no power

you have the older type cb500,if it is a twin it is a CB500T,if it is a four it is a CB500F. this club is for 1990s cb500s which are totally different to yours.  I am sure someone here will help you tho

HI,
 as said you have the 70's version of the cb500, this forum is for the (90's to early 2000's) one. Anyhow, your fault could be any number of things and as you've not had the bike long you don't know what the previous owner has/n't done I'd suggest splitting your checking into fuel and electrics.

So.. check the fuel first - Might be worth checking the fuel tap is working and you have a) fuel and b) the correct ron rating fuel if it does get through.
Old fuel left in carbs goes to varnish/sludge and the jets won't work. Cure is carb strip and clean.
Have a spark plug out and see if its damp after you try and fire the bike up. THis means fuel is getting through. Put the plug against the cylinder head and try and start the bike - it won't of course but if you get a big fat spark at the sparkplug then the electrics are ok. If not, look at the electrics - ancient wires, plug caps not on right, ingnition points.

Lastly, get a Haynes manual if you can, old bikes = ongoing spannering

atb

muttley1