If you're hearing a noisy cam chain on your CB500R/F/X, this will fix it. To hear the noise, kneel beside the right side of the bike while it's idling and rev it to 3,500 rpm. The rattle is quite noticeable, and will increase momentarily as you release the throttle. This is a loose cam chain.
I found the fix on Youtube; search for "Honda cct cbr cam chain tensioner". The fix is for other CBR models, but works for all the 500 twins as well. Honda cam chain tensioners are supposed to be self-adjusting, but in fact are often not; but this fix is easy.
Use an 8mm wrench to remove the bolt at the end of the cam chain tensioner, which sticks out behind the right cylinder.
Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver into the bolt hole. I used a small removable flat-head bit from a screwdriver; the youtube videos mention a small screwdriver available at home depot, SKU 1000 039 354.
engage the tensioner shaft inside the hole and turn the bit clockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turn against spring tension, then release the bit quickly (or pull the bit out of the hole), allowing the spring-loaded shaft to reset.
Replace the bolt. You're done.
I found the fix on Youtube; search for "Honda cct cbr cam chain tensioner". The fix is for other CBR models, but works for all the 500 twins as well. Honda cam chain tensioners are supposed to be self-adjusting, but in fact are often not; but this fix is easy.
Use an 8mm wrench to remove the bolt at the end of the cam chain tensioner, which sticks out behind the right cylinder.
Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver into the bolt hole. I used a small removable flat-head bit from a screwdriver; the youtube videos mention a small screwdriver available at home depot, SKU 1000 039 354.
engage the tensioner shaft inside the hole and turn the bit clockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turn against spring tension, then release the bit quickly (or pull the bit out of the hole), allowing the spring-loaded shaft to reset.
Replace the bolt. You're done.
