Motorcycle Repair: 1972 honda cb500 four, cb500 four, honda cb500

Question
Hi Rich, I have a 72 Honda cb500 four has been sitting for years I finally got it running but was hard starting adjusted timing and points (points are in good shape)cleaned carbs was running strong last summer but sputtered at higher speeds that is why I adjusted points and timing now has become easy to start but has no power under load what can I do to get this bike up to par I have no manuals or experience with bikes I am an auto technician

Answer
Mark, the points and timing have to be set at the factory specs to get the engine to run right.  The high speed sputtering was probably a lean air fuel mixture.  I'd recommend you set the points to .014 thou and then check the dynamic timing with a timing light.  When you rev up the engine to 3-4000 the timing should advance to between the two hash marks on the timing advance unit.  You have to check both sets of points separately, cyl 1&3, then 2&4.  If the engine still sputters after you get the timing set right, try and applying a little choke,  If it clears up the sputtering, it's a lean mixture and you need to clean the carbs.  If it doesn't clean up, the sputtering, it's probably a plug wire or plug cap leaking high voltage spark.

Regards
Rich