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[quixotic]

I know that the manual states that this is a no-no, but I'm wondering just how detrimental it is to the bike. Anyone know?  (It sure would be handy to be able to do it with a clear conscience in a parking lot.)   

[Electric Terry]

Wait what?  I haven't read the manual but I've been backing up with the bike on for about 100,000 miles now.  Never had a problem.  Can you post the section where it says this?

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

I just scanned through the 2016 manual and couldn't find this. The word "reverse" also didn't occur as a search result.

Certainly, motorcycles are not stable moving in reverse, but I haven't had a problem backing my bike down a driveway, etc, regularly for over 3 years.

[jnef]

I just scanned through the 2016 manual and couldn't find this. The word "reverse" also didn't occur as a search result.

Page 2.2 in the 2016 manual:  Turn the motor stop switch OFF when backing up or pushing the motorcycle while dismounted

I haven't thought twice about going a couple feet backing up but the motor definitely resists rolling backwards. When I've had to backup uphill (I know, bad parking planning), I turn it off...



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[NEW2elec]

Interesting wording.  Almost sounds like a safety precaution for hitting the throttle while your facing backwards maybe.
But it might be with the new IPM motor does not like it.
Good catch in the manual, I know I've backed my 2013 while on with no issues that I know of.

[Electric Terry]

Ok yes, I'm reading this as a safety precaution, and not a mechanical process that could cause damage.  Probably not a bad idea, just never thought about it.  Wonder if it rolls easier with the stop switch off.  Tomorrow I'll have to see if the motor growls with the bike on, kickstand up, but run switch off.

[jnef]

Ok yes, I'm reading this as a safety precaution, and not a mechanical process that could cause damage.  Probably not a bad idea, just never thought about it.  Wonder if it rolls easier with the stop switch off.  Tomorrow I'll have to see if the motor growls with the bike on, kickstand up, but run switch off.

Mine definitely rolls much easier with the switch off!


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[grmarks]

The 2015 manual on page 2.2 also says the same. But I also read it as a safety thing rather than damaging the motor.

[quixotic]

Thanks everyone.  That's good to know.  I must've looked like a dork all this time, backing up from a stall, turning around slightly, then turning the key on and waiting for all the speedo lights to do their thing.

[Richard230]

Thanks everyone.  That's good to know.  I must've looked like a dork all this time, backing up from a stall, turning around slightly, then turning the key on and waiting for all the speedo lights to do their thing.

That is what I have been doing with my 2014 S every since I owned it.  It just never felt right to me to force an electric motor to turn backwards unless it was designed to do so, like on my old 1964 Yamaha YD3, which had an electric starter that turned into a generator once the engine was started.   

[JaimeC]

Page 2.2 in the 2016 manual:  Turn the motor stop switch OFF when backing up or pushing the motorcycle while dismounted

Parsing that statement as the English major I was in college, this implies that if you are OFF the bike, you should turn off the key before moving the motorcycle.  As others have stated, this is a safety precaution so you don't inadvertently twist the throttle and launch the bike when you can't control it.

So it's not a TECHNICAL warning, it's a legal one to protect themselves (not your motor).

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

Ah, I see. Yes I'm reading that the same way JaimeC did.

There's nothing inherent about the motor that makes reversing a problem. And the Sevcon controller is made for forklifts and trucks, and can do reverse if configured to. Motorcycles in reverse are only rarely supported by an OEM and only very carefully.

[mrwilsn]

I agree this is meant to be a safety to make sure you don't blip the throttle while trying to move backwards...which is why it says to turn the stop switch to off (i.e. the red kill switch)...NOT turn the key to off position.

I have never once turned my bike off or turned the motor stop switch off in order to roll backwards...I just don't turn the throttle while I do it.

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[Shadow]

I wish the stop/kill switch de-energized the motor for easier backing.

The resistance when backing with the key in on position is something I noticed straight away - there is no clutch and no simple direct means of disengaging additional forces on the rear wheel other than key-on / key-off, and at that it is a bit of a hassle.

Remarks I've heard in response range from "Oh, I never noticed it" to "Oh but it's not that's what a clutch is for - get a real bike!" and so on. I personally do notice it makes backing up a hill or over any obstacle much more difficult.

[KrazyEd]

I thought about this today as I was backing my FX out of it's spot in garage.
With key off, it growled for the first foot or so, then was quiet. Turned key on,
ignition off, side stand down. The growl seemed to continue as long as I
went backwards.