Best Motorcycles with Reverse 2024 | Best Models for Easy Maneuvering
When navigating the world of motorcycles, the concept of a bike equipped with a reverse gear often comes as a surprise to many. Typically associated with heavyweight touring and cruiser motorcycles, reverse gears are a game-changer, offering riders an extra layer of control, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or dealing with challenging terrains. Whether you’re pulling out of a steep driveway or backing into a parking spot, motorcycles with reverse provide a unique blend of convenience and innovation, making them a top choice for riders who value both power and practicality.
#1 Honda Gold Wing GL1800
The Honda Gold Wing GL1800 redefines what it means to tour in luxury, merging high performance with advanced technology. This model is heavy, but the reverse gear makes handling this substantial machine a breeze, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or parking on inclines. Instead of struggling to push back manually, a simple flick of a switch engages the reverse, allowing you to back out effortlessly. It’s a feature that quickly goes from a luxury to a necessity once you’ve experienced it.
This motorcycle is all about comfort. With its plush seating and state-of-the-art navigation system, the GL1800 ensures that every mile you ride is done in supreme comfort. The large windscreen and adjustable suspension contribute to an incredibly smooth ride, making long-distance travel more of a pleasure than a chore. The reverse gear is the cherry on top, offering peace of mind and ease when it comes to handling this bike in less-than-ideal situations.
Underneath, the GL1800 is powered by a 1833cc flat-six engine that purrs as smoothly as it accelerates. This powerhouse doesn’t just make highway cruising a dream; it makes every part of the ride enjoyable, including those moments when you need to back up. The reverse gear enhances your control over this machine, making it a perfect companion for riders who value both luxury and practicality in their touring motorcycle.
#2 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
The Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a rolling testament to what happens when tradition meets innovation. Among the many features that make this trike unique, the reverse gear stands out, especially given its impressive size and weight. Instead of struggling to push this hefty machine manually, as is often the case with other motorcycles with reverse, this gear allows you to glide backward with ease, making it simple to navigate through tricky parking spaces or tight turns. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in the overall riding experience.
This trike combines the classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic with modern comforts, making it as functional as it is stylish. The Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, along with the comfortable seating and ample storage, ensures that every ride is enjoyable, whether you’re on a short city run or a long-distance tour. But the real game-changer here is the reverse gear, which turns what could be a cumbersome task into something seamless and stress-free.
Powering the Tri Glide Ultra is a Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, which delivers the torque and power you expect from Harley-Davidson. This engine makes cruising down the highway effortless, but it’s the reverse gear that truly elevates this trike. It’s not just about moving backward; it’s about doing so with confidence and control, knowing that you can handle whatever the road—or the parking lot—throws at you.
#3 BMW K1600GTL
The BMW K1600GTL is the embodiment of luxury and precision in the world of touring motorcycles. With its silky-smooth six-cylinder engine, this bike offers an unparalleled riding experience that is both powerful and refined. The reverse gear, a feature that some might overlook, becomes a crucial part of the bike’s appeal, especially when dealing with the K1600GTL’s substantial weight. It allows you to back out of tight spaces with ease, making parking and maneuvering much less stressful.
BMW’s attention to detail is evident throughout the K1600GTL, from its adaptive headlights to the luxurious seating arrangements. Every element is designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of long-distance touring. The reverse gear plays a key role here, ensuring that even the most mundane tasks, like parking or backing out of a garage, are handled with grace and ease. It’s a feature that you might not think about until you need it, but once you have it, you won’t want to ride without it.
This motorcycle isn’t just about comfort, though. The performance of the 1649cc engine delivers power smoothly and consistently, making both city rides and highway cruising equally enjoyable. The reverse gear adds to the bike’s versatility, allowing you to enjoy the ride without worrying about the challenges of maneuvering such a large machine in tight spaces. It’s a complete package that offers both luxury and practicality in a way that only BMW can deliver.
#4 Yamaha Venture Royale
The Yamaha Venture Royale remains a beloved model among touring enthusiasts, even though it’s no longer in production. The inclusion of a reverse gear in later models was a forward-thinking feature that set this bike apart from its competitors. For a motorcycle of its era, this feature was almost revolutionary, making it significantly easier to manage the bike’s size and weight in confined spaces. Instead of struggling to push the bike backward, riders could engage the reverse gear and maneuver with confidence.
What truly makes the Venture Royale special is how it blends retro charm with practical functionality. Designed for long-distance travel, this bike offers a smooth and comfortable ride that’s perfect for exploring the open road. The reverse gear enhances the overall experience by taking the stress out of parking and tight maneuvers, ensuring that the focus remains on the joy of the journey rather than the challenges of handling the bike’s bulk.
Even though the Venture Royale is out of production, its legacy lives on. For those who can find a well-maintained model, it offers a unique blend of vintage appeal and modern convenience that’s hard to match. The reverse gear is a key part of what makes this motorcycle so special, offering a level of ease and comfort that few other bikes from its era can claim. It’s a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to innovation and rider satisfaction.
#5 Can-Am Spyder RT
The Can-Am Spyder RT is a unique entry in the touring motorcycle category, with its distinctive three-wheel design that combines stability with freedom. The reverse gear on the Spyder RT is not just a useful feature; it’s an essential part of what makes this bike so practical for everyday use. Whether you’re navigating tight urban spaces or backing out of a crowded parking lot, this gear ensures that every move is smooth and controlled, making the Spyder RT incredibly user-friendly.
What sets the Spyder RT apart is its blend of comfort and advanced technology. The seating is designed for long-distance comfort, and the infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained on the go. The reverse gear adds to this convenience, allowing you to handle the trike’s larger footprint without any hassle. It’s a feature that enhances the overall riding experience, making the Spyder RT not just a mode of transport, but a luxurious, stress-free way to travel.
This trike is powered by a Rotax 1330 ACE engine, which delivers ample power and torque for both city rides and highway cruising. The reverse gear complements this performance by ensuring that you can easily manage the trike’s size in any situation. It’s a practical, thoughtful feature that reflects Can-Am’s commitment to rider convenience and safety, making the Spyder RT a standout choice for those who want both adventure and comfort.
#6 Honda Gold Wing Trike
The Honda Gold Wing Trike takes everything that’s great about the Gold Wing and enhances it with a three-wheel design, offering unparalleled stability and comfort. The inclusion of a reverse gear is a crucial feature for this trike, given its size and weight. Whether you’re maneuvering in a tight parking space or backing out of your garage, the reverse gear ensures that every move is smooth and effortless, making this trike incredibly easy to handle despite its bulk.
Riding the Gold Wing Trike is an experience in luxury. From the plush seating to the advanced infotainment system, every detail is designed to make long rides more enjoyable. One of the standout features of this trike, which is also common among other motorcycles with reverse, is the reverse gear. This feature enhances comfort by eliminating the strain of manually backing up a large vehicle, allowing you to focus on the road ahead. It’s a feature that truly sets the Gold Wing Trike apart, making it a top choice for riders who prioritize both luxury and practicality.
The 1833cc flat-six engine that powers the Gold Wing Trike delivers smooth, consistent power, making it a joy to ride at any speed. But it’s the reverse gear that adds an extra layer of usability, ensuring that you can handle any situation with confidence. Whether you’re on a cross-country journey or a quick city ride, the Gold Wing Trike offers a seamless blend of power, comfort, and convenience that’s hard to beat.
#7 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide
Luxury and power define the Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide. This trike is designed for those who want the best of both worlds—aesthetic appeal and functional excellence. The reverse gear stands out, especially when you consider the trike’s considerable size. It’s not just an added feature; it’s a necessity for seamless maneuvering in tight spots. This gear transforms what could be a cumbersome task into something that feels entirely natural, giving you the confidence to tackle any parking scenario without second-guessing yourself.
The CVO Tri Glide doesn’t just rely on its reverse gear to impress. Harley-Davidson’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the high-end audio system that envelops you in sound to the custom paintwork that draws admiring looks. The trike is a rolling canvas of design and engineering perfection, where luxury meets rugged capability. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine provides the muscle, but it’s the subtle features like the reverse gear that make the overall experience so much more refined and user-friendly.
Owning the CVO Tri Glide is more than just owning a motorcycle—it’s about commanding the road with style and authority. The reverse gear enhances the overall experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride rather than wrestling with the trike’s weight. Whether cruising through city streets or taking on the open road, the Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide ensures every moment is spent in comfort and control, making it a top-tier choice for the discerning rider.
#8 Zero DSR/X
The Zero DSR/X isn’t just another electric motorcycle; it’s a bold statement of what modern engineering can achieve. The inclusion of a reverse gear is not merely a convenience—it’s a game-changer, especially for an electric bike. Navigating through tight spaces, whether in urban settings or on rugged trails, becomes effortlessly smooth with this feature. Unlike traditional motorcycles, where reverse is a rarity, the DSR/X’s reverse function is intuitive and incredibly easy to engage, making backing out of awkward spots as simple as flipping a switch.
Beyond its reverse gear, the DSR/X shines with its instant torque delivery and near-silent operation, which together create an almost surreal riding experience. The bike is built for adventure, yet it doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality. With its adjustable suspension and various ride modes, the DSR/X adapts to whatever the environment demands, making it as versatile as it is powerful. The reverse gear complements this adaptability, ensuring that you’re never stuck or struggling, no matter how challenging the terrain or parking situation.
Riding the Zero DSR/X feels like stepping into the future. The reverse gear, often overlooked in many models, becomes an essential part of the experience, particularly when navigating confined areas or steep gradients. This feature, combined with the bike’s overall design and functionality, solidifies the DSR/X as not just a motorcycle, but a new way to explore the world. It’s a machine that invites you to push boundaries, knowing that every aspect, down to the reverse gear, is designed to keep you in control and fully immersed in the journey.
