engines from the cbf500...

are the engines identical to ours and would they direct swap into our bikes? I'm thinking about buying an engine to tinker with in my dads garage so i've got something to do when i visit the family. And would seem logical to buy a newer engine if possible...cheers

I don't think they're a direct swop. The frame is different, and would presumably have different mounts.

Happy to be proved wrong, but I wouldn't chance it without researching further.

The front sprocket sits further out on a cbf to allow chain clearance for the larger rear tyre.

Chances are they used the same mount points on the engine & just designed the new frame around it negating the need for costly re-tooling. As sullivj said it's best to measure up if you don't get a definative answer.

Personally I'd be happy with an older engine if it was relatively low milage & had been well maintained. The original jap built ones are generally thought of as having a better build quality.

Didn't somebody on here do this already?

ANDYC put in a cbf output shaft on his track bike project but as far as I'm aware the rest of the engine is original.

I have a vague recollection way back in the mists of time (possibly even on the old forum) that someone might have done it but it may never have gone further than conjecture.

I believe that this is the thread you mean:

Engine Swap

The engine is basically the same.
However the speedo pick-up is electronic and works of the top of the gearbox. This won't fit using the standard airbox.
The cylinder head has air bleeds into the exhaust ports for emission reasons.
The sprocket is 5mm further out for clearance with the 160 tyre. You can fit the output shaft from the cb500 as apart from the spacing the gearbox is the same.
Other than these points the engines are identical.