Harley Reverse
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Doubt it makes a hill of beans difference. They are almost identical kits.
MotoTrike
The instructions are clearer, the gears look better cut. US company so theoretically you can get tech support.
MMD
Appears to be lower quality throughout. But, has a more refined installation and includes a few things like the spring which seem nicer.
You rarely engage reverse, and when you do, you only use it for a few feet. I used the heck out of mine for almost 10 years, and honestly, I doubt I put even a quarter mile on it.
I had a MotoTrike. The electrical stuff is cheezy junk and I didn't use it. I had to tear my unit down completely in order to get the permatex they packed it with out so it would move right. I also added red loctite to the shift lever and shaft so it would quit sliding on it. Mototrike was zero help. In the end, I was perfectly happy with the reverse.
MotoTrike
The instructions are clearer, the gears look better cut. US company so theoretically you can get tech support.
MMD
Appears to be lower quality throughout. But, has a more refined installation and includes a few things like the spring which seem nicer.
You rarely engage reverse, and when you do, you only use it for a few feet. I used the heck out of mine for almost 10 years, and honestly, I doubt I put even a quarter mile on it.
I had a MotoTrike. The electrical stuff is cheezy junk and I didn't use it. I had to tear my unit down completely in order to get the permatex they packed it with out so it would move right. I also added red loctite to the shift lever and shaft so it would quit sliding on it. Mototrike was zero help. In the end, I was perfectly happy with the reverse.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 595
Likes: 21
From: Weston, Fl
Thanks for info,
Ed
Ed
Doubt it makes a hill of beans difference. They are almost identical kits.
MotoTrike
The instructions are clearer, the gears look better cut. US company so theoretically you can get tech support.
MMD
Appears to be lower quality throughout. But, has a more refined installation and includes a few things like the spring which seem nicer.
You rarely engage reverse, and when you do, you only use it for a few feet. I used the heck out of mine for almost 10 years, and honestly, I doubt I put even a quarter mile on it.
I had a MotoTrike. The electrical stuff is cheezy junk and I didn't use it. I had to tear my unit down completely in order to get the permatex they packed it with out so it would move right. I also added red loctite to the shift lever and shaft so it would quit sliding on it. Mototrike was zero help. In the end, I was perfectly happy with the reverse.
MotoTrike
The instructions are clearer, the gears look better cut. US company so theoretically you can get tech support.
MMD
Appears to be lower quality throughout. But, has a more refined installation and includes a few things like the spring which seem nicer.
You rarely engage reverse, and when you do, you only use it for a few feet. I used the heck out of mine for almost 10 years, and honestly, I doubt I put even a quarter mile on it.
I had a MotoTrike. The electrical stuff is cheezy junk and I didn't use it. I had to tear my unit down completely in order to get the permatex they packed it with out so it would move right. I also added red loctite to the shift lever and shaft so it would quit sliding on it. Mototrike was zero help. In the end, I was perfectly happy with the reverse.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,945
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Are you set on those 2 brands as there are others in the game. Also, a few months back, I think there were some fake MMD stuff sold on Fleabay, so I'd get them from the maker or a real dealer if you like MMD.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 894
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Never understood why HD never designed their own "kit" to install...or better yet offer it as a "factory option". As these machines get heavier backing up even a few feet can be a chore. IF Honda Goldwings, and HD trikes have them I'm sure HD can fit it on the heavy biggest tourers.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Be REAL careful on this. One of the brands is NOT known for quality. I can tell you this. I just had a reverse gear installed on my 2023 Highway King and used the Champion reverse gear kit. I can tell you it works perfectly and the quality is VERY good. I first thought I'd lose a gear by installing it but no, I have all 6 speeds and the reverse. It also has a safe guard cut out that will prevent you from shifting into first gear while still in reverse. It saved me twice already. Champion customer service guy Frank is top drawer.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Having engaged mine in both forward and reverse gear with the engine running, and releasing the clutch, I can tell you that nothing interesting happens. The engine bogs and dies, nothing more. In fact usually I'll notice the bike won't roll, and pull the clutch in before the engine actually stalls.
Now, if you were to do a clutch dump while trying to pull a wheelie, you could do some damage.
I actually sometimes engage mine deliberately in both gears, just to minimize the clanging of engaging reverse with the gears spinning. No known detriment to the clanging, just don't like it.
There's probably the better part of a dozen of these types of kits on the market, just look in ebay and you'll see.
Now, if you were to do a clutch dump while trying to pull a wheelie, you could do some damage.
I actually sometimes engage mine deliberately in both gears, just to minimize the clanging of engaging reverse with the gears spinning. No known detriment to the clanging, just don't like it.
There's probably the better part of a dozen of these types of kits on the market, just look in ebay and you'll see.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 595
Likes: 21
From: Weston, Fl
Be REAL careful on this. One of the brands is NOT known for quality. I can tell you this. I just had a reverse gear installed on my 2023 Highway King and used the Champion reverse gear kit. I can tell you it works perfectly and the quality is VERY good. I first thought I'd lose a gear by installing it but no, I have all 6 speeds and the reverse. It also has a safe guard cut out that will prevent you from shifting into first gear while still in reverse. It saved me twice already. Champion customer service guy Frank is top drawer.
Which brand are you talking about?
Ed
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 4,722
From: Colorado
I have a MotorTrike reverse on my FLHTCUI 5-speed and am very pleased it. I had it installed by my indy so I have no input as to the ease or difficulty of installation.
The electrical shutoff is very important in my opinion. Without the shutoff you may be in 1st gear and reverse simultaneously and do much damage by letting out the clutch.
I have had absolutely no problems with the MotorTrike. I like the short throw of the shifter and have had no problem at all with the shifter disengaging or engaging. No rattle or problem with the shift handle. No problems with oil leakage.
Would recommend the MotorTrike. Have not had any experience with the MMD.
The electrical shutoff is very important in my opinion. Without the shutoff you may be in 1st gear and reverse simultaneously and do much damage by letting out the clutch.
I have had absolutely no problems with the MotorTrike. I like the short throw of the shifter and have had no problem at all with the shifter disengaging or engaging. No rattle or problem with the shift handle. No problems with oil leakage.
Would recommend the MotorTrike. Have not had any experience with the MMD.
Last edited by Evo-Wes; Feb 26, 2024 at 04:01 PM.