Using the Starter Motor for Reverse
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Trying to wrestle mine backwards through the soft ground of the back yard is what got me thinking more seriously about a reverse. I can definately see myself getting into a jam with this bike where I'm effectively stuck somewhere because I can't move it backwards to get out.
I've looked at the mechanical reverses. Don't want a reverse enough to spend the money on them, yet. So I was ruminating about ways to do it cheaply, which is how I got to the thought of using the existing the starter motor. Fabricating an adaption of the Goldwing design and such wouldn't save me anything over the existing mechanical reverses. Nor probably would rigging up a friction roller reverse.
I like swap meets. So, if I find a cheap starter motor assembly, I may well pick it up anyhow to play with. Probably wouldn't ever amount to anything, but if I could rig it up to play reverse for under a $100, well, that could be nice. Particularly for those times I find myself in a jam.
I've looked at the mechanical reverses. Don't want a reverse enough to spend the money on them, yet. So I was ruminating about ways to do it cheaply, which is how I got to the thought of using the existing the starter motor. Fabricating an adaption of the Goldwing design and such wouldn't save me anything over the existing mechanical reverses. Nor probably would rigging up a friction roller reverse.
I like swap meets. So, if I find a cheap starter motor assembly, I may well pick it up anyhow to play with. Probably wouldn't ever amount to anything, but if I could rig it up to play reverse for under a $100, well, that could be nice. Particularly for those times I find myself in a jam.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I concluded that if I have too much difficulty moving a RK, in other words my body strength has reached the point where its no longer possible, that I 1)stop riding because its time to quit. 2)go to a trike or 3)go to a smaller more maneuverable bike. Now that's my expectations as I get older and in no way impose it on everyone else knowing fully that older gents are different in their capabilities physically and financially.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I ride solo, so there's no one else there to push.
I'm not weak. When a 700+ lb bike is sunk down an inch into soft dirt and it has to go backwards, it ain't moving easily, regardless of my strength. Same when I've got to try to shove it backwards up a hill or over a berm.
Am I planning on buying a mechanical reverse? No, not yet. But living with this bike is rapidly showing me that having a reverse sure would make riding it a lot easier and more care-free.
I'm not weak. When a 700+ lb bike is sunk down an inch into soft dirt and it has to go backwards, it ain't moving easily, regardless of my strength. Same when I've got to try to shove it backwards up a hill or over a berm.
Am I planning on buying a mechanical reverse? No, not yet. But living with this bike is rapidly showing me that having a reverse sure would make riding it a lot easier and more care-free.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia Suburbs
If this is related to moving the bike across the yard I suggest some paver stones. I ran a nice strip of pavers from my driveway to my shed to get bikes in there for the winter. Worked like a charm.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 2
From: Midland NC
do what the rest of us do
Tell the wife to push you back before she gets on. Gives her a work out and makes you feel like more of a man than needing a reverse kit. Definitely not as cheap as a mechanical reverse kit though...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,132
Likes: 2,525
From: CT/FL
you might be able to rig one of those rubber wheels that push on the back tire for not to much money...
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