I guess this started with an issue with vibration. It got quite bad and I tried bar end weights on the handle bars and stuff to try and reduce the numb finger syndrome but nothing seemed to work.
I have also been having an issue with the clutch. Its not smooth and at times its downright difficult to handle. Prior to taking it to bits my best guess was that I have some plates that are out of shape. I purchased some new friction plates and springs and, from Honda, some new steel plates.
Had planned to wait until my holiday to take it to bits but, well you know; cutting the grass or taking a clutch to bits? No competition really.
So out came the spanners. I had a real problem with one crank case bolt and I really thought it was going to shear off but lots of patience (very out of character that) and very gentle persuasion managed to get them all out without a break. Slackened off the four bolts holding the springs and realised I had a bit of an issue as things seemed a little wobbly.
Eventually got it all to bits and this was the problem.
As you can see, one of the spring carriers has broken off completely from the pressure plate. Its a classic crystalline failure. I had a roam around on eBay for a replacement and then decided if that’s happened to mine then perhaps I will opt for a new one and purchased a genuine Honda part from my old favourite Lings.
I also splashed out on a proper peg spanner to deal with the lock-nut. I made one to undo the nut based on the Haynes manual suggestion but decided it was going to be difficult to torque it up properly on reassembly so purchased a peg spanner from Wemoto which will fit a square drive socket wrench.
The actual clutch friction plates and steel plates seemed in good condition but I replaced them with new anyway. I replaced the springs as well, just because I had some. I had a plan to clean the oil filter while I had it all in bits but for the life of me couldn’t get the oil pump screws undone so I have left that for latter when I have a new battery for my electric impact driver (can’t complain really I have had it 10 years and the battery just isn’t holding charge anymore). I reset the tappets and cam chain tension instead.
Reassembled everything and added my lovely new Athena gasket to seal the oil in and away we go. A very definite improvement on the clutch front and my vibration issue seems to have disappeared.