Harley Reverse
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 1,416
From: Lost
I have motor trike reverse on mine. I had it installed by indy, he did a terrible job. On my way to sturgis in 2016 startd leaking oil, stopped at HD and they fixed it. Nutmeg did not install the gasket.
Just recently it has started acting up. It disengages while in reverse, also I noticed it does not sit in front notch when put in reverse. I'm guessing will have to take it out and redo. Other than that it does it's job. I use it every time I back out of my garage.
Just recently it has started acting up. It disengages while in reverse, also I noticed it does not sit in front notch when put in reverse. I'm guessing will have to take it out and redo. Other than that it does it's job. I use it every time I back out of my garage.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Likely the shift lever slipping on the shaft. Loosen and remove it. Reset and tighten, but with locktite between the lever and shaft to hold it securely.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 1,416
From: Lost
Thanks, I'll get it checked.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,945
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
A buddy in SoCal is looking into the Champion reverse. They are very similar to the Motor Trike. They're a California company and are known for their sidecars so they could be at Daytona. A member here in post #7 mentioned it and has one.
I think Baker is another brand but not familiar this them. I think theirs is a bit different where they have a separate reverse gear that you shift into like the other gears. You don't have to go through the neutral dance like the others.
I think Baker is another brand but not familiar this them. I think theirs is a bit different where they have a separate reverse gear that you shift into like the other gears. You don't have to go through the neutral dance like the others.
Last edited by RKZen; Feb 27, 2024 at 06:37 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 894
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Just curious what's the install time or cost to have it done professionally (preferably by a shop that's done it before as opposed to me paying for someone to "learn" on my dime....lol
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
You don't need any special skills or tools, but it's not a job for a total novice either.
A lot of time gets taken up with the exhaust removal and reinstallation, moving the footboard out, chasing some hardware at the stores.
And, how much creep you allow the job. Like do you replace the exhaust gaskets? Are you determined to use the electrical switch gear? The time consuming fun or getting those blasted footboard bolts out.
As for finding a shop with experience with installing one, that's going to be unlikely. They're rather uncommon.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
All but one are basically the same. They're installed on the side of the transmission and are very much an add-on thing. They work fine, but the gear ratio sucks. It's way too tall, imo, being very close to 2nd gear ratio. Lots of clutch slipping is required, and if you're trying to back the bike up a hill, you really need some throttle and clutch slipping.
Baker makes a different one. Zero experience with it myself. It's internal to the transmission and is operated with the foot shifter. Reverse is down below 1st gear. The ratio appears to be much lower. It's also an expensive kit, and quite a job to install. But it's darn nice.
Now out of production is the Yelvington reverse wheel pulley. That was a very low ratio design. I've never seen one of these in the wild, never seen one put up for sale. They are fiddly to get set up right, and are rather problematic because of this. But, should you find one, it could be a very interesting reverse.