Why not a HD "Reverse Gear"?
#11
02-16-2018, 03:13 PM
Grand HDF Member
I also wonder why. I have been caught once, In Joseph, OR (Hell's Canyon). With their steep dropoff for water runoff, I was too far in to back out by myself. Finally, I said to hell with it, pulled in enough to clear the lane behind me and parked. Had a great lunch and upon getting back to my bike, asked for help from passerbys. Showed them where and how to push and one blocked traffic.
Had I been alone, I'd still be there. Had I reverse, it would have been nice. Aside from that time, there have been many iffy times, straining, gaining a 1/2" at a time on what looked to be perfectly flat.
I'm 70, and while I could add a baker to the new Ultra we are going to get, it certainly would be an option for a 900# bike that I would consider standard.
I agree with the OP and further, I think Harley management and engineering has no idea how their touring bikes are used.
Had I been alone, I'd still be there. Had I reverse, it would have been nice. Aside from that time, there have been many iffy times, straining, gaining a 1/2" at a time on what looked to be perfectly flat.
I'm 70, and while I could add a baker to the new Ultra we are going to get, it certainly would be an option for a 900# bike that I would consider standard.
I agree with the OP and further, I think Harley management and engineering has no idea how their touring bikes are used.
Good thing I'm not a tough guy, so I'm not worried about my Pirate or 1%er image.
#12
02-16-2018, 04:41 PM
Club Member
I only needed it that one time and got help, but I thought this discussion was to look at what it will take to attract new customers. I know you old farts don't need no stink'n badges, or reverse and nor do I at 70. But in 10 years I'll be 80 and if your answer is, well go buy a f*@king Goldwing, well I guess I'd better wish good luck to Harley.
Good thing I'm not a tough guy, so I'm not worried about my Pirate or 1%er image.
Good thing I'm not a tough guy, so I'm not worried about my Pirate or 1%er image.
Adding a reverse gear would do more to kill the brand than help it.
If you need a reverse gear, than there are aftermarket options for the 1% that need it and don't have the common sense to plan ahead.
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RollaMo (02-16-2018)
#13
02-16-2018, 04:46 PM
Road Warrior
#14
02-16-2018, 04:48 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#15
02-16-2018, 06:07 PM
Grand HDF Member
Nah, it was this comment about the f****ing gold wing that got my goat. But a 900 # bike, two up set for a month touring, I'd consider it, but I'll take the vette before I'd ride a gold wing or a Harley that looks like one. My first Harley was in 1963 and I've had 9 Harley's, so some internet hard nose dyna rider pushing my buttons gets a response. (I don't know what he rides, could be an ultra, comment just seems like what my dyna friends might say over a pbr.)
#16
02-16-2018, 06:21 PM
#17
02-16-2018, 06:54 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Can't figure out for the life of me why HD doesn't put a reverse gear on their big cruisers. They have the engineering since they have a reverse on their trikes. The data shows their big cruiser customers are getting older the machines are getting heavier and some of the compettion in the class has reverse gears. I know there are a couple of aftermarket companies that make reverse gears but I'm asking about HD......am I missing something?
#19
02-16-2018, 08:16 PM
Tourer
Join Date: Aug 2014
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I had a buddy whose wife would get off and push him back even just making a simple you turn..I didn’t even want to be seen with him, just to embarrassing...I had a 502 Boss Hoss and they have reverse, but it also weighed 1400 lbs dry..riding a Harley used to mean something and it wasn’t be seen as a wussy boy!! Need reverse? take your car..
#20
02-16-2018, 08:28 PM
http://championsidecars.com/products/reverse-gears/
Last edited by dentdave; 02-16-2018 at 08:33 PM.