Levo 2019 motor noise

[Maastricht]

I had the first 2019 SW Levo in New Zealand, and picked it up in ~September 2018. I had replaced a 2017 Aluminum Levo Comp. Immediately I noticed a difference in noise. The new bike was louder with 2 distinct pitches to the noise. A deeper baseline noise with an intermittent higher pitch 'whine' that seemed to be more obvious at higher cadence. Without another 2019 to compare with, I just sucked it up as it had been explained that there was more noise transmission with the carbon frame + the Magnesium casing with the motor had less dampening. 2 months later, my wife's small S- works levo arrived, and wow, that was quiet! I'm a bigger guy (188cm, 95Kg) but I had to try her bike to see if it was my 'heft' causing the drag, but no, my size made no difference and my bike made the same noise for my lighter wife (65kg).

By that stage, the news about the motor noise recall was all around, so I got a new motor under warranty. Initially, I was happy (riding around the carpark at the LBS), but after my first ride on the trails, the same 'swarm of bees' noise was there, and I was embarrassed to ride past other clockwork bikes with any assistance on!

So, back to the LBS, and now I'm on my 3rd motor. This is just as quiet as my wife's now and I'm so happy... I can now sneak up on other riders without being self-conscious of the noise. It feels smoother too. I still have my aluminium Levo as a spare, and I think the noise is only slightly louder on the new 2019 carbon bike, but it should be insignificant. If yours makes a lot more noise, I'd suggest getting a motor swap...

They performed the foam insert recall / mod for the back of my motor casing, but the cover has 3 holes still. not sure what the 4-hole cover was supposed to do....

Hi,

I am now riding with my 2nd motor. (Levo 2019 Comp) I can only hear the motor when riding uphill, low gearing and high cadence. Also in eco at 10/15% you can hear the motor clearly but it’s also not really irritating. However ifif it would be totally quiet, like the 2017/2018 motor, it would have been great.

Do you recognize the above? If so, do you recognize it with your 2nd or 3rd motor?

 

[All Mountain Coaching]

They performed the foam insert recall / mod for the back of my motor casing, but the cover has 3 holes still. not sure what the 4-hole cover was supposed to do....

I think it's to pull the case better together to stop the gap. I can get a 3mm Allen key in all along the bottom. See here...

 

[Scoobaru]

I think it's to pull the case better together to stop the gap. I can get a 3mm Allen key in all along the bottom. See here...

Indeed the new motor case does seal it better. I recently got it fitted so they should be available in the UK elsewhere.

 

[DONUT]

My SW went back today as it won't switch on consistently. I did enquire about the 4 bolt housing while there and apparently this will be fitted under (uk) warranty if the original fit is poor with the 3 bolt set up. I did not have a problem with my 3 bolt so it will not be changed.

 

[All Mountain Coaching]

My SW went back today as it won't switch on consistently. I did enquire about the 4 bolt housing while there and apparently this will be fitted under (uk) warranty if the original fit is poor with the 3 bolt set up. I did not have a problem with my 3 bolt so it will not be changed.

Can you let me/us know what the outcome of this was and how long they had the bike for please. I'm getting anxious about handing mine over as I need it daily.

 

[RichardB]

I have a 2019 Expert, and Its been all but silent, all modes, in and out of the saddle.
Awesome bit of kit.

 

[DONUT]

Can you let me/us know what the outcome of this was and how long they had the bike for please. I'm getting anxious about handing mine over as I need it daily.

yes will do

 

[DONUT]

Can you let me/us know what the outcome of this was and how long they had the bike for please. I'm getting anxious about handing mine over as I need it daily.

Hi AMC - I have posted elsewhere tonight on the news I have had today from the LBS. I am still hopeful to get the bike on friday as they believe they can get a new harness in 24 hours from specialised apparently. I remain hopeful that I will get a ride in this weekend.

 

[Hightower]

2019 S-Works here. Definitely emits a loud whine - especially at high cadence.

I still have a 2016 Expert that is virtually silent.

The motor also does this strange thing when I stop pedaling it will "leave the assist on" for a moment or two. Is this normal?

Should I request my LBS replace the motor?

 

[Adasb]

2019 S-Works here. Definitely emits a loud whine - especially at high cadence.

I still have a 2016 Expert that is virtually silent.

The motor also does this strange thing when I stop pedaling it will "leave the assist on" for a moment or two. Is this normal?

Should I request my LBS replace the motor?

I’d definitely ask my local bike shop to have a look. After two replacements my motor is pretty quiet now whereas before the exchange it sound like a swarm of bees when I was going down a single track. Quite embarrassing after spending $$ on high end gear!

I’ve noticed that lag in power disconnect on my sw as well as my 2017 aluminium comp Levo...
Might be a software adjustment that can be made?

 

[Simon_t]

The motor also does this strange thing when I stop pedaling it will "leave the assist on" for a moment or two. Is this normal?

Try playing with the ‘acceleration’ settings in Mission Control. I believe higher settings speeds up engagement/disengagement ‘feel’

Simon

 

[Glen]

Hi. The lag is normal and discussed in some reviews. It actually has some small benifits when climbing difficult trails. Very debatable.

 

[Nando Lope]

I’ve uploaded a video with my Levo at highest cadence in turbo mode. What do you think about the noise? My local dealer says it is not one with the issue but I still found it noisy:

Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!

 

[Mountie]

That seems really noisy to me, I didn’t think they knew which ones were affected until the bikes were used?

 

[JimBo]

Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!

My cats are totally intrigued by that sound. ??

 

[Maastricht]

Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!

For me this sounds totally abnormal. I checked your Youtube channel. You posted a video 5 months ago too about this topic. Also there the noise level is already at such an irritating level that I would never ever accept it.

Good luck and hopefully Specialized/Brose is able to solve the issue soon for you.

 

[Nando Lope]

Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!

For me this sounds totally abnormal. I checked your Youtube channel. You posted a video 5 months ago too about this topic. Also there the noise level is already at such an irritating level that I would never ever accept it.

Good luck and hopefully Specialized/Brose is able to solve the issue soon for you.

So...I got my motor replaced this week and this is the result: I feel it more powerful, less rough but still noisy
Check the video:

 

[Maastricht]

So...I got my motor replaced this week and this is the result: I feel it more powerful, less rough but still noisy
Check the video:

I just watched your video. Regarding the more powerfull new motor this might has to do with the latest firmware. Regarding the sound, for my feeling, mine is less noisy but it’s hard to say based on your camera and mic setup compared to real situation when sitting on the bike.

If you still don’t trust I would recommend to inform your dealer again. Maybe you unfortunately need a 3rd motor...

 

[Binhill1]

Hi,

I am now riding with my 2nd motor. (Levo 2019 Comp) I can only hear the motor when riding uphill, low gearing and high cadence. Also in eco at 10/15% you can hear the motor clearly but it’s also not really irritating. However ifif it would be totally quiet, like the 2017/2018 motor, it would have been great.

Do you recognize the above? If so, do you recognize it with your 2nd or 3rd motor?

I was thinking of getting Sworks but when i read about people on 3rd motor that is putting me off , if that was a white goods appliance it woud warrant total replacemant.

 

[Glen]

I'm 100%happy with my bike. One thing I find with the good motor is the more you load it the less noise it makes. Literally. By the time Its in 9 or 10 gear there is no noise at all! Will make vid if you like. Yours does still sound loud.

 

[GEE ARR]

So...I got my motor replaced this week and this is the result: I feel it more powerful, less rough but still noisy
Check the video:

Sounds like mine...the more cadence the more high pitch the motor noise is.

 

[Koo]

I'm 100%happy with my bike. One thing I find with the good motor is the more you load it the less noise it makes. Literally. By the time Its in 9 or 10 gear there is no noise at all! Will make vid if you like. Yours does still sound loud.

please make one

 

[Darcy]

It does depend on load. when riding flat or small incline you hear nothing, yes when climbing you hear it more and especially on steep stuff. Heat also play sa factor in my experience. when just starting its less but after 2 hours of pounding and its running 45 deg plus its a bit louder. I don't think its an issue

 

[Kentrider]

mine is not always noisy, but can you just tell me if this is too noisy.... im a little worried after hearing all the issues.

 

[Binhill1]

mine is not always noisy, but can you just tell me if this is too noisy.... im a little worried after hearing all the issues.

Mine sounds like yours i always hear a noise unless going really slow . First ebike so normal to me . Berkshire cycles supplied so presume noise is normal. 650 miles still ok here's hoping it continues.

 

[Kentrider]

Nice o know as I’ve not heard any others in the flesh.

 

[Mikerb]

It all depends on the amount of load. Try using a higher cadence(lower gear) and/or increase the pedal assist setting on your eco mode. It is quite possible to maintain speed in most terrain with very little rider torque but increased cadence and the motor will be virtually silent. There is then the added benefit that you are putting the least strain on the motor and drivetrain.

 

[juuungle]

It all depends on the amount of load. Try using a higher cadence(lower gear) and/or increase the pedal assist setting on your eco mode. It is quite possible to maintain speed in most terrain with very little rider torque but increased cadence and the motor will be virtually silent. There is then the added benefit that you are putting the least strain on the motor and drivetrain.

Interesting, as this situation (uphill in low gear/high cadence) is when my 19' Expert makes a fairly loud noise. Enough to make me self-conscious about it anyway. Higher gearing/torque is much quieter.

Following this thread as I have been meaning to take it back to the shop for an assessment...

 

[Binhill1]

Interesting, as this situation (uphill in low gear/high cadence) is when my 19' Expert makes a fairly loud noise. Enough to make me self-conscious about it anyway. Higher gearing/torque is much quieter.

Following this thread as I have been meaning to take it back to the shop for an assessment...

Same here definitely quieter in higher gear.

 

[Kentrider]

I would but they are miles away