1983 Honda CM450A "Hondamatic" has shifting issues?

Question

I recently purchased a 1983 Honda CM450A "Hondamatic" that runs fine, however; after riding it for a short time, it will die on me while riding. I can start it right back up, but once the transmission gets warm enough, I can't get it to shift out of neutral once it has either died or been shut off. If I allow the bike to cool for 4-5 hrs, or overnight, it'll start and shift fine. I'm stumped. If I try to shift it while it's hot, especially after it's died, it just makes a clunking sound, and then stalls. What could be causing it to do this?

Answer 1

I've never seen a problem with a Hondamatic transmission.

Perhaps if the transmission components are sightly worn, when the engine heats up, the metal parts expand just enough to give problems.

I would say engine dis-assembly and inspection is required.

Answer 2

Sounds like You have a Transmisson issue. Parts for those are not easy to come by. You might do a google search to see if there is a forum on the net for Hondamatics.