Non-op Reverse Question

[Professor2004]

Hey y'all! Recently picked up a used 2017 Tri Glide with <20k miles. All has been good until recently when reverse quit working.

So, I know that the reverse motor is a weak component and this may just be my time to rebuild it, but my question is a bit more complicated.

We had some rainy days recently so I set about doing some mods/upgrades while I had the time. I installed the HD Rider's Backrest and mounting kit, and also installed a DK Customs Comfort lift kit. Both installs went pretty much as expected, and I took the bike for a test spin around the neighborhood. That's when I noticed that the reverse no longer functioned. I pulled the side cover and sure enough the breaker was tripped, so I reset it, but no joy.

As one should when something like this happens, I went back and retraced my steps to see if I did something to cause this problem. That's when I noticed a wire hanging below the frame that was not connected to anything. Looks like a ground strap of some kind (pics attached). I went over the instructions for both mods I had done and no where was there a mention of a ground wire to watch out for.

Anyway, does anyone have any idea where this wire is supposed to attach and could it be the reason reverse isn't working?

[Jack Klarich]

Seems to me there should be 2 ground wires on one of the mounting bolts on your reverse motor, have you looked there?

[rhino 2]

Seems to me there should be 2 ground wires on one of the mounting bolts on your reverse motor, have you looked there?

That does look like a ground wire.......And also it looks like its been loose out in the elements for quite some time.....

[Dan SC]

Trace the wire to the other end...

[Notgrownup]

Duplicate post

[Notgrownup]

Did the reverse work for you and then quit or it never worked? I would take the reverse motor and bench test it. It’s what I did on my 14 then rebuilt it.

[Dan SC]

Don`t remove the motor until you figure out where that extra wire goes...

[rhino 2]

Don`t remove the motor until you figure out where that extra wire goes...

First did reverse ever work being he bought it used…And maybe the previous owner discontinued the ground wire for a reason…..?… Second if it did work and he left the ground wire off by mistake..If it was me I would just find a good ground and put it on ‘ And then if the breaker trips then it’s the motor… Most likely the brushes are bad/sticking…That was the problem with my 2011 Triglide…Twice till I rebuilt it…When it went again I went with a mechanical reverse….

[Jack Klarich]

Follow the cable to see where it ends. Look @ this diagram, I bet #19 ( ground cable) is what is disconnected, Take off your RS cover and then wiggle or pull slightly on the disconnected cable, do you see any movement there?

[Dan SC]

We don`t know yet that the wire in question is a ground wire...

It may very well be a power wire, they are all black.

Use an ohmmeter to determine if it is ground, one probe to negative battery post, the other to the loose end of the wire.