Bosch Gen 4 - ridden in mud and rain (winter) without destroying the motor?

[vman]

We have two 2019 Trek Rail 9.7's with Gen 4 motors - the first ride out 5 years ago we rode through a mud bog that submerged the motor for about 5 seconds. I remember rushing to the Trek store worried that we had ruined the bikes, they told us to try and avoid submerging the motor, but that riding in mud and rain is not an issue per Bosch, the bigger issue is folks not cleaning the motor properly (ie. pushing high pressure water around the motor). After 5 years both those bikes have had zero motor issues. Note - I am hesitant to send perfectly good motors off to a repair center for $400 inspection and seal upgrades on a $900 motor despite the repair folks recommending a seal upgrade and inspection for any bike used in race use ie. mud or rain.

We always clean the bikes with a very light pressure and never blast water into the motor area. Historically, we have not been riding much off road in winter (once a week) for the last couple of seasons but have geared up with some fenders and winter tires and are getting out there 3 or 4 times a week.

Does anyone have positive experience riding thousands of miles in rain and mud without any issues on the Bosch Gen Iv motor ?

 

[steve_sordy]

You posted on Saturday and it's now Monday. Nobody posted with a Bosch story, so I'll have a go.

I had a Shimano e8000 for three UK winters and 3100 miles covered and a Shiman EP8 for four UK winters and 3350 miles and still going. I have had zero problems with either.
I do not use even a light pressure hose. I use a watering can with the rose fitted to wet and rinse the bike. I use a bucket of hot soapy water, brush and a sponge to clean the bike and a standard bike degreaser for the oily bits. The soap I use is the cheapest non-wax car wash I can get from the local motor factor.
If I had a Bosch motor, I would do the same with the same expectations.
There are many guys on here that ride Bosch motors over far worse conditions than me and they have not reported any problems.

You will be fine.

 

[vman]

Steve,

Unfortunately, most folks are not as positive as you, if this was a post about product failure I am sure many more folks would have jumped in. Overall, I believe Shimano and Bosch make great products and so long as you don't submerge the motors in mud, put them underwater doing stream crossing, or wash them with a high pressure hose they will continue to peform well. Glad to hear things have gone well for you as it appears you use and care for your stuff about the same way do.

VM

 

[Stihldog]

I’m guilty of Bosch gen4 CX motor abuse. I’ve tried everything to try and kill this motor. 2020 Trek Rail model received in late 2019. I think I have less than 20K kms on the same motor in 4+ years.

I’ve recently installed 2 bearing seal kits and had the castle nut come loose once. I’m sending it away for a rebuild this month. It still sounds like new but I know my days are numbered.

 

[steve_sordy]

Steve,

Unfortunately, most folks are not as positive as you, if this was a post about product failure I am sure many more folks would have jumped in. Overall, I believe Shimano and Bosch make great products and so long as you don't submerge the motors in mud, put them underwater doing stream crossing, or wash them with a high pressure hose they will continue to peform well. Glad to hear things have gone well for you as it appears you use and care for your stuff about the same way do.

VM

There is a guy on here, (@franciscoasismm) who regularly gets more than 25,000km out of one motor. I don't see how he can do that distance in such a short time unless he commutes, or maybe he is retired. Why not ask him for his secret?