Dpolo1
New member
I really like my bike. I don't have an owners manual. My problem is the reverse only moves the bike like 3 feet and stops. Any help appreciated.
Hello new R18 owner.
- Thread starter Dpolo1
- Start date
Welcome! You can download the manual from https://manuals.bmw-motorrad.com/de/rider-manual, just look under Heritage.
I think that's a common behavior. You have to move a bit at a time. Also, if you're on a slope, the reverse may be disabled. It can be tricky to use.
I think that's a common behavior. You have to move a bit at a time. Also, if you're on a slope, the reverse may be disabled. It can be tricky to use.
R18 100
Active member
That is odd. Would that say something about the current state of the battery?
Are you getting any error on the gauge? Flashing R?
Dpolo1
New member
I have to check but the engine turns right over
harrisrc740
Active member
You are doing reverse while the bike is running, right?
Dpolo1
New member
Yes , and battery is fully charged
Welcome. Someone recently posted a detailed explanation of the reverse assist functionality. It will be on here somewhere if you search the threads. If its physical demand is too great (eg gradient is too steep or the starter motor gets too hot) it disables itself with a flashing R.
Dpolo1
New member
Thank you
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear you are having issues. You will normally need to rock the bike a bit back and forth before engaging the reverse gear to release any tension and that should be it. It takes only a couple of seconds and I do it without even realising I am doing it. Now, yours seems to go back 3 feet and then stop. That is not normal. Try the rocking method first and if it does not improve you should take it back to the dealership for an inspection. You paid top dollar so don’t be shy to ask 
As Rufus mentioned, there are a couple of topics here about the reverse gear. Just type that on the search bar and you will have a decent amount of info there. Hope you get it sorted.
As Rufus mentioned, there are a couple of topics here about the reverse gear. Just type that on the search bar and you will have a decent amount of info there. Hope you get it sorted.
You might be touching the front brake lever or something.... quite a normal reflex to slow things down a bit.... any brake, clutch or throttle will stop the reverse function.
Welcome to the forum, it’s a great site as you are learning. Would like to see a picture of your R18
Scott Semone
Well-known member
Try searching the forum, using "reverse" as the search word, opposed to starting a whole new thread on the same topic.
Dpolo1
New member
Yes .constant until flip the lever to normal.
Dpolo1
New member
It still does it . Roll back and forth not touching anything in neutral . R is flashing when I turn the lever. And when it does work it only goes about three feet .
Okay. With that information I can tell you exactly! What is wrong. The issue is the control unit for the reverser. It will eventually completely fail. Which it sounds like you’re close. I already went through this and had the unit replaced 1 month before my warranty was expiring.
Dpolo1
New member
Thank you
Dpolo1
New member
My warranty ends in July. Contacted dealer made appointment to have reverse module replaced under warranty it appears .bnw I having issues with bad reverse modules.
yes yes yes.