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View Poll Results: Reverse Kit
Installed it already.
3
4.69%
Thinking about installing one.
61
95.31%
Voters: 64. You may not vote on this poll

Reverse Gear?

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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 09:11 PM
  #1  
bksmoky's Avatar
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Default Reverse Gear?

How many of you installed a reverse kit?

Has it been worth the price?
 

Last edited by bksmoky; Jan 3, 2009 at 09:14 PM.
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 09:25 PM
  #2  
ssihogdog's Avatar
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Not I and no plans to install reverse. Haven't needed it yet.....
 
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 10:08 PM
  #3  
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When I test-rode an '08 FLHRC for a week last year, one of my dislikes was how I always had to think about how/where I parked the heavy beast when an incline was present. And it was a b**** to back up even on level ground with a passenger because their floorboards get in the way.

So I managed to negotiate a free reverse gear kit when I bought my '09 Road King. I'm finding it extremely useful. No more worries about how/where I park the bike. No more asking my wife to hop off while I back up the bike. I can even reverse it up an incline no problem! I like it enough that I would pay for one if I hadn't got the free deal. Heck, some peeps spend a lot more than that on chrome alone.

There will always be those who say that reverse is unnecessary, and that the bike can be pushed/pulled into position. But I imagine some people also said that when automobiles first came out
 

Last edited by Twinrider; Jan 3, 2009 at 10:24 PM.
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 10:22 PM
  #4  
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When Honda introduced the GL1500's in 1988 with reverse, I thought, "Man, I'd never own a bike so darned heavy that it would need a reverse!" Then I turned around and bought one in 1993!

I tried not to park the bike in a position where I'd "need" the reverse but as others have pointed out, sometimes that's a real PITA to do. It's simply a very nice option to have and the current Ultra Classics are heavier than those original GL1500's were so I don't think it's totally out of the question as an option on the Harley's.

Having said that, this is the first I've heard of a reverse option on the touring bikes. I'm assuming this is an aftermarket add-on? Does anyone have a web link for the manufacturer?

Thanks!
Steve R.

Edit: Nevermind, I found it!
 
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 10:29 PM
  #5  
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Intrepid, mine's a Japanese kit that's not sold in the US (company has a US patent but no distributor yet). But Baker has one.
http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/f6r/index.htm

Champion Trikes does as well. Not sure of the rep though.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 11:08 PM
  #6  
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You can also get reverse from your Harley dealer. The reverse they are using on the trike can be used with two wheels. If you buy a new bike and have it installed before delivery it will be included as part of your two year warranty. I don't pick mine up until April so I am still thinking on it. I had a Goldwing for 10 years. With back issues I am strongly considering it.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 12:14 AM
  #7  
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how much is the Baker and how much to install? thanks
 
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 12:28 AM
  #8  
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Thanks TwinRider. The Baker systems look pretty good. I'm not sure whether they'll fit the 09's with stock headers though. Their web site mentions possible conflict with 2 into 1 systems where the rear cylinders header pipe routes forward around the transmission before joining the front cylinders pipe. That sounds a lot like the 09's layout. I just sent an email to Baker, asking about this. I'll let you folks know what they say when I a response.

Also, I'm with Bosco 09, I'm curious to see what the installed prices are for the Baker system.

Ride Safe,
Steve R.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 07:36 AM
  #9  
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How about a poll option for "don't need one"?
 
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 08:29 AM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by Plow64
How about a poll option for "don't need one"?
+1
 
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