[amannl]

I have a k1 that now runs after 7 or 8 years of intermittent work!

It ran fine on its first 70 mile ride, but on my last 2 attempts at a ride, the clutch sticks. As the engine warms up the clutch gets heavier and heavier until it won't release at all and the clutch lever flops.
The adjuster is greased, the ball is in place and it shifts fine, has anyone had this problem and is it just the adjuster and lifter sticking?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Adam

 

[66Sprint]

Sounds like it could be a "sticking" or kinked cable as well......

 

[dlslick]

I would bet on the cable being the culprit and make sure that you completely rule that out before you go tearing into the clutch. I have never had much luck bringing a rusted old cable back to life. I can get them to work but not smoothly enough for me. A new cable, even if it isnt gray would be what I would try first.
If it doesnt fix the problem a spare clutch cable is nice to have around anyway.
Don

 

[tbpmusic]

How about the clutch lifter rod, did you examine it??

 

[KERRY]

It's possible for the clutch plates to stick in the cage, particularly if there are notches worn in its fingers. This is particularly likely to happen if there's been moisture inside the case and there's rust on the parts. Taking the clutch apart and cleaning it is not a major job, and it's also a good idea to take a look down into the oil sump - that's where everything that's supposed to be somewhere else in the motor goes when it isn't where it should be. Also, oil sediment accumulates in the bottom of the case and doesn't drain out with a normal oil change. It's easy to make gaskets for the side covers and a lot cheaper than buying them (you want some pointers on that, ask). Use distillate/kerosene/Diesel oil for friction disc cleaning - the friction material is glued on and you'd like it to stay that way.

 

[amannl]

Thanks all for your suggestions. The cable was fine; it turned out to be the clutch lifter rod, which was slightly bent.
A replacement, not cheap!, from Western Hills Honda solved the problem.
Adam

 

[66Sprint]

I hope you checked the pushrod seal while you were in there... A bent or munged pushrod can tear them up fairly quickly......Also, a bend is usually doe to being struck by an overly loose drive chain (or snapped one)...You may want to check that as well.....