Mechanical reverse question

[J.T.M.]

I had a Motor Trike reverse installed on my 2010 ultra classic. It makes a terrible rattling noise when you back up then pull the clutch in. Some times I hear a loud clunk when I put it in reverse, if I hear the clunk then the rattle is not there. They told me there is nothing wrong and it will not hurt anything. I was raised a mechanic and always was of the opinion that a rattling noise from gears means something is not meshing right and metal was being chipped off. I don't want a bunch of metal shavings in my transmission, they will destroy it. Has anyone had this problem or am I just worrying too much.

[3rdwheel]

I have the mechanical reverse in mine as well and was worried about the same. When I called Champion, they said it is not a problem, but to minimize the clunk you can put it in 1st right before you shift into reverse just to slow down the spinning gears; or already have it in reverse when you start it up.

I've also found you can have it in 1st and reverse at the same time, but shift out of 1st before releasing the clutch.

I was worried about it because I did have the reverse replaced under warranty due to either improper installation or some other reason causing micro shavings in the transmission. It was a bugger for the shop to get it out and re-installed, a special tool was needed and it was eventually just sent to Champion for them to do it. Weeks and weeks of down time, now I'm careful how I treat it. Champion was just awesome to deal with by the way, can't say enough good about how they handled it. No problems since, and I love having it.

[J.T.M.]

I always put mine in first gear then shift to neutral then put it in reverse. I have tried putting it in reverse before starting and that didn't change a thing. I am going to drain the transmission after a few more miles to check it for metal shavings.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I am going to drain the transmission after a few more miles to check it for metal shavings.

Good plan ... better safe than sorry. And really cheap peace of mind.

[rhino 2]

I had a Motor Trike reverse installed on my 2010 ultra classic. It makes a terrible rattling noise when you back up then pull the clutch in. Some times I hear a loud clunk when I put it in reverse, if I hear the clunk then the rattle is not there. They told me there is nothing wrong and it will not hurt anything. I was raised a mechanic and always was of the opinion that a rattling noise from gears means something is not meshing right and metal was being chipped off. I don't want a bunch of metal shavings in my transmission, they will destroy it. Has anyone had this problem or am I just worrying too much.

I have the Motor trike Reverse on my 11 Tri Glide, And I put the trans in Neutral, Clutch pulled in, ''Before I start the engine'' Then slowly release the clutch and back up, No clunk.

The reverse shifter has a very short throw, And has to slide under an indent, And if you don't push down and shift with authority the gear will clunk, and some times wont mesh...

[Lee H. Mann]

I had a Motor Trike reverse installed on my 2010 ultra classic. It makes a terrible rattling noise when you back up then pull the clutch in. Some times I hear a loud clunk when I put it in reverse, if I hear the clunk then the rattle is not there. They told me there is nothing wrong and it will not hurt anything. I was raised a mechanic and always was of the opinion that a rattling noise from gears means something is not meshing right and metal was being chipped off. I don't want a bunch of metal shavings in my transmission, they will destroy it. Has anyone had this problem or am I just worrying too much.

This is an over ride feature that was put into place in 2003 I think. Some earlier models would loosen up one of the main shaft gear and move the main shaft enough to create other problems in the transmission. When you over ride the reverse, the spring loaded shifter allows the idler to disengage the main shaft gear so that there will not be reverse thrust onto the main shaft. I believe that Champion mentions this in their assembly manual.

NOTE:

A.

It is good practice to first engage first gear to stop the gearbox from spinning (This will prevent

the “grinding” noise when reverse gear is engaged) and then place the bike in neutral and

immediately engage reverse.

B. Do not let the bike “free wheel” backwards while in reverse gear and the clutch disengaged (i.e

when rolling down a slope when in reverse)

– The reverse gear will automatically try to

disengage and will result in a “grinding” sound. To prevent this – Always engage the clutch

immediately after the reverse action is completed.



http://championsidecars.com/image/da...Revision_7.pdf

[rhino 2]

Moto Trike And Champion are two different systems. Moto Trike has an electrical shut down that if you're neutral and in reverse with the engine running and shift into first by mistake it will instantly shut the engine off... I don't know about the Champion?