Back It Up! Harley Reverse Issues
We have had a lot of questions come into Fix My Hog concerning Tri Glide reverse issues. We wanted to share what we have learned about this system. Hopefully it will help our members have a better understanding of the assembly and be able to diagnose issues that may arise with their Trikes, or a friend’s Trike.
The reverse motor is powered by the motorcycle’s battery when the motorcycle is running and the transmission is in neutral. It is designed only for a light load and short durations of use. Trying to climb steep inclines or attempting to travel long distances in reverse will drain the battery and can cause the reverse circuit breaker to trip.
Excessive resistance in reverse is the most common reason for problems to arise and reverse components to fail. The reverse system consists of six basic components. A reverse motor, reverse motor solenoid, reverse control solenoid, a reverse control module, a 150 amp manual reset circuit breaker, and a reverse hand switch. The reverse motor and reverse motor solenoid look, very much, like a starter motor.
In order for the ECM to enable the reverse function, there are a few things that must occur: The reverse switch must be pressed. Transmission must be in neutral. The bike must be moving less than 2 mph. The engine must be running at, less than, 1500 RPM and there must not be any reverse codes that are present.
When reverse is enabled, the ECM activates the reverse telltale lamp in the speedometer and “informs” the body control module of the reverse status via a CAN (BUS) message. The BCM then supplies battery voltage to the reverse control module (RCM). Next, the RCM sends a signal to the ECM and the ECM sends a 5 volt signal to the RCM. Finally, the RCM activates the the reverse motor solenoid which causes the reverse motor to engage and the vehicle to move in reverse.
Image of circuit breaker
This is a basic overview that you must understand before attempting to diagnose reverse system failure. In our next “In The Shop” we will get into diagnostic tips for the Tri Glide reverse system.
I hoping you’ll be able to help me with my reverse problem. I have 2012 Trike with only 485 miles and the reverse is not working, checked all the obvious. breaker, fuse with no avail. I’m thinking it may need to be rebuilt, so a video on how to remove the motor would be great or some troubleshooting technics thanks
Why won’t my reverse engage on my 2012 Harley Trike?
Please show how to reset the reverse on a 2015 Triglide
Very informative thanks. BikerTim Aj. Az.
Thanks for the overview. I had no idea it was so complicated. I thought the reverse was supplied by the starter motor but you seem to imply that it’s a seperate motor solely for reverse.I do wish it wouldn’t always kill the radio when it is engaged however.
Where is the reverse control module and reverse control solenoid
Here is a video that may be helpful:
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
-Mark
2016 triglide silenoid was replaced and bench test fine but when installed and you activate reverse drive unit wont engage into ring gear like its not getting enough power ( ideas?)
Hopefully this info will be helpful
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
-Mark
Rick, I had a similar problem with my Trigg Trike starter motor. Checked everything ( wiring, both batteries, starter, solenoid ) fully, and come to find out the bendix in the starter was sticking not allowing the starter to engage.A few taps wth a mallet and the starter started working again. Followed up with some White Lithium Grease inside motor. Works great now.
My 2013 Harley TriGlide reverse still works but is VERY weak. This has happened rather quickly and didn’t happen over a period of time.
The same thing is happening with my 2015 Tri-Glide
The reverse motor engages but won’t move. Every now and then you get a little help but mostly a click indicating it’s engaged. Do I have to lift the trike to get to the reverse motor?
Dear Richard,
Thank you for contacting us. Our exerts will need to know the year and make of your Harley to better assist you. Please respond at your earliest convenience with this information.
Sincerely,
Taylar
Fix My Hog Video Membership
I have a 2013 triglide, I can hear a clicking at the circuit breaker when I press the reverse button but system does not engage. also recently the bike just quits running . I noticed that there is fule pump wiring in the reverse control module. coule replacing the rcm solve both issues ?
Dear Peter,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Look for possible stored diagnostic trouble codes that may help steer you in the right direction. Would not just jump into purchasing any parts until some kind of diagnosis is made.
The 2 issues are not likely related.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/troubleshoot-with-harley-error-codes-008010/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.fixmyhog.com/c16769
Sincerely,
Mark
Fix My Hog
y reverse system stopped working on my 2013 Triglide. I tested the circuit breaker with a multi-meter and it reads fine. I have reason to believe the problem lies in the component that is mounted right beside the circuit breaker (12V 1012 stamped on it). When I push the reverse button all that component does is click.
Can you tell me what that component is?
Dear Earl,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.fixmyhog.com/c16975
Sincerely,
Mark
Fix My Hog
I have a 2014 Tri Glide and having no luck with the reverse. Circuit breaker is not tripped
Dear Chris,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
There are a number of things that can cause the reverse system to malfunction. Start with the easiest & most common.
This is the type of issue where the electoral manual for your year and model HD becomes very useful.
Try checking for possible stored diagnostic trouble codes.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/troubleshoot-with-harley-error-codes-008010/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.fixmyhog.com/c17610
Mark
Fix My Hog
Very Upsetting that people pay over $30,000 for a Harley Trike and when the reverse starter goes bad…Harley wants over $1500.00 for a new one because they can’t rebuilt them when the mounting tabs break…Seems like a Piss Poor Design..And Harley Should Be Ashamed of Themselves For CHARGING That Kind Of Money—lucky for us, I found someone to rebuilt it for a hell of a lot less and fixed the mounting tabs problem with a warranty.
My 2015 Honda 1800 Trike, the reverse does not work. From day one it would have problems every now and then. Go to use reverse and it would sound like gears not quite meshing properly. Try it again and it would work. 2 months ago the bike kind of stopped forward motion while I was already in high gear. It felt as if someone had jammed on the brakes. After pulling over and putting back to neutral it eventually freed itself but shortly after words the reverse would not mesh again. Now it doesn’t even give that clicking noise. It does nothing. The light shows its in reverse but nothing happens.
Don’t know where to turn to.
Thanks,
Elden,
I do apologize but we only specialize in Harley Davidson.
-Mark
Fix My Hog
Our 2014 trike is going on its 2nd reverse. Are the motors going to keep going out, it gets expensive to keep replacing them!
Hi there Donna!
That’s a great question!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.fixmyhog.com/c18236
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-231-0653 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Fix My Hog Video Membership
breaker not tripped
R lights up motor does not engage breaker not tripped
Hi David!
We’d love to help!
Would you be able to provide us with your year, make, and model and I’ll forward this to our expert!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Fix My Hog Video Membership
R lights up motor does not engage breaker not tripped. I have a 2017 harley freewheeler.
David,
Here is some more information on the reverse system. It is also a good idea to have the electrical manual and supplement manual for Trike models.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-tri-glide-reverse-system-diagnostic-tips/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
-Mark
Fix My Hog
I have a 2016 Triglide, the reverse does not engage it only clicks when you push the R button. I put the trike on jack stands to clean it up and figured I would tri the reverse, seat is off so I can see the reverse motor, star the bike push the button and the reverse motor Bendix engages the gear and I have reverse, here us the kicker, put the bike back on the ground and try the reverse and all it does is click, no reverse…… any thoughts?
Michael,
Here is some info that may be helpful.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-trike-reverse-system-overview/
-Mark
Fix My Hog
Did you ever do a video on putting manual reverse gear kit on a tri glide. Sounds like good subject seeing Harley has so many problems with their electric reverse system.
I have a 2013 FLTCUTG. I am working for the US Army at Camp. Walker, Korea. I am having problems with the reverse. Our local Harley shop says I need a new circuit breaker. I figure it’s worth a shot. Can I order this thru you guys.
Hey James,
Thanks for reaching out. We are not a parts retailer, we provide educational video content for Harley owners.
Thanks!
Madeline
Fix My Hog Video Membership
Thanks for the step by step removal instructions sounds like a piece of cake experienced ase master+ my aircraft experience thank you
Whether I push my 2015 HD Free Wheeler or use reverse to back up the L rear wheel sounds like its coming undone! The dealer says ‘that happens sometimes’! Any idea why?
Hello Lea!
That’s a great question!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.fixmyhog.com/C23059
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-231-0653 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Fix My Hog Video Membership
Hello Lea,
That’s a great question!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.fixmyhog.com/C23059
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-231-0653 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Fix My Hog Video Membership
After using reverse to back even a very slight incline…it does not disengage when I shift to 1st. I have to shut the bike off and restart to get it to release…suggestions? This is a 2020 with about 500 miles
Hi Tony,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in Harley repairs. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member to Fix My Hog, please click on the special offer below. I have also included a link to our Tech Q&A:
https://go.fixmyhog.com/a19768
https://www.fixmyhog.com/posts/harley-tips/