Problem with Reverse

[bstig60]

I noticed on a ride today, that my revere would just click when I hit the start button and it would attempt to move backwards, but not enough torque to get me over a curb... Anyone experience this problem or have any suggestions>??

[tamathumper]

Perhaps early sign of a weak battery?

[bstig60]

Battery is only about 6 months old......

[GoldWingrGreg]

Check your reverse cable adjustment. Per Honda's Maintenance Schedule, the reverse operation and a possible needed cable adjustment needs inspected every 8,000 miles.

[Viking]

This happens with my bike if the RPMs are too high, such as a cold start. I just need to let it warm a bit and then all functions as it should.

[MikeB]

I noticed on a ride today, that my revere would just click when I hit the start button and it would attempt to move backwards, but not enough torque to get me over a curb... Anyone experience this problem or have any suggestions>??

I'm curious, how big is this curb? Over a one inch obstruction should not be an issue but most curbs I am familiar with are 4 inches or higher.

[bstig60]

This is just a depression along a drive way to allow the water to run off.. Florida is Flat Country....

[MikeB]

Maybe it is just a weak battery. How does it perform if you increase throttle to about 1500 RPM while trying to use reverse?

[bstig60]

Battery reads 13.16 volts after setting over night....

[MikeB]

What does it read as you are operating reverse? An on board voltmeter would be pretty helpful.

[bstig60]

Charging at idle at 14.64; with reverse engaged and starter button pushed with no load, it reads 13.6.

[MikeB]

Looks like the battery is good.

[bstig60]

Yes, it does... I will have to look into my service manual and see if there is an easy way to check the adjustment on the reverse solenoid and linkage. Knowing GW's there probably isn't..... This only has done this a couple of times and doesn't do it all the time.

[MikeB]

I just did a quick scan of the manual and I did not see anything quick and dirty to look at or adjust. Let us know what you find, if anything.

[tamathumper]

Easy things first, I'm still back to the battery, regardless of age.

Even if it's new, there might still be corrosion on the terminals. Clean them both up good to ensure you're getting full juice out of it, and that it's getting full charging juice back from the alternator. If you have a pile tester, try it out, it only takes a few minutes.

Then, check the other major connections and reseat all the reverse relays under the seat, checking them for corrosion as well.

Easy things first.

[Techdude2000]

This is most likely a bad connection on one of the power control relays that sit to the rear of the battery. There’s three of them and their job is to control how much power goes to the starter while backing up. This kind of problem has no adjustment. If you hear a clickety, clickety, clickety, like gear teeth skipping over each other, then you have a reverse cable adjustment that’s out of whack. Don’t try it again until you make that adjustment or your will round off the reverse gear’s teeth and the engine will have to be pulled out of the frame to replace it.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Mine acts up from time too time. I give it a coupla shots and then its ok..One day I will probably have to learn how to adjust the reverse cables....