Motor Trike mechanical reverse lock-out

[RoadKingTrike]

I recently discovered that my installer didn't install the reverse lock-out harness when they did my conversion. Said they have never done it because it's "a pain in the ass" to do and it's "nothing but problems" later on. Is any of this genuine ? Should I get the harness and the switch (there are boxes of them at the installer) and do this installation ? Is this feature a problem for anyone ? A little insight, please.
Thanks,
Ed

[Sloufoot]

To start off, you paid for the parts that were never installed. If the installer was paid by Motor Trike then they ripped off two people. If they quoted you an install price for the kit you must have paid for the complete install.
If the installer was referring to bad connections in the wiring then they must be crimping the wiring connections & not soldering them like they should. If they are referring to the parts failing & causing problems, that should be taken up with Motor Trike.
The system was designed to keep you from putting the trans in two gears at the same time. If you do that & try to move it there is going to be broken parts.
Some reverse kits don't have this option. They seem to work fine until someone screws up,,,, then more money.
I would talk with Motor Trike & ask if they know the installer isn't doing the complete install........ And ask their opinion. If there seems to be a problem with the product it needs to be addressed & cured. If everyone just leaves out a safety system then never says anything about it things don't get fixed.
There are some trikes on here that have the Motor Trike kit. Maybe they will chime in with their problems if any.

[Sloride]

I have the Motor Trike conversion with the Mechanical reverse and it works just fine. It keeps you from screwing up.

The owners manual tells you to put the trike into neutral after first going to 1st gear and that helps with the synchronizing. (less clanging and banging)

[rhino 2]

I have the motor trike reverse on my Tri-Glide. You need that harness, It will kill the engine if your in reverse and hit first... With out it you will jam the trans and have to rock the trike back and forth to unjam it..
Also if you put the trans in neutral' Then put it in reverse BEFORE you start the engine, Then start it clutch in' it will back up smooth as silk when you let off the clutch. [no clunking]

[Sloride]

I have the motor trike reverse on my Tri-Glide. You need that harness, It will kill the engine if your in reverse and hit first... With out it you will jam the trans and have to rock the trike back and forth to unjam it..
Also if you put the trans in neutral' Then put it in reverse BEFORE you start the engine, Then start it clutch in' it will back up smooth as silk when you let off the clutch. [no clunking]

That's good Info and I will give it a try

Thanks Rhnio

[J.T.M.]

You need the switch. It may save your transmission

[prariepilot]

I've just had the first reverse motor go out on my '13 TG. The next step is a Motor Trike mechanical reverse. I've seen the install instructions and they talk about "stripping and splicing" wires. The way I've been taught is, "If you splice it; solder it!" The safety shut-off harness will save $$$ if you manage to get into first and reverse at the same time, but, can you trust the installer to do it right? Improper electrical work can cost even bigger $$$$!!! Am I being paranoid or do I just plain distrust bike mechanics? Thanks, H-D!

[clint44]

I'm sure a lock-out would be a nice feature,if you have it. Our Champion reverse doesn't have a lock-out but getting the transmission in two gears at once would be kinda difficult.

[Future Triker]

I've just had the first reverse motor go out on my '13 TG. The next step is a Motor Trike mechanical reverse. I've seen the install instructions and they talk about "stripping and splicing" wires. The way I've been taught is, "If you splice it; solder it!" The safety shut-off harness will save $$$ if you manage to get into first and reverse at the same time, but, can you trust the installer to do it right? Improper electrical work can cost even bigger $$$$!!! Am I being paranoid or do I just plain distrust bike mechanics? Thanks, H-D!

If there were still truly KNOWLEDGEABLE bike mechanics at most bike shops, I would agree with your statement about soldering wires. Sadly, most dealerships now days don't have those & half their employees don't know what to do if a computer doesn't tell them how to do it. There's a difference between soldering and soldering correctly; more often than not, it's done incorrectly it seems. I'd rather a shop use a solderless connector or a basic butt splice as it's far more difficult for them to screw anything up that way, but that's just my .02

[rhino 2]

I've just had the first reverse motor go out on my '13 TG. The next step is a Motor Trike mechanical reverse. I've seen the install instructions and they talk about "stripping and splicing" wires. The way I've been taught is, "If you splice it; solder it!" The safety shut-off harness will save $$$ if you manage to get into first and reverse at the same time, but, can you trust the installer to do it right? Improper electrical work can cost even bigger $$$$!!! Am I being paranoid or do I just plain distrust bike mechanics? Thanks, H-D!

I trusted mine, And the shut-off works every time..

[prariepilot]

Went to have the lack of reverse diagnosed yesterday. The bad news is, "Yep, the motor is shot!" Asked if they could do a Motor Trike reverse and received an affirmative reply. As we're spec'ing the order, he says "What pipes you got on that? Stock?" My Reply "No, V&H Tru-Duals." Then comes the BAD news; "Can't do. The Motor Trike conversion won't fit with aftermarket headers."
Short of a Baker reverse (which they hesitate to do (for lack of experience with Baker)), does anyone have any suggestions other than going to Harley, or aftermarket, to get reverse back in the TG? Prefer mechanical over electric.
Thanks!

[rhino 2]

Went to have the lack of reverse diagnosed yesterday. The bad news is, "Yep, the motor is shot!" Asked if they could do a Motor Trike reverse and received an affirmative reply. As we're spec'ing the order, he says "What pipes you got on that? Stock?" My Reply "No, V&H Tru-Duals." Then comes the BAD news; "Can't do. The Motor Trike conversion won't fit with aftermarket headers."
Short of a Baker reverse (which they hesitate to do (for lack of experience with Baker)), does anyone have any suggestions other than going to Harley, or aftermarket, to get reverse back in the TG? Prefer mechanical over electric.
Thanks!

I have Rush after market headers/True duals.....My dealer's mechanic said the same, Then i talked to the head guy who's been working their since the 70's and I told them try it anyway, guess what a little push here and there and they fit...I have the motor-trike on for a year now, Couldn't be happier.
P/S If you go with the motor-trike... Make sure they install the shut-down wiring harness..

[clint44]

Went to have the lack of reverse diagnosed yesterday. The bad news is, "Yep, the motor is shot!" Asked if they could do a Motor Trike reverse and received an affirmative reply. As we're spec'ing the order, he says "What pipes you got on that? Stock?" My Reply "No, V&H Tru-Duals." Then comes the BAD news; "Can't do. The Motor Trike conversion won't fit with aftermarket headers."
Short of a Baker reverse (which they hesitate to do (for lack of experience with Baker)), does anyone have any suggestions other than going to Harley, or aftermarket, to get reverse back in the TG? Prefer mechanical over electric.
Thanks!

Our trike has Vance & Hines Power Duals. They created a little more work for Hannigan when our Champion reverse kit was installed but as you can see in the photo below,our trike has an aftermarket exhaust and reverse.

FWIW,I know everyone likes Baker products. I do too but their reverse kit is much more difficult to install and also a lot more money.
Either a Motor Trike or Champion will work just as well.

[prariepilot]

I've asked this question in another thread, with no response, so I'll ask again here..

Are their any circuits that need to be completed/wires connected when the reverse motor is permanently removed from the TG? Will the TG still run normally with the reverse motor removed and all reverse motor wires individually capped and taped?

I've had the Motor Trike Mechanical Reverse with Safety Shut-off installed and it sure is heads above the factory fiasco!

Thanks!

[rhino 2]

I've asked this question in another thread, with no response, so I'll ask again here..

Are their any circuits that need to be completed/wires connected when the reverse motor is permanently removed from the TG? Will the TG still run normally with the reverse motor removed and all reverse motor wires individually capped and taped?

I've had the Motor Trike Mechanical Reverse with Safety Shut-off installed and it sure is heads above the factory fiasco!

Thanks!

I can answer your question;; The TG will still run normally... When i first had the reverse motor out to take it to be rebuilt, I just taped the end of the wires and zip tied them tight to the frame, Now after the motor died again i just left every thing right where it is Motor and all.. And then put in the mechanical reverse...

[Gorilla]

+1 to rhino post Take the motor out tape the wires and ride.