Stiff clutch on cb125

[Louden]

I recently bought a 1981 Honda cb125, the clutch lever is really stiff and hard to pull, there doesn't seem to be a kink in the cabling.

Is this a matter of the clutch springs? Can old springs cause this problem?

I could get used to it but my hands hurt after riding it I'd rather just try and get a softer response if its possible/easy.

Cheers.

[Ed Case]

It's almost certainly the cable, disconnect both ends and see if it moves easily, if it doesn't, squirt some WD40 or light oil down it and work it up and down until it does. If that's not the problem you need some-one handy with spanners and at least some knowledge to get inside the motor and get searching. Best of luck.

[MickC]

If it is the cable consider buying a new one. The last one i had that was stiff snapped after i had freed it up. Also dirty engine oil can effect the clutch. If it turns out to be nether then it could be the plates are sticking together.
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[Louden]

The clutch arm that cable is attached to is really difficult to move. I feel like the cable is fine, looks greased inside and no kinks, however I will double check.

[MickC]

Drain the oil and remove the clutch cover, undo the retaining bolts for the plates and give them a clean. If you have a manual for it see what the wear limits are for the plates. you can try David Silver, Fowlers or Lings for replacement parts. At the age of the bike you will have to hunt for bits ( I know my bike in my sig. is also an 81 )
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XX XXXx
Previous: CG125,XS250 (converted to 400),Z250A, GPZ550, Norton Commando, XS500, 78 Laverda Jota, GPZ1100,Harris bonneville, XV750 (mono shock),TR1

[Fizzer Thou]

I had a 1972 CB125S that may well be similar.My clutch cable would snap every year orso,until I found the reason why it was sooooo heavy.Basically,the handlebar lever pulled the cable against a cast in edge on the lever itself.This sharp edge was dressed down with a needle file and the problem was solved.

There was an article in Classic Motor Cycle Mechanics anout an early CB125S being brought back to its former glory after a lengthy resoration.The clutch lever bracket on the cover changed from what I remember between the CB125S and the CB125J.But it still pushed in a pushrod inside of the cover.There was an adjuster at the bottom of the outer cover that you had to adjust properly before you could then adjust the course cable adjuster and then the handlebar lever fine adjuster.
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[MickC]

[Teflon-Mike]

[stinkwheel]

Not sure how you could tell if the clutch arm is stiff without removing the cover because by design, when it's in place, you'll be working the clutch which is stiff anyway.

I too would strongly suspect the cable until proved otherwise*. There can be a broken strand which has unravelled itself inside the outer so it appears normal outwardly. The barell nipple at the top end can also be seized into the lever.

* You haven't proved otherwise until you have detached the cable and pulled on either end of it to make sure it moves freely.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Louden]

Thanks for the comprehensive advice! I will, as I said earlier, double check the cable and if it isn't the problem I have more than enough here to go on. If I need advice (most likely) I'll be back

[Fizzer Thou]