Too much time on my hands!!...Reverse Gear using the GW engine

[Alberta Patriot]

How does Reverse work on the GW1500. Is it built into the transmission?
If so would it work on a Valk??

[shortleg]

   The Jap version of our bikes had reverse.
What it dose is use the starter mother to turn the engine.
  This has been talked about time and time again and it
Would ave to be a whole big swap of engine and wire harness
and I would bet a bunch of other small parts.

[scooperhsd]

I'm sure there are lots of us who would like a reverse gear on our 1500 Valks (count me as one) .

I also think it would be too much effort  / skill required for most of us to accomplish this....not saying it would be impossible, just beyond the skillset of most of us.

[Jess from VA]

It's a lot of work for something than can be solved 98% of the time by choosing your parking spot wisely.

And not going down trails or places so narrow you can't turn around.

I don't need a reverse, but longer legs would help from time to time.   

[indybobm]

Requires a different rear case and associated parts. Plus, there is  a control box that goes beneath the bike in the side stand area and additional wiring. A lot of work.

[Alberta Patriot]

Sounds like too much trouble ...even with too much time on my hands.

[F6Dave]

I'd rather spend my excess time riding rather than take on a project like that!

[Savago]

I once saw one for sale on craigslist in Las Vegas.

Since it was a JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) only, I thought no such valkyries ever made into USA.

Odds are, if you keep an eye, it may show up again for sale one day.

[ridingron]

I think it would be very doable. A lot of work, but if I was removing the motor, I would seriously consider it. I think the control box is to set up interlocks and safety circuits so you can't get reverse while in gear or with the motor running. I would think a circuit to fire up the starter motor after it verified the bike in reverse, in neutral and the ign. switch off or the coils not firing. But I'm not an electrician.

[Alberta Patriot]

If I were doing an engine switch anyway, why not get a goldwing engine and switch out camshafts and carbs etc...unless of course parts like the cam belt cover have different mounting points.
BTW...not changing engines any time soon

[The emperor has no clothes]

I once saw one for sale on craigslist in Las Vegas.

Since it was a JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) only, I thought no such valkyries ever made into USA.

Odds are, if you keep an eye, it may show up again for sale one day.

I remember that bike. I thought about going there just to see it.

[Savago]

I once saw one for sale on craigslist in Las Vegas.

Since it was a JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) only, I thought no such valkyries ever made into USA.

Odds are, if you keep an eye, it may show up again for sale one day.

I remember that bike. I thought about going there just to see it.

I must confess that I considered the very same idea.
 

[steveB (VRCC UK)]

Put a Goldwing engine in one of my Valks after damaging the bores and bottom end when the supercharger broke up. Had a GW under the bench in good condition as a spares donor so pressed it into service.
There are several minor differences - The GW motor mounts are rubber bushes, the Valks are solid.
Push the rubbers out with threaded bar and machine some new ones from solid. (I own a very old lathe).
Water pumps  and transmission door are not the same but move over from the Valk.
The timing case and the inner cases are not chromed but just swap out from the Valk.
As has been discussed GW gears have slightly different ratios but decided to leave these as the donor motor has never been run. Likewise clutch has a different set up from the Valk but left it in.
Obviously the cams and lifters need to be changed (hydraulic on the GW - solid on the Valk) these swap straight over.
With the reverse gear being run from starter motor a GW starter has to be used. This is even more difficult to fit than the stocker being slightly longer with its electrical stud pointing inward and down, but it just fits.
I made a positive stop reverse lever from stainless and mounted it where the stock rear master cylinder lives. Relocated the master cylinder.
Electrically it's a very cut down version of Honda's system. I used their reverse sensor as a 'kill' (if I attempt to select gear whilst in reverse) and discarded the thermistor and speed sensing circuits.
End result - nearly new Valk. My GW motor was a technician training aid and had never been run.
Downside - all fixings and fittings were finger tight so the motor and trans had to be completely stripped and torqued with all new gaskets and lock nuts.
The reverse was added because it seemed like a fun project but in reality I rarely use it - guess years of riding big cruisers has taught me not to nose into kerbs. With no speed or heat limiter it has to be used sparingly.
Sorry for the long answer - short answer yes it can be done if you have loads of spare time.

[Savago]

@steveb: fascinating!

Do you happen to have photos of the build? It is probably a first (i.e. DIY reverse gear valkyrie).
 

[steveB (VRCC UK)]

Thanks Savago - will try to find the photos of the build and post them.  Perhaps the original post's title says it all  'too much time on my hands'.  BTW reading back thro - the motor has to be running whilst reversing - keeps the battery charged.

[Jess from VA]

In the Air Force in CA, the wife and I often rode with another couple on a big Harley.

He would just pull in nose down anywhere.  He never attempted any short U-turns into a spot, and never backed down on a curb.  When it was time to go, he'd jump on and his wife would lower a shoulder and push/power him up the hill. 

She never complained and I guess the plan was just to keep her in good practice. 

The wife said she was going to ask her about about it, and I told her... no you're not.