CB750K Shifting issue...

[Speed Demon Choppers]

So I built this chopper...  I love it and it runs/rides great, but lately when I'm idling in neutral and grab the clutch and shift into first, I get the "clunk" like it's engaging, but then when I let the clutch out I'm still in neutral.  I have to go through this about 7-8 times before it actually finds first gear.  I've been riding bikes for a long time, so I'm familiar with the cable adjustment...  I'm just wondering if this is a common problem with an easy fix (please?)  : )   Thanks!  ~Eric

[Re-run]

What oil are you using? What year is the engine?
I ask because certain oils make gear shift less positive. The engines did not all have the same clutch.
When have you last checked your clutch plates? If the steels warp, they can cause shifting issues.
Could even be just a worn shift fork.

[Speed Demon Choppers]

Thanks for the reply.  I'm well aware of the endless debate on motorcycle oils...  : )   I'm running Castrol GTX 10-40.  I will probably just pull the clutch cover and look for something that's damaged.  Or a big switch that accidentally got flipped to "off."  : )  I will keep an eye out for more replies though!  Thanks!!
          ~Eric
ps- I have not owned a dry-sump bike before, so if my thinkung is all wrong here just tell me...  But if the clutch is dry, how would it be affected by the type of oil in the crank case?

[Re-run]

The clutch is NOT dry. As for dry sump, the bike just keeps most of its oil in the tank, not in the pan.
So oil DOES make a big difference. I used to use a regular 10-40 oil before and the clutch was ok. I switched to a diesel oil, rotella T 15-40 and shifting got much better. Then went to rotella synth which is still a diesel oil and 5-40 and shifting is awesome. huge change in shifting just with changing oil.
So again, the clutch is a wet clutch.

Another thing to do is if you do pul the clutch apart, you should get the special socket for it. You can adapt one if you want though. Measure the clutch springs, there are 4 of them. If they are different lengths, new spring would be needed. Honda springs work just fine so you do not need barnetts unless you have a high output engine. At this time, you should check the plates. Put them on a completely flat surface and look for warps. If there are warps, then new plates would be in order. Before taking the plates apart, make sure you note the stamped edges and which way they go. If you do need new plates, before putting them in(get honda plates, trust me here)soak them in the oil you are currently using overnight.

[Myumi-2]

Not sure how you got along with this problem, but I stumbled across this, which is a possible explanation of your problem?

http://www.salocal.com/sohc/tech/tranny/slipgear.htm

Cheers
Tim

[Speed Demon Choppers]

Wow!  Great info!  Thanks!  I just put some more tension on the cable and the problem went away.  I'm pretty sure I need new plates.  Thanks for all the input I got on this!  You guys are awesome!
         Eric