The vehicle is equipped with an electric reverse motor. The reverse motor uses battery power to move the vehicle in reverse with the engine running and the transmission in neutral.
The reverse motor is designed for light load, short duration use. Steep inclines, long distance travel in reverse or attempted operation with the brakes or parking brake applied or while the vehicle is against resistance (such as a curb) will drain the battery and may cause the reverse circuit breaker to trip.
Light application of the brakes during reverse, backing into something then trying to pull away, or backing up a steep incline and then allowing the vehicle to coast the other direction may cause the reverse drive to not disengage. If this occurs, a loud whine will be heard when pulling forward and considerable drag will be felt as if the parking brake is applied. In the event this happens, stop immediately and rock the vehicle slightly to disengage the drive. If the reverse drive remains engaged and the vehicle is driven in a forward direction, reverse motor damage may occur.
NOTE
Always come to a complete stop before placing the vehicle in forward gear or enabling the reverse motor.
  1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop using front and/or rear brake. If parked, check that the parking brake is disengaged.
  2. See Figure 1. With the vehicle started and in neutral, press the reverse enable switch (2) in the left hand control group. The yellow reverse enable lamp (1) will light.
  3. Press and hold the reverse drive switch (3) to operate the electric reverse motor.
    4. NOTE
    • The reverse vehicle speed is affected by the incline of the surface. On a level surface the maximum reverse speed is approximately 2-3 mph (3-5 km/h). Do not exceed 2-3 mph (3-5 km/h) and be prepared to slow or stop the vehicle while in reverse.
    • The rear of the vehicle is wider than a typical motorcycle. Check for proper clearance when maneuvering.
    • If the reverse motor does not operate, see Maintenance and Lubrication → Reverse Motor Circuit Breaker to reset the circuit breaker.
  4. Release the reverse drive switch and brake as necessary to stop the vehicle.
  5. Shift into a forward gear and ride normally or turn ignition to OFF and engage the parking brake.
1Reverse enable lamp
2Reverse enable switch
3Reverse drive switch
Figure 1. Reverse Controls (FLHTCUTG shown)