The International CBX Owners Association

Many times I hear a very audible "zinnng" sound for a second or two after starting the CBX... It is of course the starter doing that ( I assume ). Is this normal? My CX 500 also does this and I have read those bikes are called the "zingers" - same with the CBX?? Regards!

It MIGHT be the starter clutch run-on which isn't an easy fix.
It also MIGHT be the starter itself which is a fairly easy fix.

Any chance you are using synthetic oil?
It was never a problem with my bike but some starter clutch woes have been attributed to synthetic oil.

It could be that the solenoid is briefly hanging up and not disengaging the instant
that the starter button is released. I'll bet you will hear the same sound when the
engine is running and you hit the starter button.

If it is the starter button, get that fixed IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, some potential damage could require a complete engine teardown/split the cases.

steve murdoch icoa #5322 wrote: ↑

Sat May 28, 2022 9:15 pm

It MIGHT be the starter clutch run-on which isn't an easy fix.
It also MIGHT be the starter itself which is a fairly easy fix.

Any chance you are using synthetic oil?
It was never a problem with my bike but some starter clutch woes have been attributed to synthetic oil.

Only mineral oil used... Regards!

bobcat wrote: ↑

Sat May 28, 2022 11:33 pm

It could be that the solenoid is briefly hanging up and not disengaging the instant
that the starter button is released. I'll bet you will hear the same sound when the
engine is running and you hit the starter button.

I'll have to check... Regards!

Larry Zimmer wrote: ↑

Sun May 29, 2022 11:24 pm

If it is the starter button, get that fixed IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, some potential damage could require a complete engine teardown/split the cases.

Definitely not the starter button or the solenoid... The sound comes from the starter (same as the CX500). The starter clutch has never failed.... It just sounds like the starter spinning on for a second or so. Regards.

Obviously the sound does not come from the solenoid and definitely not the button.
The button activates the solenoid which turns on the starter motor.
If either the button or the solenoid sticks (hangs), the starter motor will continue
to run after the engine has started at which time the crank turns faster than the
starter clutch releasing the load on the starter motor to spin freely with no load
and it races (Zinggggggs) ahead producing the noise you hear. So yes, it is coming
from the starter motor but caused by what operates it.

There is the possibility that the engine fires but until it runs on all 6 cyls. the crank
is not yet turning faster than the starter motor/clutch is turning it so you hold the
button down longer than actually necessary.