The vehicle has 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. Excessive loads can cause the reverse circuit breaker to trip when:
To reset the reverse circuit breaker, see Service Procedures → Reverse Motor Circuit Breaker.
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 is heard when pulling forward and considerable drag is 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
  1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop using front and/or rear brake. If parked, check that the parking brake is released.
  2. See Figure 1. With the vehicle started and in neutral, press and hold the reverse switch in the right side controls until the reverse lamp illuminates. With fairing: The lamp in the tachometer indicates that the reverse is enabled. See Operation → Instruments. Without fairing: The lamp in the speedometer indicates that the reverse is enabled. See Operation → Instruments. Release the reverse switch. The neutral lamp turns off when the reverse lamp turns on.
    1. AUS models: The reverse lamp will illuminate.
    3. NOTE
    The lamp will not come on or will flash three times to indicate that the conditions for operating the electric reverse are not met. If the lamp will not illuminate or continues to flash, verify that the vehicle is started, in neutral and the circuit breaker is not tripped.
  3. Check that area behind vehicle is clear.
    4. NOTE
    Do not repeatedly press and release the reverse button in rapid succession.
  4. Press and hold the reverse switch a second time to operate the electric reverse motor. The motorcycle continues moving in reverse as long as the reverse switch is held down. The reverse automatically turns off when the engine is stopped or when the motorcycle is shifted into a forward gear.
    1. AUS models: The reverse lamp will turn off.
    5. NOTE
    • Surface incline affects reverse vehicle speed. When backing down a hill, use both front and rear brakes to control reverse speed. Do not exceed walking speed. Be prepared to slow or stop the vehicle.
    • 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 Service Procedures → Reverse Motor Circuit Breaker to reset the circuit breaker.
  5. Release the reverse switch. Brake as necessary to stop the vehicle.
  6. Shift into a forward gear and ride normally or turn ignition to OFF and apply the parking brake.
Figure 1. Reverse Switch (typical)