Hello all... Please bare with me as this is my first post and I am new to the site. To begin I am very green when it comes to overhauling engines or bikes for that matter. I have had experience riding in the past but have never owned. I came across a 71 CB 500 for not much at all and decided I would like to try something new. I hope to get some help with some questions from all those with much more experience than me.
The previous owner informed me that to his knowledge the bike has not been ridden since 75' when it was last registered in N.Y. and has been garage kept ever since. He turn the engine several times a year using the kick start. Over all for its age it doesn't look to bad, but it doesn't start either. I haven't been able to get a spark and check the ignition coil (it was bad).
I have slight concerns with the damage to the right and left sides of the bike. There is damage to the cooling fins. First question: will this cause major problems down the road?
Since I am waiting for and ignition coil in the mail I decided to check compression and cylinders 1,2,4 read 120 psi. Unfortunately cylinder 3 read 0 psi, I also put some oil in cylinder and check again with same results. Question 2: does the room think the probable cause of lack of compression would be from I would think head gasket? The valves are moving freely.
Thanks ahead of time for your help.
