With the lever lubed, cable lubed and the actuator clean and lubed that leaves clutch springs or something with the clutch basket.
Taking a stab at this, did you check or swap and try readjusting the cam mech that the cable hooks into? Also remove the pushrod and check for straightness?
For the cam mech, completely disassemble, clean, grease and reassemble
Need to measure the wire diameter to tell the difference in most cases, some are real obvious.It is of course possible the previous owner had heavy duty springs installed, will check it out another day. Are beefier springs different looking to regular? In the mean time I have a parts source if needed, see pic.
View attachment 22535
Need to measure the wire diameter to tell the difference in most cases, some are real obvious.
A yes, to the cam mech question. We have not removed the pushrod but that raises a question. How would a pushrod become bent with normal useage? The bike shifts absolutely fine through all gears, it's just that the amount of force required to pull in the clutch lever is way way stiffer than my '69 CB350. Mine feels like a breeze compared. I think we will find heavy duty springs fitted.
How would a pushrod become bent with normal useage?
That's where I am putting my money.
Possibly a chain break in the past?
I bet you are right again :lol: We know the previous owner rode to work on a highway and the bike did have highway bar footrests fitted to it when we bought it home (for about five minutes)Or maybe they tried using an 18 tooth front sprocket and found the chain rubbed.
Part number is 91203-292-005, same seal as a 450. Amazon has them and you'd probably get free shipping, but would it equate to you paying $2 for it plus shipping from 4into1 (link below)? Hard to be sure but Amazon's price is a ridiculous $12 (but they say it's a Honda part, not that it makes much difference with seals as long as they're the right dimensions)
https://4into1.com/mainshaft-oil-se...honda-cb350-360-450-450-500t-xl250-350-sl350/
BTW, this is the fiche it's in, you gotta think like a transmission
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350k3-super-sport-1971-usa_model432/partslist/E++14.html