SteveThePiolet we do a few trikes and most are Hannigan productes although we have done a few champions also.
Another Quick Question:
As I get ready to break down my bike for the sidecar build (fork mod, new tires, etc.) I am wondering the worth of a reverse gear. I am considering installing a true reverse similar to what my Dad has on his trike. Thoughts?
Assuming you don't have any ability issues, bad knee, unstable ankle, weakness issues, then the need for reverse can be eliminated by wise parking choices. Pass-thru parking is best, uphill nose first is good, flat is also good. What you don't want is downhill nose-in into a boxed-in spot. If that type of spot is your only option, then back into the space.
A heavy rig, of course, is a consideration too.
What Old School said plus the fact it's easier to push a rig backward on the few times it might be necessary than a solo bike. No fear of dropping the bike. My first rig was a Ural and had the reverse. I've had the Liberty on my FLH for a good number of years now (15) and although I worried about no reverse when I first sold the Ural and got the Liberty, it's not an issue. I haven't run into a situation yet where it was needed. Even when towing my little trailer.
Thanks for the input. Nice rig!
SteveThePilot - 2/26/2018 5:46 AM
Thanks for the input. Nice rig!
Hi Steve. Just another thought here. I have two Goldwings, A 2002 gl1800, two wheeler and a 1994 gl1500 se side car rig wirh a CSC friendship 3. As you know both have reverse.
I use reverse all the time, both on my two wheeler and the rig. I wouldn't have a large 950 lb two wheeler without reverse, or a rig. It comes in very handy when pulling my kwik kamp trailer. It's very easy to back your trailer into a dead end camp site weather it's flat or especially on a slight incline. I tend to stay away from organized camp sites with paved parking and lots of other campers. I prefer smaller places and gravel and dirt is not to easy to push a rig around in or a large two wheeler.
Put reverse on your rig. You never regret it. If you don't need it cool...... but when you do you will be glad it's there. Just my opion......YMMV. 🙂
Again, Thanks for the input.
I am leaning towards putting the reverse on there. One of the reasons is convenience but there is also the ability issues that are drawing me towards a third wheel in the first place.
So now the question is: does anyone have a recommendation for a particular brand of mechanical reverse for a Harley?
You might want to talk with Gary McLuen, the guy in the wheel chair in the video Sit, Stay, Ride, the story of America's sidecar dogs. He's just outside Port Townsend, WA and installed a reverse on his. He's a machinist by trade and makes his living in his machine shop. I'll PM you his phone number. I'm sure he'd have some valuable input...
Some reverse kits for Harleys will only work with stock Harley configuration
head pipes.
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