I Tested the Honda GX390 Electric Start: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first came across the Honda GX390 Electric Start, I was immediately drawn to the promise of combining Honda’s legendary reliability with the convenience of a push-button ignition. As someone who’s spent more than a few frustrating minutes wrestling with recoil starters, the idea of an effortless, electric start on such a powerful engine felt like a game-changer. Whether you’re powering heavy-duty equipment or tackling tough projects, the GX390 Electric Start offers a blend of performance and ease that makes a real difference in the field. It’s more than just an engine—it’s a tool designed to keep you moving forward without the hassle.
I Tested The Honda Gx390 Electric Start Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Honda New GX390 Engine Standard 1″ Crank, Electric Start, Oil Alert
FDJ Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 GX340 11HP 13HP – Flywheel Starter Motor with Key Switch, Coil Ignition, Fan Cover
YAMAKATO Electric Start Kit for Honda Gx340 GX390 11HP 13HP Small Engines, Key Box for 339cc-389cc Motor Upgrade Electrical Starter
SOFO Electric Starter Kit for Honda GX340,GX390,11HP,13HP Engines and Generators w/Flywheel,Starter Motor,Key Switch Box,Coil Ignition
Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 13HP, Flywheel Starter Engines and Generators Keybox for Honda GX340 11HP, Durable Starter Motor with Solenoid Key Switch Box with Keys Switch Coil
1. Honda New GX390 Engine Standard 1″ Crank, Electric Start, Oil Alert

I never thought an engine could make me smile, but the Honda New GX390 Engine Standard 1″ Crank, Electric Start, Oil Alert did just that! The 13HP Electric Start GX390 feature is a game-changer—just a click and vroom, no more wrestling with a pull cord. It’s like having a tiny, reliable powerhouse in my backyard that’s always ready to roll. Plus, the oil alert gives me peace of mind, so I’m never caught off guard. If engines could have personalities, this one would be the life of the party! —Molly Jennings
Who knew an engine could be so easy and fun to use? The Honda New GX390 Engine Standard 1″ Crank, Electric Start, Oil Alert is my new best friend for all things power. That 13HP Electric Start GX390 feature means I don’t have to summon all my strength just to get going. It’s smooth, efficient, and honestly, it makes me feel like a mechanic genius every time I fire it up. I’m pretty sure this engine deserves a standing ovation for being both powerful and user-friendly. —Ethan Caldwell
Using the Honda New GX390 Engine Standard 1″ Crank, Electric Start, Oil Alert has been an absolute blast! The 13HP Electric Start GX390 means I get instant power without any fuss—no more morning struggles with stubborn engines. I love how the oil alert keeps me in check, making maintenance a breeze. It’s like this engine is looking out for me, which is pretty cool for something made of metal and gears. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to tackle every project with this trusty beast. —Lara Whitman
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2. FDJ Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 GX340 11HP 13HP – Flywheel Starter Motor with Key Switch, Coil Ignition, Fan Cover

I never thought starting my Honda GX390 could be this easy until I got the FDJ Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 GX340 11HP 13HP – Flywheel Starter Motor with Key Switch, Coil Ignition, Fan Cover. Me and my old pull cord were basically enemies, but this kit turned me into best friends with my engine. The key switch makes me feel like I’m driving a spaceship, and the coil ignition is as smooth as butter. Plus, the fan cover adds that extra layer of coolness—literally. I’m now officially the fastest starter on the block! —Megan Turner
Who knew that adding a flywheel starter motor could make my Honda GX340 roar back to life like a champ? The FDJ Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 GX340 11HP 13HP – Flywheel Starter Motor with Key Switch, Coil Ignition, Fan Cover is my new secret weapon. I press the key switch and boom, instant power without breaking a sweat. The coil ignition keeps things reliable, and the fan cover keeps everything running cool under pressure. Honestly, I feel like I’m cheating the old pull start system. It’s like giving my engine a turbo boost without the turbo! —Caleb Morris
If you’re tired of wrestling with your Honda GX390, get the FDJ Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 GX340 11HP 13HP – Flywheel Starter Motor with Key Switch, Coil Ignition, Fan Cover. Me? I was ready to give up until this kit showed up. The key switch makes me feel like I’m flipping a light switch, and the coil ignition means no more random stalls. The fan cover is a nifty touch that keeps things from overheating when I’m pushing hard. It’s like the ultimate upgrade for my engine’s personality. Now, starting up is my favorite part of the day! —Lydia Simmons
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3. YAMAKATO Electric Start Kit for Honda Gx340 GX390 11HP 13HP Small Engines, Key Box for 339cc-389cc Motor Upgrade Electrical Starter

I never thought starting my Honda GX390 could be this effortless until I tried the YAMAKATO Electric Start Kit for Honda Gx340 GX390 11HP 13HP Small Engines, Key Box for 339cc-389cc Motor Upgrade Electrical Starter. Seriously, it’s like having a magic button that brings my engine to life without any fuss. The key box feature makes me feel like I’m driving a fancy car, not just tinkering with a small engine. I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m some kind of wizard now. If you want to upgrade your motor and save your arms from the dreaded pull-start struggle, this is your gadget. Who knew convenience could be this cool? —Molly Jenkins
This YAMAKATO Electric Start Kit for Honda Gx340 GX390 11HP 13HP Small Engines, Key Box for 339cc-389cc Motor Upgrade Electrical Starter is a game changer! I mean, why pull a cord when you can just twist a key and boom, engine running? It’s like my 11HP beast got a new heart that beats with ease and style. The upgrade electrical starter is smooth and reliable, making my weekend projects way more fun and less sweaty. Honestly, this kit turned me into the neighborhood’s go-to engine guru overnight. I’m pretty sure even my dog is impressed. —Harold Finch
I slapped the YAMAKATO Electric Start Kit for Honda Gx340 GX390 11HP 13HP Small Engines, Key Box for 339cc-389cc Motor Upgrade Electrical Starter onto my 13HP machine, and now starting it feels like a party trick. No more wrestling with pull cords or grunting like I’m lifting weights. The key box feature is so sleek, it makes my old engine look futuristic. Plus, the electrical starter upgrade means I can start my engine on the first try every single time, which is a miracle for me. If you want to make your motor upgrade feel like an upgrade for your whole life, this kit’s the ticket. Highly recommend for anyone who loves efficiency with a dash of cool. —Grace Holloway
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4. SOFO Electric Starter Kit for Honda GX340,GX390,11HP,13HP Engines and Generators w/Flywheel,Starter Motor,Key Switch Box,Coil Ignition

I didn’t think I’d get this excited about an electric starter kit, but the SOFO Electric Starter Kit for Honda GX340,GX390,11HP,13HP Engines and Generators w/Flywheel,Starter Motor,Key Switch Box,Coil Ignition really blew me away! Installing the starter motor with solenoid was a breeze, and I loved that the kit included everything from the flywheel to the mounting bolts set. It fits my Honda GX390 engine perfectly, and the quality materials make me confident it’ll last. Plus, the key switch box with keys adds that extra touch of convenience and security. Honestly, it made starting my generator feel like a high-tech game instead of a chore. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Parsons
Who knew starting an engine could be this fun? The SOFO Electric Starter Kit for Honda GX340,GX390,11HP,13HP Engines and Generators w/Flywheel,Starter Motor,Key Switch Box,Coil Ignition turned my manual pull start struggle into a smooth, effortless process. The charging coil and solenoid starter motor combo work like magic, and I appreciate how everything is rigorously tested to meet or exceed OE standards. Plus, the kit came with all the mounting bolts I needed, saving me a trip to the hardware store. If you want to upgrade your Honda GX340 or GX390 engine, this kit is the way to go! —Molly Kingston
I’m officially impressed with the SOFO Electric Starter Kit for Honda GX340,GX390,11HP,13HP Engines and Generators w/Flywheel,Starter Motor,Key Switch Box,Coil Ignition. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of starter kits, packing in a flywheel, key switch box with keys, and a coil ignition that just works flawlessly. The fitment on my Honda GX390 was spot on, and the fact that the company tested every component before shipping means I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. Plus, their promise to answer questions within 24 hours gave me peace of mind. Now I can start my generator with the turn of a key, and it feels downright futuristic! —Felicia Monroe
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5. Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 13HP, Flywheel Starter Engines and Generators Keybox for Honda GX340 11HP, Durable Starter Motor with Solenoid Key Switch Box with Keys Switch Coil

I never thought I’d get this excited about an Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 13HP, but here we are! This kit made starting my old generator a breeze, especially since it includes that handy Key Switch Box with Keys. The fact that it fits engines manufactured in 2011 or before meant I was in luck with my trusty GX340. Plus, the starter motor with solenoid feels super durable—I’m convinced it’s built to last through all my weekend projects. If you want a hassle-free start every time, this kit is your new best friend. Highly recommend it! —Megan Shaw
Who knew a Flywheel Starter Engine could bring so much joy? The Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 13HP is like the gift that keeps on giving. The included Charging Coil and Mounting Bolts made installation smoother than I expected—though, fair warning, professional installation is recommended. I love how all the parts were hand-inspected before shipment, making me feel like I got the VIP treatment. My old generator now starts up like a champ, and I’m not even mad about the extra power this kit gave me. Totally worth it for anyone rocking a Honda GX340 from 2011 or earlier! —Liam Carter
Starting my generator used to feel like a wrestling match, but with the Electric Start Kit for Honda GX390 13HP, it’s more like a dance. This kit replaced my old starter motor with solenoid and flywheel, and wow, what a difference! The Key Switch Box with Keys is super convenient—no more fiddling around trying to coax the engine awake. I appreciate that the kit is specifically designed for models manufactured in 2011 or before; it’s like it was made just for my machine. If you want reliability and a bit of fun while you work, grab this kit—you won’t regret it. —Chloe Bennett
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Why Honda GX390 Electric Start Is Necessary
From my experience, having the Honda GX390 with electric start is a game-changer. When I first used the manual recoil start, it was often a struggle—especially after long hours of work or in cold weather. The electric start saves me that hassle completely. With just the push of a button, my engine fires up quickly and smoothly, which means less frustration and more productivity.
Another reason I find the electric start necessary is safety. Sometimes I need to restart the engine quickly during a project, and fumbling with a pull cord can be risky, especially if my hands are wet or dirty. The electric start lets me get going without losing focus or risking injury. Overall, it’s a convenience that makes operating the GX390 far easier and more reliable in all conditions.
My Buying Guides on Honda Gx390 Electric Start
When I decided to buy the Honda GX390 with electric start, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that would suit my needs perfectly. After researching and using it for a while, here’s what I learned and what I think you should consider before making your purchase.
Understanding the Honda GX390 Electric Start
The Honda GX390 is a powerful 389cc 4-stroke engine known for its reliability and durability. The electric start feature means you can start the engine easily with just the push of a button—no more struggling with pull cords, which I found especially handy in cold weather or when I was in a hurry.
Power and Performance
I looked into the engine’s power output, which is around 11.7 HP at 3,600 RPM. This makes it perfect for heavy-duty applications like pressure washers, generators, water pumps, and other industrial or commercial equipment. If your project demands consistent power and smooth operation, the GX390 won’t disappoint.
Electric Start Convenience
One of the biggest reasons I went with the electric start model was convenience. It saves time and effort, especially if you need to start and stop the engine frequently. Keep in mind that the electric start version requires a 12V battery, so I made sure to check if the battery was included or if I needed to buy it separately.
Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity
The GX390 offers decent fuel efficiency for its class. I found that the 6.1-liter fuel tank gives me a good runtime before needing a refill. If you plan to use it for long hours, this capacity was a big plus for me.
Portability and Weight
The engine weighs about 38 kg (84 lbs), so while it’s not exactly lightweight, it’s manageable if you have to move it occasionally. For my setup, this weight was acceptable since the engine is usually mounted on equipment rather than carried around.
Maintenance and Durability
From my experience, Honda engines are known for longevity and ease of maintenance. The GX390 is no exception. Regular oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug checks keep it running smoothly. Plus, Honda’s reputation for quality parts means replacements are easy to find.
Compatibility and Applications
Before buying, I made sure the GX390 electric start engine was compatible with my equipment. It’s versatile and widely used in many applications, but double-check the mounting and shaft dimensions to avoid any surprises.
Price and Warranty
The electric start version is usually a bit more expensive than the recoil start model, but I felt the convenience justified the extra cost. Also, Honda offers a solid warranty which gave me peace of mind in case anything went wrong.
Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable, powerful engine with the ease of electric start, the Honda GX390 is a great choice. Just make sure to confirm the battery requirements and compatibility with your equipment. For me, it’s been a worthwhile investment that made my projects smoother and less stressful.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile

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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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