The more I think about it the more I think how nice that reverse gear has to be. I suppose you don't miss what you don't have but I have put myself into situations that a reverse gear would be great for an old guy like me with a bad back, and I'm sure I'm not alone on that one. Since you live so close are you prepping your Wing for a possible assault on the Yellow -Wolf record on the Dragon. As far as I know his bike was stock with the exception of the Traxxion package and different tires. Last fall I picked up a clean used 2012 FJR in Cobalt Blue with a heated Corbin seat, heated grips and raised bars. I don't know how long I will keep it but when I take it out I'm continually looking for a 6th gear? It's just something different. I'm sure this is no surprise to you but when folks come over the first thing they say is how much they like the blue!
Should we be checking YouTube for something like Blue Wing smashes the old time record set by Yellow Wolf!
Enjoy the addition to your stable.
Ray
Let me tell you a story on the history of my Wing. Nancy and I were very lucky to stay with a couple of site members for the Harley 110th this past year in Milwaukee. The site member and his best friend both had Screamin Eagles BUT, they both also had Goldwings. They both love their Screamin Eagles but also enjoy their Wings. The six of us had a blast but I never told them I was also checking out their Wings when I had a chance.
Now fast forward a few months later and Nancy and I had ridden to our place in Maggie Valley on the 11.5 SEUC. The plan is till the house is complete the driveway will be gravel. I have people working on the property a bunch and they had rutted up the stone in the driveway. So as we pulled onto the property I pulled to a place kind of uphill knowing I could then back up and head out when it was time. Only problem, I pulled into a maybe two inch deep rut. I couldn't back it up, Nancy had to get off and push the back bike. Later that evening as I rehashed the "can't back up" event I realized if I had reverse their would have never been as issue. Hmmmm maybe Richard and Mike were right about those Wings. So I started looking seriously for a older but in good shape Wing. About two months later I brought home the blue Wing.
So after a few mods, a lot of clean up and a few miles getting use to it, we rode to Eagles Nest. I pulled right up next to the camper in an area that was low. The front wheel was in a big dip. The SEUC would have been stuck. Engage reverse on the Wing and it backed right out.
Life was and is good.
The Harley's are keepers, the Wing is fun and different but maybe the bottom line is I just love to ride.
About Yellow Wolf, he lives close in the Valley and his riding skills are what legends are made out of.
I have a lot of respect for him and his riding abilities.
SBB