Lloyd - I call mine a 500F as we didn't seem to have K1, K2 in UK (?). In it's day (I was there) it was a 500/4. Nobody else made anything quite like it. Even nowadays (34 years later), I say that I have a 500/4 and most bikers know what I'm on about.
Well, I guess I'm not a Brit biker then.
I observed many people call their bikes F models because there is a big "F" in the "Four" on the side cover, even though many of them are, in fact, K bikes. If your locale doesn't have any true F bikes as Honda designated them, then local communication can succeed by calling them whatever is agreed upon. However, international communication will continue to be confused by calling your bike something it is not, as we relate to the printed word rather than a visual pictorial of the bike mentioned. A 500/4 or 500/Four is understandable and relates a fairly realistic visual picture of the correct form being referenced. A 500/F has no visual reference by Honda, a parts counterman, or anyone in the States familiar with the marque. I would picture it as some sort of hybrid and any further technical discussion would require clarification.
It gets even more confusing when dealing with the 500, as the K3 is a very different bike from the K0-K2 500's here in the states.
For example, I was going to warn you about the difference in rear chain sprocket tooth count 34-37 between the 500 K0-2, and any CB550. But, since you have a 500F, I have no clue as to which rear sprocket you currently have. All I can do is wish you the best of luck.
Cheers,
And...Best of luck!
