I am thinking about purchasing a 2006 Road King with reverse, any information will be greatly appreciated. I am new to HD and do not understand how it works, will the 5 spd now be a 4 spd

 

Can't give you any advice on purchasing the bike, but the way I understand reverse on a motorcycle, it just turn first gear the opposite direction.

 

likely an aftermarket- most will be added onto the right side tranny cover ( "trap door) and may be used with sidecar or trike conversions.

and remain 5 forward speeds.

Mike

 

That reverse is an aftermarket add-on. There will probably be branding on the transmission casing, in any case ask the seller! When we know the brand we can offer more helpful info.

 

I've got a reverse on my 04 Road King. Mine is a MotorTrike, but they are all basically the same, an external gearset on the right hand side of the transmission, with a lever to control it. Though Baker has an electric solenoid engagement with buttons on the handlebars.

I like it, I use it, it's helped me a number of times, but it's not perfect.

The ratio on mine, and probably all others, is darn fast for backing up. It's in between 1st and 2nd gear ratio. That's darn fast for going backwards. So I have to slip the clutch to control the speed. If I'm trying to back up a hill or such, I've really got to juggle the engine rpm and clutch with that gear ratio.

When reversing, the gearset pulls the reverse engagement gear down, pushing hard against the engagement lever. I've had a problem with mine slipping the hand lever on the shaft as a result, and then scuffing the gears lightly when going forward. My latest attempt to fix this is using some red loctite on the shaft and once again reclamping the lever. Yes, there's a pin going through the lever and shaft, but there's some slop there. Just enough to let things slip and scuff the gear.

I do not have the engine kill wired up, so I can put mine into reverse and forward gear at the same time. And I have actually done that. All that happens is the engine starts to bog, the bike doesn't move, and I go "oh". No problem, no damage. I also never dump the clutch, especially in reverse, so I'm not worried.

As I said, I like it and use it. While I'm strong, I'm also quite short legged, and I ride somewhat adventurously. It's not uncommon for me to be in a situation where I cannot pull or push the bike backwards. Not just from on the saddle, but even while standing beside it shoving against the rear guard with the engine off.

It's quick and easy to use, making backing into a parking space or such very easy. Same turning around at the bottom of a downhill driveway or such. Sure, I'll still walk the bike backwards with my feet, that's pretty quick and easy to do also. Especially on a level and smooth piece of pavement. But I no longer sweat it how I'm approaching things for fear of getting myself into a jam that I can't back out of.