Spyder shifted from reverse to 1st while backing up.

[brerrabbit]

2018 Spyder RT - My wife's Spyder shifted from reverse to 1st while she was backing out of garage. She got it stopped before hitting anything but was wondering if anyone had any ideas concerning this.

=bob=

[JayBros]

Have you tried to replicate the incident on flat, safe ground? Put the Spyder in Reverse, crack the throttle a bit to move the Spyder backward, with your R foot nowhere near the brake pedal, push the shift lever to upshift. If the Spyder shifts to 1st you have a problem with the brake safety interlock.

[brerrabbit]

Have you tried to replicate the incident on flat, safe ground? Put the Spyder in Reverse, crack the throttle a bit to move the Spyder backward, with your R foot nowhere near the brake pedal, push the shift lever to upshift. If the Spyder shifts to 1st you have a problem with the brake safety interlock.

I have tried to replicate the incident to no avail. I've tried with no brake, partial brake, just touching the brake etc. all while barely moving and at different speeds, again while accelerating and decelerating and cannot get it to happen again.

I am inclined to question the handlebar control as we have had the brake release problem come and go. On our other 2018 we had the handlebar control replaced in the first year we had it due to the brake release issue and failure to shift into and out of reverse. These were intermittent as well. I still have the brake release issue but very infrequently now. Her bike is getting more often with the brake release issue, it happened again yesterday while on a ride following the shifting issue mentioned above. Based on the responses to this post, it doesn't appear to be a common thing.

=bob=

[JayBros]

Since I've no experience with MY '18 RTs I've exhausted my diagnostic ability. You may have a problem with that left handlebar switch assembly. Ouch!

[PaladinLV]

I am NOT saying this IS the case, but I have seen this happen on several occasions, including myself.
Rider, is looking at the R Button & Shifter, press buttons HEAR the CLUNK, look behind, and hit the THROTTLE.
Bike goes FORWARD!
Why? Because the Bike was NEVER in Reverse.
Hearing the CLUNK is not a guarantee the Bike is in Reverse. You are only in Reverse IF/WHEN that light comes on.
Yeah I know one would think Not Me, but ones realization of a situation does not always align with REALITY.

AJ

[Peteoz]

I am NOT saying this IS the case, but I have seen this happen on several occasions, including myself.
Rider, is looking at the R Button & Shifter, press buttons HEAR the CLUNK, look behind, and hit the THROTTLE.
Bike goes FORWARD!
Why? Because the Bike was NEVER in Reverse.
Hearing the CLUNK is not a guarantee the Bike is in Reverse. You are only in Reverse IF/WHEN that light comes on.
Yeah I know one would think Not Me, but ones realization of a situation does not always align with REALITY.

AJ

Yes, I have done exactly that, AJ……only once, mind you

Pete

[brerrabbit]

I have been able to replicate the incident. While backing slowly, slight pressure on brake pedal but not applying the brake and bumping the shifter to shift up, the bike will shift and lurch forward.

[PaladinLV]

I have been able to replicate the incident. While backing slowly, slight pressure on brake pedal but not applying the brake and bumping the shifter to shift up, the bike will shift and lurch forward.

THAT is normal behavior.
All that is required is the bike senses that the Brake Micro switch was engaged which occurs PRIOR to actual brake pressure.

AJ

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

slight pressure on brake pedal

That's the cause, right there. As Paladin explains, you only have to barely push on the brake pedal to cause the brake switch to close. That allows for the shift to first from reverse. Have someone watch your brake light as you gently push on the brake pedal. As soon as the brake light comes on make note of just how little you pushed the pedal. The brake light signal also feeds the ECM which then controls the TCM.

The best solution is keep your foot off the brake until you need to stop. Having your foot on the brake while driving will cause a limp home error. Even just touching the brake pedal with the side of your foot can trip the brake switch.

[JayBros]

That's the cause, right there...The best solution is keep your foot off the brake until you need to stop...Even just touching the brake pedal with the side of your foot can trip the brake switch.

Exactly! If I'm cruising along with the CC on and want to pause it I just tap the brake pedal with the side of my right foot.