycle, and it had to be a vintage Honda!)except the clutch. Electric start, lights, horn all work, engine idles and sounds nice...it does smoke a bit however. Another problem is that the left carb seems to leak a bit of gas when it sits...(I am sure they need rebuilt, the bike has been stored for over 20 years). And I need air filters for it, I have seen some on Ebay but I am not sure if I need additional breather tubes and/or clamps to connect the cleaners to the carbs or not, the cleaners have a short black piece already. Anyhow, my main concern is with the clutch. When I first got it home my stepfather, who has a history spotted with motorcycles, tried to ride it...he got it in first but that was the end of it...we couldn't get the clutch to disengage to shift gears...So, we consulted a manual I have and adjusted the clutch at the cable and at the clutch adjuster...as far as possible...but it still wont disengage, and the cable is TIGHT. Also, when I took the cover off I noticed some unnerving metal shavings inside! After some reading in a general motorcycle book, it seems to me that there is a problem with the push rod mechanism. Does this sound right to you? I am not sure I am going to attempt this on my own, but I would like to know what you think. Any help in getting this newbie(me) cruising for the first time would be much appreciated!
AnswerJoseph, When these bikes sit for long periods of time, the clutch assemblies tend to fuse together. Disassembly of the clutch plates, sanding the metal plates and inspecting the fiber plates for damage. For best results replace both metal and fiber parts. Once that is complete, you can loosen the cable adjusters on both ends, loosen the locking bolt on the crankcase, rotate the large slotted adjuster clockwise until it stops, then back off slightly. Tighten the lock bolt, take up most of the adjustment at the lower cable adjuster, then fine tune with the handlebar adjuster.
The CB160 air filters do come with short tube connectors, as I recall. You can reuse the small clamps from your old filters to secure the boots to the carb inlets.
Check the metal slivers inside to see what kind of material it is. They could be steel, aluminum, brass or other materials. If you have the clutch cover off, check and clean the oil filter rotor, which collects dirt and debris.
Check the whole bike over before you go tearing around the countryside. Items that can deteriorate over the years are:
tires/tubes, fork seals, drive chain, carburetors, petcock, fuel tank and fuel lines. Carbs that overflow are having problems with float valves not seating properly, due to varnish etching, varnish/gum deposits, dirt, moisture and debris. Clean the whole fuel system from gas cap vent holes to the float bowls.
Check the compression if possible. Adjust the valves to .002" COLD on the compression stroke of each cylinder. Clean the points, check the mechanical spark advancer (behind the point plate), gap points to .012"-.016" at the widest opening, then move the point plate until the points just start to open at the F mark alignment on the flywheel.
Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com
