In The Shop: Trike Reverse System Overview

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.


Related Videos:

Trike Maintenance
Electrical Systems

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28 Responses to “In The Shop: Trike Reverse System Overview”

  1. mike Salter

    My 2014 TriGlide reverse will start, move about a foot then trip the circuit breaker. I had the reverse replaced for several hundred dollars, used it about 6 times over the course of the next year, then due to medical issues did not ride it for several months. I am told it is out of part replacement warranty. I do not wish to spend several hundred dollars to replace it again. What are your thoughts on how I fix this reverse issue?

  2. Michael Yule

    Planetary case on tri glide reverse motor, has the 83388-09B got a stronger nut section were the main long bolts go stronger than the 83388-09 model. As I have a 83388-09 and there is a hair line crack in mine it looks like it has been over tightened it’s a 2017 tri glide

  3. Jackie Giddens

    I need a reversing cb for 2018 triglide,price, also price the reversing motor starter

  4. jack aiken

    Can you do a comparison of after market reverse kits ?

  5. Derrick Weimer

    Have a 2016 tri glide and my reverse don't work. Checked the fuse and breaker and still nothing. What action should I take next.

  6. dean

    what is the cost for reverse kit to fit a 1987 tour glide

  7. Philip Carpenter

    Bendix on 2015 Harley tri glide reverse motor has several teeth missing. Need to replace bendix.

  8. Tony Allers

    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

  9. Lea

    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?

  10. John Erskine sr

    Thanks for the step by step removal instructions sounds like a piece of cake experienced ase master+ my aircraft experience thank you