Clutch Not Working

[Henrik_imp]

For the first time since I got the CB1100 EX in 2014 I have a problem with it, and I wanted to check here in case somebody has experienced something similar.

The other week as I was bringing the bike out for the first ride this spring (the salt has finally washed away from the roads and the sun was shining). Everything looked perfect, but as I pressed the clutch before starting the bike I thought the clutch felt very light. My first impression was that the Honda's clutch is just lighter than my Triumph Scrambler that I have been riding through winter.

I hit the starter and the engine, as is customary, immediately sprung to life. It felt great to hear that 4-in-line rumble again, and I just let it warm up a little bit. However, when I pressed the clutch and put it in first, it lurched forward and stalled. The clutch, it turns out, is not working at all!

So yes, the clutch feels extremely light, like there is really no resistance at all.

I have checked the hydraulic fluid container, and everything there looks fine, with the level just right and the fluid still nice and clean. So the question then is, what could cause this problem, and what would be a possible solution?

If I am not able to resolve it myself, I will have it brought to a Honda mechanic in a week or so to get things sorted so that I can get it back on the road.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Possible corrosion in the hydraulic clutch system?

Had a similar behaviour in a cage and it was corrosion particulate, which also meant water collected in the system too.

[dave]

It sounds to me like one of the hydraulic clutch cylinders has failed (there are two). If you have mechanical experience you can rebuild it yourself (my guess is it's the cylinder located at the clutch lever), but if not, take it to a qualified mechanic.

[1973cb750]

My master cylinder was full of water and garbage when I got mine from some one pressure washing it to close to the vent on cap

[Henrik_imp]

Thanks for the feedback.

I did not realize there were two hydraulic clutch cylinders. However, I think I will best leave this issue to a professional. At this point, I think I have covered what I am able to do.

[1973cb750]

very easy to work on if you've ever blead brakes on a car, every hydraulic system like brakes or clutch systems have a slave (in front of sprocket on cb) and a master (on handlebar) brakes have a master and a caliper or wheel cylinder, very simple to fix

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

Just drain/bleed the hydraulic and refill. That should cure it.

[Henrik_imp]

I decided to have the bike taken to a Honda specialist just to be sure. I don't mind doing some mechanical tinkering and used to always do things on my own when I was younger (and vehicles were simpler). However I miss both proper tools and a good place to work on the bike, so it is best a professional takes care of it.

Now I just have to wait, and it seems it may be two weeks as their workshop was a bit backlogged as everybody is getting their bikes ready for the warmer weather. No worries, I still have the Scrambler.