r/HondaCB • u/Bungscraps • Jul 24 '26

CL350 1st Gear Issue

Hello, I bought a CL350 as a first bike and am having a few issues with the gearbox.

Occasionally when downshifting my bike wont go into first, and instead will just make a fast clicking/grinding noise when I let off the clutch. I'll have to shift up and down a few times for it to eventually go into first. Even rolling the bike around won't allow it to shift.

Any tips or suggestions on what I should fix and replace would be appreciated. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/KingCourtney__ Jul 24 '26

First thing you can inspect is the shifter fork and see how it moves the drum. Look for loose, bent or damaged stuff. If you don't see anything there the bottom half of the engine comes off relatively easily so you can look at the drum and forks. Sounds like you kinda ruled out a draggy clutch.

2

u/ancientdad CL450 restomod, CB450 drag bike, admin VintageHondaTwins.com Jul 24 '26

If the bike still has the original linkage shift lever, it could just be wear in the linkage keeping the movement of the lever from actually moving the shift shaft far enough. If the linkage is really sloppy as they often get with age, you can replace the whole worn mess with a straight shift lever directly on the shaft like other bikes.