[Rabbie6]

New to CX500 world

Pulled an ‘81 CX500 out of a shed last week. Engine turns from front crank nut and pistons move up and down as they should; oil is clean and full, all lights, horn and signals work with a new battery but I get nothing when the starter button is pushed, no clicks, no love.

relay? Starter frozen?
Suggestions?
Thanks

 

[Rabbie6]

nevermind! not sure this helped but I saw another thread on here with the same issue and forgot that maybe the clutch needed to be pulled in when in gear? so tired that and after pressing the button a few times the starter started to click then chuckle and then spin and big fat white sparks appeared at the plugs! whoa whoa

 

[Gerard]

Cx's tend to start faster in neutral as well.

 

[Sidecar Bob]

I'd expect any bike to start easier in neutral, if only because the starter motor doesn't have to overcome a cold clutch dragging a bit.

Welcome to the forum. Please add your location and your bike's model and model year to your profile so that you don't have to remember to tell us every time and we don't have to keep asking when you forget (see Forum Settings link in my signature).

And welcome to the world of antique vehicle ownership (they own us, not the other way around). Your bike is about 4 decades old and may or may not have had all of the maintenance necessary to keep it safe & reliable so it is highly recommended to download the Factory Shop Manual for your model (available through the CX Wiki - link in my signature) and go through all of the service procedures, regardless of whether your bike has reached the specified mileage.
I also recommend looking on all rubber parts with suspicion because rubber does not age gracefully. Check the date codes on your tires and replace them if they are over 5 years old no matter how good they look & feel (old rubber simply cannot flow around the irregularities in the asphalt well enough to grip, especially if it is cool or wet). If your bike still has the original rubber brake line(s) (should be replaced every 2 or 3 fluid changes = 5 or 6 years) I recommend shopping for modern stainless braided ones (they last practically forever and double the life of the fluid). And don't forget things like the rad hoses and the boot between the engine and swingarm (they can crack on the bottom where you don't see it).