Chain Drive Forward Reverse Gearbox for Motorcyle Engine Powered Buggy

In this episode of the Blackbird Golfcart Build we finish the install of the RPM Forward Reverse box. This box is designed to run behind a superbike engine, it can handle the power from most big liter bikes and even a Hayabusa motor.
This is how to add reverse to a street bike engine powered mini buggy. At least this is the option I went with, there are other brands out there. A small transmission for your super bike or liter bike engine powered rail.
In this video I show a cradle I built for the forward/reverse gearbox and make a couple turnbuckles with heim joints, or rod end bearings, to make the motorcycle chain adjustable. I also plumb in the case breather and add an air filter.
The Forward Reverse Gearbox featured in this video is from RPM Gearboxes. Website: rpmgearboxes.com/
The breather filter came from ProCycle. Website: procycle.us/
The heim joints came from Skys Offroad Design. Website: www.skysoffroaddesign.com/
This Golf Cart features the engine from a 1997 Honda CBR1100xx Blackbird motorcycle. Fox 2.0 Air Shocks giving it a long travel suspension of 18 inches at each wheel. The forward reverse gearbox gives a gear reduction of 5.4:1 and the output flanges are made for Porshe 930 CV Joints.

[@patrickhayes3099]

I was a cranky bugger until you introduced the Heim joints to tension the box. You have my attention now! Continue please.

[@rogerfrancis65]

Excellent little gearbox, I like the simplicity of the adjustment to line the sprockets up, nice.

[@stevenpelayo9418]

This was one of my favorite videos from you. Your design and fabrication skills are far beyond my capabilities, but I really enjoy learning from you.

[@motomule]

Wow, thanks!!! I am excited to get this thing driveable!!!! Thanks for watching.

[@17madracki17]

This golf cart build is how I found your channel and gotta say it's the one project I'm most excited to see finished and driving.

[@motomule]

Me too!!!

[@curvs4me]

Awesome creation! I came, I learned, and now have a reverse solution. Speaking of filling with oil, that dry hardened nut shrieking in the lathe getting drilled out made me and my drill dr cringe. Stay sharp a lot longer with a touch of oil to keep the heat down.

[@stevedavis9256]

Your fab work is incredible! I look forward to the next video👍

[@motomule]

Thank you!! Thanks for watching.

[@Self.reliant]

That's a great point about heat in the chain something I've never giving much thought to

[@jamesvincent5142]

Really dig the extra touches you put into this build and video. Keep it coming Mule.

[@motomule]

Thank you! Thank you for watching!!!

[@Buck1954]

A well thought out plan. Like the tension adjusters.

[@motomule]

Thanks!!! More to come.

[@user-gb2io7un5u]

Very well done he is a master of his ability for modification

[@metalman065]

I Love your videos, love watching you do things, you've got all the rite toold to Do just about anything you need.. keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing it roll. Thanks

[@motomule]

Thank you for watching!!!! So close to being able to drive it....

[@trinkladd]

Set up an adjustment like a car uses to adjust the belts on alternators. Screw adjusts through a pivot pin then a nut tightens it up to keep the screw from backing out. Would be easy to do on your set up. Would also help to brace it

[@robsutherland9284]

loved the episode! I've been looking for info on reverse gearboxes. Your fabrication work is on a level of its own, super impressive. I like the new music loops too, much better.

[@motomule]

Thank you!! I'm learning!!! Thank for watching.

[@jetenginethrust863]

I put a Yamaha 570cc 2 stroke engine from a 1990 Yamaha Exciter snowmobile in a 1994 Yamaha G4 golf cart with a lift kit & some nice knobby off road tires etc. about 10yrs ago. Crazy fast without a roll cage & no front brakes! YIKES! LOL :-) Lots of fun though. I was surprised the stock rear diff held up just fine. I really like that gearbox though. I just need to freshen up the engine on mine with a new piston & rings kit & fabricate a roll cage & some front brakes. Makes me want to go out in the garage & get back at it, thanks for sharing! Nice build so far, my 1st video of yours, gonna check out the others.

[@motomule]

Sounds sketchy, I like it!!! 😆 Thank you for watching.

[@martinlaird67]

What a phenomenal job geez you always impress us with your abilities and quality workmanship this channel is at the top of my watchlist,Can't get enough, good job ML

[@motomule]

Thank you, that is an incredible complement!! Thank you for watching.

[@denniselefante2434]

this gearbox answer all of my problems thanks man great works

[@motomule]

Thanks for watching!!

[@gafrers]

Great product, great explanation, great video. Keep up the great work.

[@motomule]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!!!

[@johndeerman2105]

Very well done video. You explained things very clearly and what you are doing is very well thought out. Thanks ✌

[@motomule]

Thank you for watching!!

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Thanks for the video. That is a impressive gear box and i need one bad. Ill be checking them out.

[@motomule]

Wow!! I got a comment from Ike!!! Huge fan of you guys!!! Thank you for watching one of my videos!! Next time you come to Oregon, gambler 100 mini bike race, I'm gonna try and find you to say Hi, and get a pic with you guys.....

[@jaybyrd1935]

Ok this is what I’m looking for to power my vw bug with my GSXR 1000 motor that’s awesome!

[@alexgoldstein7553]

Sweet go cart! That thing is an ideal woods rig!

[@motomule]

It's a little wide for the trails we have here, but it will be perfect in the wide open sand dunes!! 😎

[@hammerT2997]

Super excited to see this thing done. Awesome work brother

[@motomule]

Thank you!! I am super excited to drive it!!!

[@kerrymunson7729]

Top of your breather hose should be facing downward so when you wash it or run it in the water or rain the water will soak the filter and it won't just run down into your gearbox use a piece of 5/16 tubing put a 90°bend face the the filter down love your videos good clean work well thought out

[@motomule]

Yes, I need to fix that. Thanks for watching!!

[@MindStork]

You are a master fabricator! Also your video making is getting alot better at a fast pace, keep up the great work!

[@motomule]

Thank you!! Never stop learning, right?? I'm taking in the feedback I get and am trying to up my game with every video. Thank you for watching!!

[@Ratkill9000]

Now if only the RPM boxes weren't so freakin expensive and unobtainable to the average builder.

[@CapablePimento]

mine came on an x-rail. Might want to do an occasional search for a used one

[@4486xxdawson]

I went to the link and didnt show a price so that tells me to expensive to list a price , i bought a complete buggy with a reverse gear box for 700 bucks everything works but the chineezium motor smoked like a hooker on a friday night so dropping a gs 750 in it , hope the gearbox can handle it ....

[@Jp_1984]

been thinking about this for a long time

[@boltonky]

Smiles all round, and like the gearbox...Just sad RPM doesn't have a better website or updated as the fab is wicked and sure they get lots of work but its 2019 you have to keep up with the online market

[@captkurk357]

Wow exactly what I'm looking for🤯. Nice awesome build 👍

[@motomule]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@AMetalWorks]

Thank you for making this video. Not many people cover the gear box as well as you did. This to me is the make it or break it aspect of a motorcycle powered buggy or car. If you can't go in reverse the thing will get super annoying to drive.

[@motomule]

Thank you for watching! The gearbox is expensive, but the buggy would be as enjoyable without it. I'd not attempt some trails because I'd be afraid of getting stuck with no way to back up...

[@motomule]

*wouldn't be as enjoyable without it

[@btuncelzork]

Hell yeah brother, most excellent.

[@Profabdesigns]

Hi, Pls take this with a grain of salt. I am a Mfg engineer and have been a CNC Machinist 42 yrs sooo, some of the designs of the Gearbox is redundant. Using a cast gearbox is risky at best. You have a CNC Mill in the background, make billet one. I do like the box brackets, but you could have easily incorporated the Hyme joint supports into them. The drilled nuts welded to hyme supports weakens the struts and two milled flats would have done the trick. over engineering just adds weight, and mass. Just my .02 cents.

[@calebaskie4415]

Not just useful, but extremely useful man.

[@motomule]

Thanks man!!!

[@jeremyl1483]

Your very informative and helpful I would love to have the tools and time for building things like you have built I usually have to start with something that someone else has built and fix it to what I want with all the wrong tools lol I really do enjoy your videos keep them coming

[@motomule]

Thank you! I wish I had more time to work on fun stuff like this. Thanks for watching!!

[@twinturbotaj]

Awesome, I've been looking for / researching reverse boxes similar to this for years, wishing there were new more inexpensive alternatives developed.

[@twinturbotaj]

$2,500 for these boxes includes US shipping, no LSD available for this but he has built custom LSD units for customers in the past..

[@randynason2822]

www.transworks.biz/minidiff.html

[@dandahermitseals5582]

You''re re inventing the wheel. These gear boxes have been layng. Around over 50 years. All u need is the gearbox from an Alpine twin track work sled by Skidoo. You're all too young to know. Haha

[@SikSwanger]

Dandahermit Seals I disagree, a skidoo box won’t handle all the load that goes through it, so much more force plus extra weight that goes through the boxes when you use it for offroad application then being on snow.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Nice work. Like. To. See the finished product in action. I would. Like to have that build in a Sprite mk--2

[@mauriciogianotti8039]

Good teacher , i like the way you explain

[@slv4421]

Well done ! i think this is the best set up i've seen with this type of RPM gear box, this was my first choice but I wanted to have 4x4. so i went for the maverick x3 gear box and adapted a sprocket instead of the clutch, so now I have reverse, HI - LO and 4x4. there are a ton of spare parts online for it and i run can am maverick axles.

[@motomule]

Sounds like an awesome setup!!! I just picked up a RZR transmission from a parted out XP900. Very similar to your X3 setup. Saving it for a future project.... Thanks for watching!!!

[@NVMDSTEvil]

@@motomule What kind of cost are the RPM boxes? i've been looking for one for a while but most are too expensive for their rated HP. Might be interesting to run a shaft drive from the bike motor to the gearbox then it can be used as a drop box to run in 4wd. Also been thinking of doing the same thing using a manual transmission from a FWD car, just rotated 90 degrees. so CV outputs run front to back.

[@motomule]

@@NVMDSTEvil the RPM box is expensive, about $2500. It is a very well built unit however.. Thanks for watching!!

[@jeremypennington]

Just found your channel, I'm enjoying seeing all the different kinds of creative processes going on! Keep it up, you got a new subscriber.

[@motomule]

Thank you!! More to come. Thanks for watching!!

[@lonniehand1386]

I really like your work

[@caribeivan]

Buen día a gracias seńor por compartir su gran trabajo ,me suscribo estoy suscrito éxito siempre

[@frankchang436]

i like it,your great job.

[@KowboyUSA]

Looks like a well thought out quality product.

[@motomule]

It is very well built.

[@tedstyle3798]

awesome welding bro

[@masonrenucci6342]

Great job project is looking awesome

[@motomule]

Thanks!!

[@DIYMOTORSPORT]

That things awesome!! Can’t wait!

[@motomule]

Me neither!!! Then we can get work on toddler beds!!!

[@DIYMOTORSPORT]

Yes sir!!

[@krakenking1597]

Looking good, well done on the script, and explanation of what you were doing. Man i love your shop!

[@motomule]

Thanks!!! I love my shop too!!! It's been my life's work putting it together. Now to just crank out some cool projects!!!! Thanks for watching.

[@krakenking1597]

Thanks for replying!

[@AzOm606]

This would be perfect for my street bike engine in my vw bug

[@whendeathdeclareswar7458]

Beautiful welds.

[@motomule]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@johndeerman2105]

I have garage envy. You have some great tools. 😁✌

[@motomule]

Thanks! I've been collecting tools for over 30 years... Thanks for watching.

[@troycrowder9942]

hey great work very helpful video i have been building for a while now and that is one of the best setups i have seen yet i am sure it will get some attention very nice

[@motomule]

Thank you!! I can't wait try it out. Thanks for watching!!!

[@nicolec7290]

Good work on the cradle

[@motomule]

Thanks!!!

[@tazyt3388]

Great unit mate it'll do the job perfectly I made my box outa an quad bottom end works awsum the chain is noisy so made a shroud to keep sound down ,lookin 4ward to you driving the monster mate cheers

[@motomule]

Thanks for watching!! I can't wait to drive it!!!!

[@tazyt3388]

@@motomule I reckon youl have a sore face from grinning like a kid mate good luck with the final stages of the build cheers

[@davidhamilton7628]

Great work

[@motomule]

Thank you!

[@TheBudman302]

Smashed the like button as always. Keep up the awesome work.

[@motomule]

Thank you!!!!

[@kendesign3622]

Great explanation on the RPM Gearbox. I've used them on 3 different builds in the past and your tensioner/ this b$*tch ain't going nowhere mount looks great. On one of the builds I added a small flex plate off a 22hp Honda v twin to the input shaft and used a starter motor off of John deere tractor, It worked great. Keep up the awesome work man!!!

[@motomule]

Thank you!! This is my first time using one of these boxes, it sure appears to be well built. I can't wait to actually use it!!! Thanks for watching.

[@bobg3034]

Nice Work!

[@dennismenace5174]

Thanks so much for the video

[@motomule]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@1silvervespa]

Make a chain box to keep it clean. You can add a lexan window to watch for wear and slack. It really extends chain life .

[@motomule]

Good idea!!!

[@MrRadamesrodriguez]

Nice project !

[@motomule]

Thanks for watching!!

[@huntermcfish]

Should have the pivot point axis as close to centered on the output shaft as possible in order to keep forces down. Landings and rough terrain will have a negative affect and I assume rear suspension will come into play with its physics as well.

[@ironhead9507]

That's sweet fab work

[@motomule]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@killacoiler1707]

I am in the design stages of some dual-purpose machines and the forward-reverse aspect of the build had me slightly perplexed so this was super informative. I think that gearbox would be overkill for the small buggies I am going to build my grandsons, as they will be using pit bike engines, but for the big buggies that my sons and I plan to build this will be perfect providing it isn't 2/3rds the cost of my budget Lol! I have seen some other brand gearboxes going for nearly 3k. I can transplant a complete FWD drivetrain into it for that kind of money. Thanks for sharing and I wish I had your shop and tools LOL!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Very Awesome Video ! Thanks for all the information and well narrated explanations my first time on your channel but i will watch more especially on that Buggy build that sounds pretty cool to me

[@motomule]

Thanks!! I plan to get back to work on that buggy here soon. The weather is finally starting to improve!!!

[@SikSwanger]

Great box! Iv just installed one into my buggy.

[@kennywest9626]

Cost?

[@SikSwanger]

kenny west $2,700 au i paid for it. You can pick them up for about $2000 US.

[@kennywest9626]

@@SikSwanger how heavy can my buggy be?

[@SikSwanger]

kenny west I’m not sure to honest, my buggy weight is about 450kgs i think that is about 990 pounds. Some guys buggies are twice the weight of my car and using the rpm boxes.

[@fearnobeer9077]

first vid of yours iv'e seen , subbed,looking at a similar thing for my mini moke CBR 1100 engine swap, cheers from Australia

[@motomule]

Thanks for watching!!

[@evanlewis2095]

That things going to be a beast I wish I had the tools and space you have

[@motomule]

I hope it's a beast, can't wait to actually drive it.... Thank you for watching.

[@evanlewis2095]

@@motomule I'm a crackhead for this stuff I love learning new ways to put myself in danger lol I'm in my back yard with a hand full of tools

[@motomule]

@@evanlewis2095 Nice!! I have a friend that has a KZbin channel called Dirt Garage. If you haven't seen his channel yet, go check it out. He does everything in his yard too. Pretty cool. I've been collecting tools for over 30 years, everyone I have a few extra bucks I tuck it away for tools.. It's my "drug" addiction... 😆

[@evanlewis2095]

@@motomule I'm always love oooh I have tools must be nice lol I'm just jelly keep up the good work and I'll keep absorbing as much as I can

[@louisedwards6681]

One of my favorite girlfriends was a stainglass artest and I never seen a stainglass cutting machine and lead came strcher or anything else about stained glass I was fasanated with those tools , BUT WHEN She saw my Tap and die set ,and how to cut thread and make nuts and bolts ,she went crazy and we built a revolving stainglass door ,it cost us over $700 back then ,but we never had a prictcal use for it ,we broke up and she draged it away when she left it's probably in athousond prices by now 🏁

[@markssmallengines3542]

That's a fantastic gear box and you have set it up awesome 👍 I seen your rpm link and the rear caliper an disc brake set up is a good idea but looks a bit small if it has weight an high up running through it but I'd imagine they'd have different grades for the buyers to choose from. You buggy is coming along real nice and built tough. Take care Mark.

[@motomule]

Thank you!! I have brakes on each wheel, so I didn't consider the one mounted to the gearbox. It would add a little weight up high, but it would also remove unsprung weight which could be a bigger gain??? Thank you for watching!!

[@72mardy]

The brake on the gearbox could be used for a parking brake....just a thought.

[@motomule]

@@72mardy very true and a great idea. Thanks!!!

[@vancemacd6315]

I need this gear box badly, great info, thanks

[@motomule]

Thank you!!! I can't wait to actually use it!!!

[@dcherron1487]

Looking to Hayabusa swap my Mini Cooper and had no idea how to overcome this but there's still hope

[@harryburford6629]

ever thought of using moreys for your r p m gearbox its very good

[@hollyelmore2130]

Just watched your video good job I liked it

[@motomule]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@misterfixit1952]

Nice mounting bracket. What about oil in the gearbox? Is it OK to have the gearbox tipped at that angle assuming that their logo is the zero plane/angle? All the oil would collect into the output portion of the drive with no oil in the input gears.

[@kirkgeahlen5532]

Nice vid👍Is there a limit as to how far you can cant/tilt the gearbox?As you know,the more you tilt it,the oil level at the sightglass will change.....

[@RubenRodriguez-ul6cv]

Hi , I’m so glad I saw your video. Very good explanation of how this gear box works and how to install it . Thanks a lot. Will this work on an old Vw Baja bug or Vw dune buggy with a Suzuki Hayabusa engine?

[@johnconnor4594]

Very informative video 👍

[@bandito1922]

Love the fab work! Would it be overkill to add a spacer between those tensioner heim joints and use one long bolt to make them double shear at each end? Just thinking out loud while watching.

[@motomule]

Thank you! I could do that up front on the motor mount side because those holes are in alignment. I screwed up on the rear ones, they don't quite line up with each other.... Thank you for watching and offering constructive criticism!!!!

[@ahmarrana9732]

Nice job

[@caribeivan]

Un saludo grade desde puerto rico

[@CapablePimento]

I have an RPM box on my buggy, and I'll bet your pinch bolts will be enough. better than any of my 3 iterations, although the last one finally held.

[@motomule]

Good to know, thank you!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@R.B_B]

Nice video!

[@johnkennedy6621]

I love your explanation, sir! How do I get this reverse gearbox am from Nigeria. I will be very grateful if you can assist me on how to get it

[@17madracki17]

Very nice !!

[@motomule]

Thank you for watching!!

[@yummii8259]

Nice work! :D

[@motomule]

Thank you!

[@michaelteeple8704]

Anyone who has a budget buggy and wants reverse just for tight spots I suggest an old ford starter rigged to the axle. It works ok for short durations.

[@motomule]

That's a great idea. If you have a video showing that setup, feel free to add a link to it here. Thanks for watching!!

[@armandovalencia9417]

Could you please make a video of how you make the switching mechanism between the Forward Reverse 0n your gearbox to the pedal and does it have a Neutral and Park? Thank you.

[@troycrowder9942]

great video

[@danspiro231]

Can you switch to reverse in the seat ?? Great Fab

[@bolwinklemoose1999]

Did the gearbox come with the oil level check window, or did you install it? If it came installed by the factory, does the factory have a prescribed orientation for the gearbox for proper check window orientation and proper oil function? If you intalled the check window, how did you determine where to put it? When tilting the gearbox to adjust chain tension, won't that change the orientation of the check window? What orientation will the buggy need to be in, in order for the gearbox to be in the oroper orientation to check the oil level?

[@danielvrana9444]

Letting you know I just called to get one for a 1300 Hayabusa. I did tell them I saw the trans on Moto-Mule. Hope it helps I hope I get a discount lol. He’s doing some planning to handle the power I’m wanting to push. It’s down to the tire size now.

[@motomule]

Sorry man, I have no "IN" with RPM.... I just liked the product. Enjoy!! Thanks for watching!

[@danielvrana9444]

Well maybe you will??? I buy one trans maybe they might sponsor you posts??? Good luck 🍀👍🏻

[@jaybyrd1935]

Oh if I only had the cad setup, I can only imagine how much that bracket would cost for a machine shop to make 🥴. Anyway brilliant design Mike, I can almost picture how to mount the gear box, I just first have to figure out how I’m mounting the motor 🤔. I don’t want my motor in the back seat lol!

[@oldschool1993]

Your pivot should be around the centerline of the axle. Your adjusters don't allow you to shorten enough to change the chain. So how do you shift from forward to reverse?

[@MrSprintcat]

Awesome

[@2pi628]

*Critique* The turnbuckle braces provide close to zero lateral support. Having them attach at a 45 degree angle would help remove both torsional and lateral stresses on the gear box. ^perhaps unnecessary, but you did say that RPM did require support.

[@josebelismelis2450]

Top video I like your skill very professional

[@tallstacker]

awesome fab work man

[@N0fear43]

Have you thought about putting a differential in the RPM? I've been wanting to. My college did. Kinda like to see someone else do it

[@heimlichhotrods]

Turned out awesome 😎 and smash that like button people 👍

[@motomule]

Thanks man!!!!

[@BigDIrocZ]

My question is how are you going to shift from forward to reverse with the shift shaft behind everything?

[@diytypeofguy6502]

Nice build...

[@motomule]

Thanks for watching!!

[@diytypeofguy6502]

@@motomule I was looking for a way to have reverse on a motorcycle powered buggy ..how much are these gear boxes

[@motomule]

@@diytypeofguy6502 $2500 spendy, but very well made.

[@boonedocker3131]

Nice Job! looks solid! Do you have the cadd files you used?