The International CBX Owners Association

After a ride today while the bike was idling I noticed a random clicking sound in the right front near the spark plugs.I listened to the tach cable with a stethoscope and it sounds ok. Sounds a lot like a plug wire snapping to ground but there is no engine miss so I don't think that's it.
It seems to go away once the engine is above idle.
Could this be normal valve spring noise?

Exhaust leak?

I don't know "normal valve spring noise".
Have you done a valve adjustment lately? Maybe just needs a proper sized shim.

Haven't done a valve adjustment. It sounds just like a spark plugs wire occasionally arcing to ground but there is no engine miss at idle or while cruising.

As Steve said, do check your exhaust flanges. It is also possible for a wayward plug wire under the tank to contact the tank and intermittently short. I've seen it happen a couple of times, especially with aftermarket coil/wire setups.

Dave

Dave

Exhaust gaskets are good. It's definitely a plug wire occasionally arcing to ground. I ran it in the dark but can't pinpoint the exact wire so I will be replacing all the
wires.

Check your coils for hairline cracks while you’re at it.

Will do, if a coil needs replacing any thoughts on after market coils? A Honda OEM coil is $146.00 from Partzillia, a reproduction coil is $40.00.

Are you absolutely sure it's not your alternator clutches? The sound they occasionally make has been described often as 'clicking' or 'chirping'?

Dave

I only hear it at idle when I'm kneeling down right in front of the motor. It sounds exactly like a spark arcing to ground. It's puzzles me why there is no engine misfire though.I will inspect the coils when I install the new plug wires.

Run engine at night and look for arks.