1974 Honda CL360 help with ignition start

[Zoltan]

All electrical is working properly, the bike works and runs with a kick start. However when I press the start via the electrical ignition starter, theres a hissing noise that almost sounds like some gears aren't catching towards the front of the bike. Any suggestions to what's going on will be greatly appreciated, this is my first bike, I am going to be cafe'ing or turning into a brat, not sure yet. Will post a video of the problem / sound, soon, as well as pics of the bike.
Thanks
-Zoltan

 

[Bert Jan]

All electrical is working properly, the bike works and runs with a kick start. However when I press the start via the electrical ignition starter, theres a hissing noise that almost sounds like some gears aren't catching towards the front of the bike. Any suggestions to what's going on will be greatly appreciated, this is my first bike, I am going to be cafe'ing or turning into a brat, not sure yet. Will post a video of the problem / sound, soon, as well as pics of the bike.
Thanks
-Zoltan

Welcome! It helps the anti-flame if you introduce yourself
Could you make a movie of the process? im not sure what hissing sounds you mean.

 

[loganrm]

Hey Zoltan. I wonder if the starter motor is functioning but missing the chain?

 

[Bert Jan]

Hey Zoltan. I wonder if the starter motor is functioning but missing the chain?

haha that would be the most epic repair ever! No need to take it off, and when it snapped, i guess it would have damaged the engine. But check it, it could be the case. Hissing sounds like a battery powered drill?

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

More likely the starter clutch is shot. It is a sprag type clutch. Spring loaded rollers rubbing against a round surface. the springs holding the rollers are on an angle so the rollers slip when the crank is turning faster then the clutch, but jam (when they work) to turn the crank if the clutch is driven by the starter motor.

The best way to check is to remove the left engine cover (Drain the oil first).

You can see the starter sprocket, the chain, and the sprocket behind the flywheel/rotor (which is screwed to the starter clutch.

Bump the starter. If the chain turns but not the flywheel, the clutch is bad.

If the motor turns, but not the small sprocket on the motor, the gears inside the starter may be stripped.

If there is no chain, you know what to do....

Search the site for starter clutch, lots of pictures and instructions.

 

[Zoltan]

Btw, my names Zoltan, 20 years old go to manhattan college. Thanks for the replies, tomorrow I'll try these out and post a video of the noise.