Do Motorcycles Have Reverse Gear?

by Gino Borlado

You have probably never seen a motorcycle or scooter go in reverse, and there is a good reason for that. Part of that reason? The feature isn't necessary for most.

However, while many motorcycles and scooters are not designed to have a reverse gear, certain brands and models come with it. And, you guessed it right, these bikes are big and expensive. But just because your motorcycle does not come with reverse gear doesn't mean you can't install one. Let's talk about that in detail. 

Why most motorcycles and scooters do not have a reverse gear

Most motorcycles and scooters don't come with reverse gear because it's unnecessary. It would be challenging to ride a bike backwards with its two-wheel and handlebars that force the rider to face forward. He would likely find himself in the ditch a few meters from his starting line. With the weight of most commercially available street and dirt bikes, it's easy to reverse just by using his legs out of a parking slot.

Here are additional reasons why most motorcycles do not come with a reverse gear:

• It will make the transmission more complicated.
• Extra weight and dimension, which also increases the price.

If that's the case, what motorcycles come with reverse gear?

Here is a quick list of motorcycle brands and models that come with a reverse gear:

• BMW K1200LT
• Honda Goldwing (specific models)
• Some Moto Guzzi models
• Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
• Harley-Davidson Trikes
• Piaggio MP3 Trike
• Can-Am Spyder/Ryker (a trike)

As I mentioned, motorcycles (or trikes) that come with reverse are big and expensive. They have a heavy frame, a complex transmission, and a larger engine, making them more expensive. 

Can I install reverse gear on my big bike?

The good news is that you can put a reverse system on a motorcycle, and the best option is to invest in an electric reverse kit. These kits have a small electric motor that draws power from the motorcycle battery. It is usually attached to the rear wheel and sprockets that force a roller onto the rear tire, allowing it to move in reverse. However, do not that these electric kits have questionable durability and reliability. 

An electric reverse gear patented by Michelin

Another option is a reverse kit for certain motorcycles (e.g. Harley) that is meant to add a new gear on the bike's transmission. This type of reverse gear uses the bike's engine power, so it's more powerful, reliable, and durable; it doesn't drain the battery either. The only drawback is that they are expensive. 

A Reverse Gear Kit for  a Harley- Davidson

How much do they cost? 

Depending on the model and the bike they are designed for, these kits could cost anywhere between $1,000 to $1,600 (plus labour costs). 

Five Practical tips on reversing a motorcycle

If buying a reverse kit is out of the question, here are some practical tips for reversing your bike. 

First, know where you are parking. Do not park in a tight space, an incline, or a ditch. You don't want to reverse in those conditions. 

Second, practice. Your bike is heavy, so you must know its weight, steering, handling, and balance. Also, learn how to use the clutch with the accelerator; this will make it easier to launch your bike after the reverse.  

Third, if this is your first time reversing a big bike, ask a professional rider to help and guide you. Their wisdom and experience in riding a motorcycle are priceless. 

Fourth, make sure that the tires are properly inflated. Inflated tires have a better grip on the road and are easier (and lighter) to control, versus an under-inflated tire which tends to drift and be heavier. 

Fifth and lastly, always park backwards into a parking space; this will make it easier and safer for you to steer your bike out of the parking spot and into an open road. 

Conclusion

Depending on the size of your bike, reversing a motorcycle is not difficult, just a little tricky; it all depends on how much power your bike has and how the manufacturer has set up it's motor and gearbox. A simple reverse gear kit might work on some bikes, but, as mentioned above, they can cost much money. So if you're looking for an easy way to reverse a motorcycle and avoid spending a ton of money, look for an excellent reverse gear kit instead.

Thanks for reading!