rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

As you may have guessed from the title, I own a 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour motorcycle. I'm looking for other owners of this motorcycle to see if they have experienced the same problem I have with reverse.
I took the bike to the shop to have the problem corrected and the service writer told me they need to consult with Honda technical support to determine the cause and course of action.
Here's the problem. When I put the bike in reverse the reverse light comes on but when I press the reverse button, most of the time it just makes this sort of grinding sound but occasionally it actually backs up. Reverse works when it wants to and it doesn't want to far more often than it does.
I don't use reverse all that often but it really comes in handy if I'm parked on a down slope, which I now avoid, and for backing the bike out of its trailer.
What annoys me is, I downloaded the 2018 Honda Goldwing service manual and there's a whole chapter that covers reverse and how to service it. So why does my local Honda motorcycle dealer, which isn't all that local, need to consult with Honda technical support about a known service issue?! They're also saying they need to find out if it is a warranty issue. I've owned this motorcycle for just under a year now and I bought it brand new and they, the Honda dealership, say they need to find out it this is a warranty issue.
Any one else have these types of issues with their friendly neighborhood Honda motorcycle dealer?

Iron Sight Loc: Utah

Id call Honda service support.

geezer76 Loc: Prineville, Oregon

Ditch the Honda and purchase a Harley-Davidson Problem solved!! Most certainly a photography issue, huh??

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I posted in general chit chat non photography talk, so why the snide remark about a photography issue, or don't you understand what non photography talk means?! As for a Harley-Davidson, why on Earth would I want to ditch my Goldwing for an inferior machine. This is my third Goldwing. My first Goldwing, a 1998 GL1500, I put over 200,000 miles on without a major engine rebuild and I still got top dollar for it when I traded it in on my 2013 GL1800 Goldwing. How many Harley's will go 200,000 miles without an engine rebuild?! If you like Harley's, that's fine by me; I've got absolutely nothing against them but I prefer the comfort, reliability, handling and smooth power the Goldwing has over the vibrations and oil leaks of the antiquated HD V-twin engine design any day.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I considered that but they will just tell me to take it back to the dealer to get it fixed. From my research, there's a small cable inside the reverse mechanism that needs to be adjusted and since the motorcycle is still covered by warranty, I'd rather have a qualified Honda mechanic do the work. Besides, I have a GL1800 service manual and I read the procedure for adjusting the cable and you have to remove body parts to get to the engine cover that must come off to get to the internal cable that needs adjusting.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

I had an older model, with a similar issue.
The reverse system is more like an add-on than a built-in.
For some odd reason the mechanisms aren't well weathersealed, and you may get greasy gunky dirty globs messing with the tolerances and actuation.
And it's almost always "fiddly". For mine: turn the engine off and out of gear, THEN turn it on and try it.

alawry Loc: Timaru New Zealand

I'm a motorcyclist but work in the bicycle industry. We have a saying , that a warranty issue is an opportunity to show how good we are. Rarely get a repaeat customer by sliding out from under an issue, come gladly to the party and take care of the problem the customer will tell others how good we are. Find another dealer. Good luck, ride safe. Andrew.

fotoless

Hello Morry, Y'might check out this Goldwing owner forum:

https://www.goldwingowners.com/forums/11-honda-goldwing-forum-general-discussion/123679-2018-gold-wing-reverse-problem.html

Good luck!
Sloshovel

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I don't have the issue but I have found that you can call about any dealer and speak with the service manager and get great responses. I would contact a couple of other dealers and see if any are aware and familiar with correcting the problem and plan a ride that direction. Honda really stands behind their bikes and I'm sure will make it right.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

The above statements is in-correct ta-mundo in reference to HD's.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

It only works when the bike is facing uphill. LOL

HOHIMER

DELETED

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Thank you but I have already read that forum. It and others are one of the reasons I'm perplexed by the behavior of my dealership. I have a sneaky suspicion their Goldwing expert was on vacation and they were trying to save face, and get as much documentation from Honda technical support for when their Goldwing mechanic returns. Maybe they should open the service manual to chapter 19.

Stash Loc: South Central Massachusetts

I've owned two Gold Wings. I bought a 1988 new with the reverse but never had that problem. I sold the bike about five years ago with over 100,000 miles on it and as of this year according to the new owner, it's still running strong.

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Reverse? Trailer? Sorry I can’t help you. Perhaps an Electra-glide is in your future. I’ve a bunch of bikes over the years and maybe 400,000 miles never had your particular problem. Shines side up.