Not so much lurking as information gathering.

[TheJones]

Hello,
I've been a member for awhile I just haven't been up for a post. I have a '71 cb500f. I am super slow at working on it. Mostly because I live in Miami, on South Beach, where I keep, and work, on my bike in a very high traffic alley way. It's hard to take all your tools out to the alley, have no power outlet, be standing a block from the beach where about 50 people a minute are walking by, and avoid food delivery trucks. Anyway, so far I've only taken off the fenders, cleaned the carbs a few times (current one I'm doing an honest job of), swapped in clubmans, added bicycle handlebar wrap for the grips, and J.M. Rhum corks as handlebar ends.
I'm kinda learning as I go, I've amassed a lot of info from sites like this and SOHC4, plus some general knowledge. Can anyone suggest a textbook style engine repair book? I can really use a formal introduction to the engine, specifically the sohc4.
-TheJones

This is how I got it:

 

[locOleoN]

no one blames ya.. I guess I'd have a hard time focusing on anything if I lived off South Beach Miami!!..

Welcome!!

 

[Tim]

Hi - first, welcome. Second, and its a common thing to do, the model of your bike is a CB500K, not F. The F designation was for the SuperSport models of the CB400, CB550 and CB750.

There are full Honda Service Manuals on the site here for your bike, and are very easy to follow. Just as simple as any Clymer or Haynes, the only other two manuals you'd want to consider for your bike.

A Parts Manual can be invaluable, if you're taking things apart. There is a scanned one for the CB550F online, but not the CB500. You might find one out there if you do a bit of Googling.

If you have any questions about this bike, let me know. I owned a CB500 (1973) and a CB550F (1976) which I rebuilt twice.

 

[TheJones]

LeoN,
South Beach is much better on TV, a visit not live sort of place. It's the no space thing that makes it a hard time.

TinTin,
Thanks, I thought the F was Four... see how much I need help!
I do have the shop manual, and I don't touch a thing without it, but I'm looking for a general book. I was thinking more of a motorcycle mechanics textbook, not a Barnes and Noble help book. Thanks again.