Reverse motor
When the motor doesn't back all the way out of the ring gear and you drive it anyway it takes the motor to extreme RPM's and something has to give somewhere !
When you back-up let off the reverse a few feet before you stop so the drive can back out of the ring gear. If the trike doesn't roll freely forward after reverse bump it back and forth until it frees up.
When you back-up let off the reverse a few feet before you stop so the drive can back out of the ring gear. If the trike doesn't roll freely forward after reverse bump it back and forth until it frees up.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 225
Likes: 24
From: Burt, Michigan
I have a different problem with mine. My battery was getting bad, not holding a good charge and slow cranking on starting, It was five years old and had been kept on a battery tender every winter. I ordered a new Deka. While waiting for the new one I needed to move the trike out of the garage to make room for a project. The reverse motor engaged started to move but wouldn't move the trike, It acted like it wasn't getting enough power. I checked and the breaker was blown also. I figured it was do to the bad battery. I got the new battery and the bike really cranks over now but the same problem exists with the reverse motor. Any ideas? When i get some time i will have to dig into it. 2015 Freewheeler.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 664
From: Central Texas
A good shop that rebuilds starters, alternators, etc can also rebuild the H-D reverse motor. With parts and labor, expect to pay around $100-$200 or so. Before removing the motor, I would take a rubber mallet and give the motor body a few good thumps. If the problem is just stuck brushes, that very well might take care of the problem, at least for awhile. However, if the motor is not rebuildable and out of warranty, I would seriously consider installing a mechanical reverse.
My Champion mech reverse has worked very well, with no issues in the five years since being installed.
My Champion mech reverse has worked very well, with no issues in the five years since being installed.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Advanced
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 64
Likes: 52
From: Oregon
My prior trike had a mechanical reverse. I just got a Freewheeler with the electric reverse. I probably only used the mechanical reverse 5 times in a year. I don’t plan on using unless necessary. Come on. Man up use your feet. That’s what they’re for.......
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 394
From: Oak Harbor, OH
.