Adding reverse to a new RK
All the trap door reverses are fundamentally the same. Be it Baker, Champion, Mototrike, etc.
biggest problem with all of them is the gear ratio. It is almost second gear, going backwards. So you have to slip the couch and keep the engine revs up. Makes things far more awkward than they should be. You also have to spacer out the exhaust and footboard for them.
The Yelvington reversing sprocket has a much better ratio, about 1/3 of 1st, which is much better suited for reversing.
It wasn't on the market when I did mine . It's also expensive. But, if money were no object, Yelvington is the one I would be most interested in.
biggest problem with all of them is the gear ratio. It is almost second gear, going backwards. So you have to slip the couch and keep the engine revs up. Makes things far more awkward than they should be. You also have to spacer out the exhaust and footboard for them.
The Yelvington reversing sprocket has a much better ratio, about 1/3 of 1st, which is much better suited for reversing.
It wasn't on the market when I did mine . It's also expensive. But, if money were no object, Yelvington is the one I would be most interested in.
Our ratio is a 4.98:1, 45% shorter than the stock first gear.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
I've been using the Mamba unit sold by Aim-Tamachi one since 2008. Works great and is top quality gear driven.
https://aim-tamachi.com/collections/mamba-reverse-gear
https://aim-tamachi.com/collections/mamba-reverse-gear
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I appologize for not having re-checked how yours is done.
And cudos for having a better design.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Clearwater, FL
Yelvington Reverse vs Champion/Baker models
The compressor doesn't take much space. Usually you put things that are soft in the saddlebags and you don't loose much at all.
To change the rear tire once the unit is installed all it takes is disconnecting the compressor hose and the electrical wires both are quick disconnect. Everything else is standard procedure.
The reason I went with the Yelvington Reverse is that I don't have to go into the transmission. Especially if you have a bike with a warranty. If something goes wrong with the gear type you are stuck. The worst that could happen with the Yelvington Reverse is it defaults to forward which allows you to get home.
After spending $2000 I also would like the option of either selling it with the bike, selling the unit or transferring it to my next bike.
This is just my opinion, to each there own. I can only speak from my and my friends experience. Not saying that the others aren't as good. I know Baker has always made an excellent transmission.
I am glad that there are only a few Reverses out there or this Thread will be full of opinions as exhaust, cams, tires ect, ect ect.....
To change the rear tire once the unit is installed all it takes is disconnecting the compressor hose and the electrical wires both are quick disconnect. Everything else is standard procedure.
The reason I went with the Yelvington Reverse is that I don't have to go into the transmission. Especially if you have a bike with a warranty. If something goes wrong with the gear type you are stuck. The worst that could happen with the Yelvington Reverse is it defaults to forward which allows you to get home.
After spending $2000 I also would like the option of either selling it with the bike, selling the unit or transferring it to my next bike.
This is just my opinion, to each there own. I can only speak from my and my friends experience. Not saying that the others aren't as good. I know Baker has always made an excellent transmission.
I am glad that there are only a few Reverses out there or this Thread will be full of opinions as exhaust, cams, tires ect, ect ect.....
The compressor doesn't take much space. Usually you put things that are soft in the saddlebags and you don't loose much at all.
To change the rear tire once the unit is installed all it takes is disconnecting the compressor hose and the electrical wires both are quick disconnect. Everything else is standard procedure.
The reason I went with the Yelvington Reverse is that I don't have to go into the transmission. Especially if you have a bike with a warranty. If something goes wrong with the gear type you are stuck. The worst that could happen with the Yelvington Reverse is it defaults to forward which allows you to get home.
After spending $2000 I also would like the option of either selling it with the bike, selling the unit or transferring it to my next bike.
This is just my opinion, to each there own. I can only speak from my and my friends experience. Not saying that the others aren't as good. I know Baker has always made an excellent transmission.
I am glad that there are only a few Reverses out there or this Thread will be full of opinions as exhaust, cams, tires ect, ect ect.....
To change the rear tire once the unit is installed all it takes is disconnecting the compressor hose and the electrical wires both are quick disconnect. Everything else is standard procedure.
The reason I went with the Yelvington Reverse is that I don't have to go into the transmission. Especially if you have a bike with a warranty. If something goes wrong with the gear type you are stuck. The worst that could happen with the Yelvington Reverse is it defaults to forward which allows you to get home.
After spending $2000 I also would like the option of either selling it with the bike, selling the unit or transferring it to my next bike.
This is just my opinion, to each there own. I can only speak from my and my friends experience. Not saying that the others aren't as good. I know Baker has always made an excellent transmission.
I am glad that there are only a few Reverses out there or this Thread will be full of opinions as exhaust, cams, tires ect, ect ect.....
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Clearwater, FL
Hi Mark,
Yes I actually met them in Sturgis where my friends and brother got their Reverse installed. At that time I only had my 2003 Electra Glide which they didn't have a reverse for my bike. I did end up getting Suspension Technologies shocks from them.
Since then I purchased a 2014 Street Glide which they honored the Sturgis special (free install) they had going on so I did it at their shop. Nice big warehouse. They are about 40 min away. I never new they existed till I met them in Sturgis.
Yes I actually met them in Sturgis where my friends and brother got their Reverse installed. At that time I only had my 2003 Electra Glide which they didn't have a reverse for my bike. I did end up getting Suspension Technologies shocks from them.
Since then I purchased a 2014 Street Glide which they honored the Sturgis special (free install) they had going on so I did it at their shop. Nice big warehouse. They are about 40 min away. I never new they existed till I met them in Sturgis.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
watch the video on the Yelvington reverse on you tube before you buy. Its complicated and I would suggest you will be changing rear tires yourself.
once you do that, then buy the baker unit,
once you do that, then buy the baker unit,
Last edited by bigskyroadglide; May 19, 2017 at 09:05 AM.
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