How many motors have you blown? 2019 levo only

[Beezerk]

Bearing man, what motor would you buy if you were looking at a bike?
And dont say none ?

 

[Bearing Man]

Bearing man, what motor would you buy if you were looking at a bike?
And dont say none ?

Sorry, but this is not a question I should answer on a public forum.

 

[seamarsh]

So you agree it is the type of rider/user that typically experiences problems.!!!

Only thing I agree on is that there are motors failing.. there could very well be 1000's of users racking 1000's of trouble free miles.. just seems doubtful to me.

My problem is looking at total units sold and coming to the conclusion that most people do not have issues.. if that was the case if a user had a motor fail and then had it replaced would seem unlikely that it would fail again.

Look at any luxury item people buy.. lots of people buy stuff and barley use it.. especially in America!

but was was your point and why the !!!!

 

[Churchill]

My friend just blew his motor on his 2019 Levo. He plans to get if fixed and then sell it.

He also has a 2017 Levo that he will be keeping. That bike is on its first motor and the second battery.

I have a 2018 Kenevo. I am on the second motor.

 

[HORSPWR]

Some good points but I do not fully agree with your analysis. I think there is sufficient evidence to suggest that all of the motors have limitations in their design that are exposed or accentuated by degrees and types of use. I am astonished by the mileage some do, the temperatures some ride in and the type of riding some do considering the Levo is a trail bike. The wear and tear of other components is accepted as normal but the difference is that most are within the scope of DIY. We are still at the stage where motors are a non maintainable sealed unit. You can pay nearly the equivalent cost of a motor for a set of forks and they need servicing every 50 hours.....and its no bother to diy or get a lbs to do that.
Of course the manufacturers are not going to suggest any limitations on use of an e bike compared to its analogue equivalent and lots of claims about its added capability but that is not the reality.
I hope the time comes when motors are serviceable/repairable items with lbs able to perform some jobs and specialists like bearings man available to do the rest. Meanwhile I think the best approach is to be aware of the way the motor is constructed and treat it accordingly and be reassured by the 2 year warranty. If it needs a new motor after that....well its about the same cost as new tyres all round for my car...and they only last 25k miles

Good points raised here but if you were on your 4th engine in your car you would've been asking questions about build quality and reliability long before now.

 

[HORSPWR]

So you agree it is the type of rider/user that typically experiences problems.!!!

You shouldn't have failures just because you choose to use the bike for it's intended purpose!

 

[Flatslide]

As the owner of Performance Line Bearings I repair more than my fair share of ebike motors. We repair most makes of motors, including Brose.

What we have noticed is that each make of motor has its weak point, but it is usually only one weak point! Bosch, it's the lack of water tight seals (Now addressed on the Gen 3 motor). Yamaha, it's the lack of seals and a noisy drive gear. But with Brose there seems to be 5 main weak points!

1, Brose fitted a lovely water tight seal to cover the right-hand crank bearing, but water still enters the left-hand bearing.
2, Water regularly enters the needle roller bearing between the crankshaft and the sprocket carrier. (This is normally when you hear of people complaining that their pedals are stiff to turn backwards) Sadly, if this is not addressed quickly, it tends to destroy the bearing surface on the crankshaft.
3, There are two clutch bearings inside the motor called sprag bearings, one works when you pedal, one works when the motor assists. The bearings Brose use have plastic cages to keep the sprags in place. These plastic cages crack and the bearing starts to fail. (This normally manifests itself by a slipping sensation through the pedals and sometimes noise and notchy feeling through the pedals.
4, Drive belt tensioner failure. This is where the drive belt tensioner actually snaps, shortly followed by the belt stripping. (Felt as instant failure and loss of drive)
5, Drive belt stripping. (Normally felt as a soft bumping or jumping sensation through the pedals, shortly before all drive is lost).

Before you get too disheartened, please bear in mind that there are thousands and thousands of these motors out there, doing exactly what they should be doing, with no problems.
And Specialized have a great warranty attitude. And, when you're out of warranty we are here to help.

Hi Bearing Man. I was wondering if you've had a Dyname 3 motor apart? As a Rocky owner, I'm interested if there's anything to keep an eye out for.
Cheers.

 

[Bearing Man]

Hi Bearing Man. I was wondering if you've had a Dyname 3 motor apart? As a Rocky owner, I'm interested if there's anything to keep an eye out for.
Cheers.

I've not had one to play with yet, but anything with that many sprockets, pulleys and tensioners, I think your maintenance schedule is going to be pretty full .
Seriously though, apart from the grief you will get from the pulleys, the idea is sound. Standard bottom bracket and only one drive sprocket situated high up and out of the way. I hope it lasts you well.

 

[Flatslide]

I've not had one to play with yet, but anything with that many sprockets, pulleys and tensioners, I think your maintenance schedule is going to be pretty full .
Seriously though, apart from the grief you will get from the pulleys, the idea is sound. Standard bottom bracket and only one drive sprocket situated high up and out of the way. I hope it lasts you well.

Yep, keeping on top of the chain maintenance is important and I made a stand especially for making the job easier.
Thanks mate.

 

[mauiguy]

Just heard there is a new part number for replacement motors. They have a different “price”as well, yes I know all 2019 are still under warranty. Apparently brosse has a new better belt in the updated motor. And this new part will be used on all replacements going forward. Could this be an end or at least slowdown of motor failures....?

 

[Couchy]

2020, 90 miles in, new motor fitted by lbs with great service

 

[Binhill1]

2020, 90 miles in, new motor fitted by lbs with great service

Put a lot of people off that

 

[westcoastmtbr]

2020 Levo Comp motor just went out yesterday. Less than 200 miles. Local ship telling my buddy it's a belt issue and the manufacturer knows about it. So glad I have a Shimano Steps on my YT Decoy, that while not even close to being perfect has proven to be somewhat reliable. Somewhat is relative, but I get very worried when Bosch, Shimano, Brose, or others come up with a new lighter and better model that I should be envious of. I'll await real world conditions and time to work out the kinks. Feel super bad for my buddy cause I recommended this 2020 Levo Comp cause of the 700wh battery and that quiet Brose motor.
Bottom line. Specialized should have this buckled up with Brose by now. With the new Levo Lightweigt model being introduced this week, wonder if the premium price will come with premium reliability?

 

[Gary]

I've got my 2018 Vitus E-Sommet for sale on here and glad I got that instead of a Levo.

 

[ebikerider]

2020 Levo Comp. Got word they are replacing the motor. Approx 500klm old.

Spinning the cranks backwards you could hear it winding up and it was getting louder.
It did the stop pedaling and run on thing from day one and I've just managed it but last week it ran on enough to almost be an issue (5m sheer drop).
The third issue was a rattle coming from the motor that sounded like a loose bolt rattling around in there when going over chatter. All mounts tight. Who knows what it is.

 

[gmurad]

Just heard there is a new part number for replacement motors. They have a different “price”as well, yes I know all 2019 are still under warranty. Apparently brosse has a new better belt in the updated motor

Anyone has more information on this? My 2020 Levo Comp was built in December, I wonder if it would already have this updated part number. Is there a way to check/compare?

 

[Tedgar]

My motor went out riding around the neighborhood as corona has closed all the trails. No power, loud high pitch whine. 2019 Carb Comp. 500 miles, no mods. In the shop now waiting on replacement motor under warranty. LBS has no idea what issue is. Family has 3 of these bikes. Now not really trusting them and waiting for others to fail. I would NOT have bought these if I discovered this info in my research.

 

[Binhill1]

My motor went out riding around the neighborhood as corona has closed all the trails. No power, loud high pitch whine. 2019 Carb Comp. 500 miles, no mods. In the shop now waiting on replacement motor under warranty. LBS has no idea what issue is. Family has 3 of these bikes. Now not really trusting them and waiting for others to fail. I would NOT have bought these if I discovered this info in my research.

Know what you mean. Done 1800 miles new cable only issue but always in the back of kmy mind waiting for it to go.

 

[Deleted member 7464]

OMG! 15 years ago! I think it will be a bit different now. I watched so many You Tube videos before I went, I still didn't ride all of the trails. I spent time just learning a few and getting used to the big jumps!

Awesome place isn't it, I've been for the last 3 years and was supposed to be going this year too ??

 

[RCDallas]

Bearing Man, How many of the 5 Brose issues do you have fixes for? Are any replacement parts available, either from Brose or aftermarket? Do you think there are solutions for any of the issues that could be implemented by users or LBSs once out of warranty? How big do you think the repair business for these motors will be in the near future? I am interested in this end of it myself...on a small,out of the garage for the local community scale!

 

[Bearing Man]

Bearing Man, How many of the 5 Brose issues do you have fixes for? Are any replacement parts available, either from Brose or aftermarket? Do you think there are solutions for any of the issues that could be implemented by users or LBSs once out of warranty? How big do you think the repair business for these motors will be in the near future? I am interested in this end of it myself...on a small,out of the garage for the local community scale!

This is a big question. Please don't shoot the messenger because to be honest, I love the Brose motor to ride, I love the smooth quiet power etc. But what I've got to say, is not good.

Fortunately, I do have fixes for all of the issues, but only upgrades for a couple. Brose have made the motor particularly difficult for the average user to do anything with it. Even a simple belt change requires a very expensive torque driver. I think that these motors will die out very quickly. They are deliberately and particularly difficult to repair successfully, no parts are available, and most parts are a fortune to manufacture in small numbers. The other main problem with all the pre S-Mag motors, is the electrolysis and corrosion issues, in a few years’ time they will just fall to pieces anyway.

Below are some pictures from just a few of the Brose motors we have repaired this week! They are destroyed. Nearly every motor I get has been ridden to destruction! I don't know why it's so hard to have your motor sorted out before it's wrecked! Please, if your motor is out of warranty, drop the chain off the front sprocket and turn your pedals back and forth, if the crank is noisy or you can feel drag / stiffness of the crank, get it fixed! (NO, DON'T PUT OIL ON THE BEARINGS).

We are building as big a stock of new and used parts as possible so if you do get a problem, just email me what ever you need. If anyone out there can refurbish hardened crankshafts for less than £200, give me a shout.
Anyway, enjoy the pictures, if any one wants more pics of wrecked Brose motors, I have hundreds and hundreds of them.

 

[NULevo]

Hi Bearing Man, have you found the Brose 2019/20 to be as unreliable as the 2018's?

Although I've not had any issues, only done 400 miles since December, I'm getting nervous. Is there anything I can do as a rider to minimise the risk of the motor going, or is it pot luck?

Thanks

 

[Bearing Man]

Hi Bearing Man, have you found the Brose 2019/20 to be as unreliable as the 2018's?

Although I've not had any issues, only done 400 miles since December, I'm getting nervous. Is there anything I can do as a rider to minimise the risk of the motor going, or is it pot luck?

Thanks

We don't see many of the newer motors because people are not allowed to use us until their motor is out of warranty, or it has been voided. However, the 2020 motors did have a big belt snapping issue to begin with, but Brose has had a new slightly tougher belt manufactured and it seems to have done the job.
I know the S-Mag motor up to 2019 has 90% of the same issues, but I can't answer regards the 2020 motor until I get one to play with.

 

[NULevo]

We don't see many of the newer motors because people are not allowed to use us until their motor is out of warranty, or it has been voided. However, the 2020 motors did have a big belt snapping issue to begin with, but Brose has had a new slightly tougher belt manufactured and it seems to have done the job.
I know the S-Mag motor up to 2019 has 90% of the same issues, but I can't answer regards the 2020 motor until I get one to play with.

Thanks Bearing Man, I didn't think about warranty, of course the 2019's will still be under warranty. I bought mine in November/December, although it's still under warranty for a while yet, I do have motor anxiety.

 

[HORSPWR]

Hi Bearing Man, have you found the Brose 2019/20 to be as unreliable as the 2018's?

Although I've not had any issues, only done 400 miles since December, I'm getting nervous. Is there anything I can do as a rider to minimise the risk of the motor going, or is it pot luck?

Thanks

From the look of those pictures the only thing I think you could do is move to a place where it never rains and never wash your bike!

 

[NULevo]

From the look of those pictures the only thing I think you could do is move to a place where it never rains and never wash your bike!

Good Idea's! I use waterless wash now and have modified mudguards to deflect water away from the motor.

I'm sure there are other idea's out there to prevent water getting to the motor which might be shared before next winter.

 

[Mikerb]

I have done lots to protect the electrics on my bike...all detailed in other threads so I will not repeat them here. I think 2 things contribute to motor damage more than anything else. One is washing the bike...I just use a brush and damp cloth.....the other is cra kshaft bearing wear due to heavy landings from big drops and jumps. The Levo is a trail bike and whilst it has capabilities beyond that use I would use an analogue bike for pure gravity riding.....after all you can replace a bottom bracket but you cannot even service a motor crank.

 

[Bearing Man]

I have done lots to protect the electrics on my bike...all detailed in other threads so I will not repeat them here. I think 2 things contribute to motor damage more than anything else. One is washing the bike...I just use a brush and damp cloth.....the other is cra kshaft bearing wear due to heavy landings from big drops and jumps. The Levo is a trail bike and whilst it has capabilities beyond that use I would use an analogue bike for pure gravity riding.....after all you can replace a bottom bracket but you cannot even service a motor crank.

Don't worry Mikerb, your crank bearings in relation to your wheel bearings, headset, pivot bearings etc. are massive, you stand very little chance of damaging them by jumping or dropping your bike. I have seen many pedal strikes hard enough to snap belts or drive gears and still no bearing damage. The main culprits are definitely just water and dust.

 

[Tedgar]

I have done lots to protect the electrics on my bike...all detailed in other threads so I will not repeat them here. I think 2 things contribute to motor damage more than anything else. One is washing the bike...I just use a brush and damp cloth.....the other is cra kshaft bearing wear due to heavy landings from big drops and jumps. The Levo is a trail bike and whilst it has capabilities beyond that use I would use an analogue bike for pure gravity riding.....after all you can replace a bottom bracket but you cannot even service a motor crank.

Hmmmm. You may be on to something. Mine died at 500 miles. Lol.

 

[Mikerb]

Don't worry Mikerb, your crank bearings in relation to your wheel bearings, headset, pivot bearings etc. are massive, you stand very little chance of damaging them by jumping or dropping your bike. I have seen many pedal strikes hard enough to snap belts or drive gears and still no bearing damage. The main culprits are definitely just water and dust.

I do not doubt that but all the bearings you mentioned wear out and are easily replaced. Good riders cushion the landing but if you not that expert...or make a mistake the motor crank has to absorb an enormous force.