A Guide to Motorcycle and Trike Reversing Mechanisms

There are quite a number of reversing units on the market that are suitable for motorcycles, trikes, motorcycle/sidecar outfits motor scooters and quadbikes.

Generally, the options are electrically powered reversing motors or a mechanical reversing gearboxes and/or reversing differential, though there are some brand/model specific kits that modify the existing gearbox to include a reverse gear.

1. The NABD is not in a position to ‘recommend’ any of the suppliers detailed in this article, I include them simply for your information and because we have had no negative feedback on any of them.

Personally, whichever type of reverser you chose, I recommend you source it from a UK supplier and resist the urge to save money by purchasing an unknown Chinese or Indian brand, because the Chinese and Indian markets are notorious for defaulting on ‘money back’ guarantees, and much of what they produce is utter rubbish.

Electric Reversing Motors:
These tend to be best suited to use on small lightweight motorcycles or classic scooter/sidecar outfits.

We have seen these used on heavier motorcycles, trikes and motorcycle/sidecar outfits but this all too often engenders problems such as the reversing motors burning out or battery draining issues.

If you do decide to have an electric reverser fitted to a larger machine, we recommend you first carry out diligent research, try to find some genuine customer reviews and insist on written guarantees before handing over your hard-earned money.

Kitcar Direct, Unit 5 Kestrel Park, Finch Drive, Springwood Industrial Estate, Braintree, CM7 2SF.
Tel: 0203 432 2679              Email: sales@kitcardirect.co.uk
https://www.kitcardirect.co.uk/collections/bike-engine-car-electric-reverse

1. Other suppliers are available.

Mechanical Reversers:
These tend to be much more robust than electrical reversers and, if maintained correctly, should never let you down.  They also come in several types, some are inline boxes for shaft-drive motorcycles, others suit chain drive motorcycles machines, others are reversable differential boxes well suited to trikes.

Personal experience leads me to suggest that, if a reverse mechanism is being considered for a belt driven machine, you would do yourself a huge favour if you had the belt drive converted to a chain drive. Belt drives don’t work well with reversing units, though they seem to work well enough when a reverse gear is added to a standard transmission.

Here are some UK suppliers of mechanical reversing units worth considering.

RT Quaife Engineering Ltd, Vestry Road, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 5EL.
Tel: 01732 741144.             Email: info@quaife.co.uk
https://www.quaife.co.uk/quaife-products/motorcycle-engined-vehicle/

Elite Racing Transmissions, Salem Street, Stoke on Trent, Staffs, ST1 5PR.
Tel: 01782 280136.             Email: sales@eliteracingtransmissions.com
https://www.eliteracingtransmissions.com/shop/motorcycle-engine/reverse-gearbox

Nova Racing Transmissions Ltd, Unit 12, Star Road Industrial Estate, Star Road, Partridge Green, West Sussex, UK, RH13 8RA.  Tel: 01403 711312       Email: sales@novaracing.co.uk https://novaracing.co.uk/reversing-gearbox-for-inprop-shaft-installations

Blitzworld Buggies Ltd, Unit 14, Railway Enterprise Centre, Shelton New Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7SH.  Tel: 01782 208050        Email: sales@blitzworld.co.uk
https://www.blitzworld.co.uk/joyrider-reverse-box-BEAST-VIGILANTE-buggy

1. Other suppliers are available.

Harley Davidson Reversing Adaptations:
There are a number of Reversing Adaptations available for various models of Harley Davidson, some of these may be available via UK dealerships.

Reviews of Five Types of Reverse for Harley Davidson Motorcycles & Trikes:
https://eaglekingtech.com/5-best-reverse-gear-kits-for-harley-davidson-2025-review-buying-guide/

Where kits have to be imported from the USA or elsewhere, I am happy to advise NABD members how to avoid being charged import duty by customs and excise or VAT by the carriers.

1. Other suppliers are available.

Fitting:
The NABD advise that all reversing adaptations should be fitted by experienced engineers to ensure safe and efficient us.

VAT Exemptions:
Where a reversing adaptation is required due to disability, it should be 0% rated for VAT.  See my VAT Exemptions article on the NABD website for further details.

Financial Help:
If the cost of purchasing and/or fitting adaptations is beyond your means, there may be help available from the NABD Adaptation Grants scheme.  See the Adaptation Grants information on the NABD website. https://nabd.org.uk

1. If you are not yet a member of the NABD, and you are finding useful and/or interesting information on this site, please consider joining now.

Membership is just £2.00 per month and it is these membership subscriptions that allow us to continue providing the information and services that help so many people.

Membership is open to everybody; you don’t have to be disabled to join the NABD and support the valuable work we do and the services we provide.

To become a member of the NABD, go to: https://nabd.org.uk/join/

When it comes to motorcycling, a disability need not be a handicap!

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman