1973 Honda CL450 DOHC "Scrambler"

Discussion in 'The "Other" Bench' started by Hansen72GS, Mar 4, 2012.

  1. Hansen72GS

    Hansen72GS Well-Known Member

    Well guys I know its a buick forum but I was just hoping I could get lucky on here since it seems like you guys are able to help me with everything else haha. I just bought a 1973 Honda CL450 DOHC, I thought it'd be something fun to buzz bomb around the small college town on when I'm not raising hell in my GS :grin: but I'm having issues with the tranny in the bike. the motor is fine but I thinking I have a linkage issue and the bike wont shift correctly into neutral so I can't start it. ANY ADVICE would be a great help. Thanks
     
  2. TexasT

    TexasT Texas, where are you from

    Have you taken it apart? Are there pieces that look worn or bent? Do you have a shop manual? I'm no motorcycle guy but that is where I would start.
     
  3. 71skylark3504v

    71skylark3504v Goin' Fast In Luxury!

    Why does it have to be in neutral to start it?
     
  4. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    All those older Honda's are finicky to get into neutral. Sometimes I actually use my hand to have better control than my foot. I have a 72 500-4 cyl so I know what you mean. After a while you will get the hang of it. You can use the clutch so it doesn't have to be in neutral but then you have to switch hands so you can cut the choke off and try to keep it running with the throttle. Practice practice and then practice some more. Good luck
     
  5. Hansen72GS

    Hansen72GS Well-Known Member

    well when i shift it, its like the shift liver doesnt catch on anything
     
  6. Adam C

    Adam C Enjoy the Ride!

  7. 69GS400s

    69GS400s ...my own amusement ride!

    I had the same bike with the same problem - it actually got ALOT worse when you'd drive it for a few hours and everything would heat up. It would get so bad you practically couldn't shift it.
     

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