Here is a read on how Harley Electric reverse works

[Jack Klarich]

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS : When the electric reverse button on the bike is activated, it sends power through the relay with a breaker to the “s” terminal on the 83388-09 solenoid. The terminal energizes the heavy duty coil in the solenoid. As the coil becomes an electromagnet, it pulls in a large spring loaded metal plunger mass towards the coil. This plunger is attached to ½ of a lever arm. On one side of the lever arm, the plunger closes a hi amp set of spring loaded contacts. On the other side of the teeter-totter type lever arm is the bendix gear which slides back and forth on a shaft.



The lever arm, which pivots on a case hardened spring, is designed so that the distance from rest to the bendix entering the flywheel is less than the distance from rest to end of travel of the plunger that closes the contacts. Thus, ensuring that the bendix will be fully inserted into the flywheel before the contacts close which connects the battery to the motor and starts spinning. The bendix is equipped with a one-way roller clutch so that the teeth can spin a little in reverse to help guide an easy gear mesh alignment.



DISENGAGEMENT : There are 2 independent sets of return springs in the solenoid system. The largest most powerful spring is the coil spring that sets in the plunger. This spring is responsible for a snappy retraction of the bendix from the flywheel as soon as the switch is turned off. The other spring is inside the solenoid cap. This spring’s job is to maintain a counter tension for stability, of the movable contact. This helps to prevent sticking on from a low voltage contact or too lengthy of a crank period.

[peteg59]

I can't for the life of me, understand why the MOCO went with electronic reverse vs tried n true mechanical.

And to this day continue with the inefficient design.

Assuming several design iterations since it's intro several years ago, hopefully working out the bugs along the way.

I feel for those who were the first guinea pigs who bought trikes with the factory flawed first gen elec. rev., who had to pay handsomely when the system failed immediately after warranty expired...

Is the contraption installed in the transmission, or is it somehow tied into the rear drive belt pulley?

[Jack Klarich]

I can't for the life of me, understand why the MOCO went with electronic reverse vs tried n true mechanical.

And to this day continue with the inefficient design.

Assuming several design iterations since it's intro several years ago, hopefully working out the bugs along the way.

I feel for those who were the first guinea pigs who bought trikes with the factory flawed first gen elec. rev., who had to pay handsomely when the system failed immediately after warranty expired...

Is the contraption installed in the transmission, or is it somehow tied into the rear drive belt pulley?

Pete, it uses a starter type electric motor against a ring gear on the rear end

Not very bright on the MOCO part, OTOH, when it comes to high dollar repairs out of warranty it will keep dealers busy

Mechanical reverse in the tranny is NOT new to HD

Many bikes back in the day had reverse including the Servi Car

[peteg59]

Pete, it uses a starter type electric motor against a ring gear on the rear end

Not very bright on the MOCO part, OTOH, when it comes to high dollar repairs out of warranty it will keep dealers busy

Mechanical reverse in the tranny is NOT new to HD

Many bikes back in the day had reverse including the Servi Car

Thanks for the explanation on location, Jack.

I know the servicars had 3 speeds w/reverse in the trans case for many years. Hence "tried n true" ditty. Can't believe they were that much more expensive to build with the slightly longer mainshaft and a few added shims and stuff, holding the reverse gear!

Oh well, maybe they were trying to best Honda's electronic reverse on their wings although Honda's reverse motor mounts on the trans if I'm not mistaken?

[rhino 2]

Pete, it uses a starter type electric motor against a ring gear on the rear end

Not very bright on the MOCO part, OTOH, when it comes to high dollar repairs out of warranty it will keep dealers busy

Mechanical reverse in the tranny is NOT new to HD

Many bikes back in the day had reverse including the Servi Car

Jack....If they, They meaning the Manufactures made a maintenance free/semi-free vehicle most dealers would be out of business.....Thats why the Automobile Dealers Association fought tooth and nail to limit Tesla to only Three showrooms in Nj [And won in Court] ...

The only reason companies are developing Electric vehicles is to have one ready in the wings just in case the government mandates them... Which is the case with some country's right now..

[Jack Klarich]

Jack....If they, They meaning the Manufactures made a maintenance free/semi-free vehicle most dealers would be out of business.....Thats why the Automobile Dealers Association fought tooth and nail to limit Tesla to only Three showrooms in Nj [And won in Court] ...

The only reason companies are developing Electric vehicles is to have one ready in the wings just in case the government mandates them... Which is the case with some country's right now..

I hope I don't live long enuff to see this government tell me what I can buy or drive

Wait to hear the people howl when it comes to electrical problems with electric cars, it will be way more expensive IMO

[Marc H]

I hope I don't live long enuff to see this government tell me what I can buy or drive

Wait to hear the people howl when it comes to electrical problems with electric cars, it will be way more expensive IMO

Remember how it was said Obama wanted everyone to live in urban areas.We go all electric cars for the good of the enviroment and then because we can't afford to fixem and desire to eat we move to the city so we can walk where we need to.Government gets its wish and we did to ourselves in the name of saving the planet.And yes I absolutely despise the thought of any of it.

[Phu Cat]

Just a heads-up: If your Harley reverse motor quits there's no need to pay Harley's ridiculous price for a new motor. Any electric motor shop should be able to rewind your existing motor for a fraction of what HD charges.

PC

[headheaded]

I will agree a reverse in the trans would be much better than the electric we have now. But to be honest i've only really used my reverse a couple of time in the last 4 years. Don't know if i would even fix it if it took a dump.

[MikeyTX]

For the cost to r&r the OE reverse, one can install a Baker.

[Phu Cat]

Have to agree with Headheaded, I don't use my reverse all that much either, but do make a habit of using it every few months just to be sure it stays free. But removing a reverse motor looks pretty straight easy.

While installing a hitch on the bike I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy the motor is to get to.

PC