Sounds like an easy way to smack into something behind you. Especially after a couple barley pops.

 

Or simply avoid getting into a position where going backwards is required! It is not difficult and a darned sight cheaper.

 

Careful....next you'll want antifreeze and a radiator! I've wished it a few times myself.

 

Reverse on a motocycle never even gave it a thought just park so you roll down the hill who would want to back up a incline anyway reverse is for trikes not motorcycles

 

How many devices out there we now use qualify as the "next best thing since sliced bread?" Or "how did I live without it?". Lastly, why this resistance to change in the Harley culture? I think it has to do with keeping things the way they are, kind of a traditional attitude, but at times its more of an ego He-Man thing. Now that I'm getting up there in age coupled with handicap as a result of a bad crash, reverse gear would be a welcome addition. I never really had a problem with it riding sport bikes, they don't weigh 800 lbs, but I find manually backing up my RK can get testy at times, to say the least. I've contended since going to the big cruiser my first "incident" will be as the result of backing it up, either my foot slipping on gravel or something else.

I like the option of not having to go on patrol to find the right parking spot. Hell, you can even nose in on the street at a bike event when the street normally declines to the curb. You can likely find great parking places others have passed up. For those experienced riders who claim they have not needed one, I think a door of opportunity would open with a reverse gear. I know a couple guys who ride the K1200 BMWs and they love the option. Like someone else said, why doesn't HD just make it standard like the other forward thinking bike makers have done? Once the naysayers and purists get over their initial resistance, I think it will be like getting your first microwave oven; how in the hell did we cook before getting one of these things? Depending on cost and I think those costs will go down with numbers of units going up Harley would have a winner on their hands. It others are content with fishing for parking places and fighting the weight of the bike, so be it.

BTW, not advisable to 360 your bike on the kickstand. The Harley kickstand seems a little tempermental at times anyway, I can't imagine placing that much weight on the kickstand mechanism or lonely bolt. I've seen it done many times by sportbikers, mostly for show I think but this is done despite the manufacturers recommending against it. I think the reasons are obvious.

My vote is YES on a reverse gear and while on the subject of change I can't imagine the response the radiator question would cause.

 

Gotta a nice t-shirt for ya....

 

I knew I'd learn something if I stayed here long enough. Had to Goggle it, but now I realize what it meant. Very appropriate! Dang these new Harley riders that want all the conveniences of a modern society, and still embrace and remember those that didn't. Well done TwinRider.....

 

This thread is going the same way of the car tyre threads! As for owning Harleys, I bought my first one new in 1974, when reverse gear was a factory option.

 

Yeah, remember when electric start was for wimps, now I wouldn't be without it. Plus having to have the right knee replaced.

 

For those who wonder what the T shirt means:
The Luddites were a social movement of British textile artisans in the nineteenth century who protested – often by destroying mechanized looms – against the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution, which they felt were leaving them without work and changing their way of life. It took its name from Ned Ludd

Yep got a few here. But hey, everyone has the right to their own opinion.