Kenevo SL Official 2022 Kenevo SL (KSL) Megathread!

[Doomanic]

I could well imagine that S will bring out the 1.2 for their S-works models only - and over time will offer for lesser models too.
This way they will be again able to offer an elevated product to their Sworks fanbase

We drew a similar conclusion yesterday on our ride.

 

[Killswitch73]

For anyone thinking of getting the new EXT Aria air shock for there Kenevo SL.

It won’t fit. (Gutted)

So it’s back to my original plan and it’s now a coil.. I’m a little gutted to be fair.

I actually ordered on the guidance of Chris from Mojo. After ordering hes phoned me to say the bad news.

 

[DaveG01]

400 miles in and both wheels on my Expert are dented or a little damaged. Is it me or are they made of cheese

 

[Geniusbiker]

I’ve spoken to someone and unless they are telling me porkies this KSL is not released and won’t be. Unless something changed
At the top. This is from a very reputable source as he runs one of the biggest shops in the uk. I would be surprised if this is real as why would spesh release just a frame ? Or frame only first without an embargo in place.. spesh have no reason to release a new KSL just after 2 year run when Levo SL had near a 3 and half year run.

In addition to that: Specialized is still offering the colors from the presentation in May 2021! There have been no changes at all since over 2 years now. This means to me: they must have many, many bikes still in stock. As well as the Specialized dealers. If they change the motor in the KSL Gen. 1: who is going to buy a KSL with the old motor? In less than 12 months the KSL is 3 years old. Under these circumstances I would wait until the KSL Gen. 2 will be released.

 

[Jeremybub]

In addition to that: Specialized is still offering the colors from the presentation in May 2021! There have been no changes at all since over 2 years now. This means to me: they must have many, many bikes still in stock. As well as the Specialized dealers. If they change the motor in the KSL Gen. 1: who is going to buy a KSL with the old motor? In less than 12 months the KSL is 3 years old. Under these circumstances I would wait until the KSL Gen. 2 will be released.

yeah wait, it’s coming! Levo SL was delayed by a year, specialized confirmed this in the Levo SL release video. So it is not far fetched to think 2024 will bring the new KSL with 50nm motor.

 

[DS.]

Why not just make the new motor backwards compatible for people who don’t want two spend thousands on a new bike I sold my KSL because I didn’t like the motor if I knew I could replace it with new motor I might of kept it

 

[Geniusbiker]

yeah wait, it’s coming! Levo SL was delayed by a year, specialized confirmed this in the Levo SL release video. So it is not far fetched to think 2024 will bring the new KSL with 50nm motor.

The only two changes I would ask for is not another motor, but a steeper seat tube angle and a lower seat tube where you can slam the dropper post completely in

 

[Redders473]

Why not just make the new motor backwards compatible for people who don’t want two spend thousands on a new bike I sold my KSL because I didn’t like the motor if I knew I could replace it with new motor I might of kept it

Because you don't make money that way

 

[Dax]

Why not just make the new motor backwards compatible for people who don’t want two spend thousands on a new bike I sold my KSL because I didn’t like the motor if I knew I could replace it with new motor I might of kept it

Because they don’t sell any new bikes

 

[iamanej]

I have some problems with cracking in my headset and I figured out this is due to a design failure eg. floating headstem/headset.
Does anyone know if this concave fixed spacer instead of more ring spacers kind of solves the issue or should I look into aftermarket headsets instead?
What is the model of this concave-ish spacer?
How did you eliminate the cracking?

 

[Ribinrobin]

I have some problems with cracking in my headset and I figured out this is due to a design failure eg. floating headstem/headset.
Does anyone know if this concave fixed spacer instead of more ring spacers kind of solves the issue or should I look into aftermarket headsets instead?
What is the model of this concave-ish spacer?
How did you eliminate the cracking?

View attachment 119403

that spacer should be in your pack when you buy the bike. Its certainly in my levos pack

 

[iamanej]

that spacer should be in your pack when you buy the bike. Its certainly in my levos pack

Damn. Look at it, I have it too!!! Lol

 

[Seagrave7]

Posted on the Specialized Africa - Middle East websites. We have the new Turbo Kenevo SL Comp with updated motor 1.2.

 

[Beboski]

Posted on the Specialized Africa - Middle East websites. We have the new Turbo Kenevo SL Comp with updated motor 1.2.

View attachment 119616 View attachment 119618

Popped up also on Italian website

Turbo Kenevo SL Comp

Affronta i sentieri più impegnativi come mai fatto prima d’ora con la nuova Kenevo SL 2. Manovrabilità leggendaria e grandi capacità sui trail più impeg...

www.specialized.com

 

[Seagrave7]

The holes on the lower frame/ motor cover is the tell tale sign its the 1.2 motor. Updated Levo SL has the same type of cover.

 

[Killswitch73]

Strange those bikes have been leaked as of now the frameset on Bikeinn has been removed. Can’t find it. My new S-works now has fresh 2 year warranty and now I’m thinking they can’t keep making the 1.1 for warranty purposes as it just wouldn’t be viable for them to do.. with the half price current KSL it may be a little better to swallow when the new 1.2 gets released.. I’m taking what I get told now with a pinch of salt…

 

[George_KSL]

Website still worked yesterday, the White is OK-ish I guess but that blue off-brand smurf monstrosity is really going to be "popular". Was at local Spec dealer few days ago and all unsold bikes were Salmon colored KSL Comps. Weird that there were so many beautiful and rich colors for LSL gen1 (gen2 is once again just weird) but almost all KSLs except for S-Works and Black Comp were rather odd.
Nice to see 38 Rhytm fork instead of the 36 one, now the Comp build is almost flawless for the price.

Anyone had latest firmware installed and feels like the engine is tweaked all differently? The one that comes with new presets (30/30 ; 40/90 ; 80/100). Can't put my finger on it but it feels different, less over-run, but less willing to give me the power as well. Once corrected to identical custom presets I had as previously of course.

 

[iamanej]

Did anyone try aftermarket extender batteries on KSL 1.1 motor?
Which one did you buy?
I am looking at this 240/480wh option but would rather buy the one which fits in a bottle cage. Did anyone experiment with 200+wh ones from aliexpress?

Kit Extender para Specialized Turbo LEVO SL, KENEVO SL, CREO SL y VADO SL - Bag

Additional battery kit, range extender of 240Wh or 480Wh for e-bikes Specialized Turbo Levo SL, Kenevo SL, Creo SL and Vado SL.Valid for Bicycle Specialized SL versions.Weight: 1kg / 2kg

www.volabike.com

 

[iamanej]

I bought KSL in march 2023 and had a motor issue after 2 weeks of riding (2mm gap in the cranks).
The store ordered a replacement motor and now after month and a half (800km) I noticed another anomaly - when I ride around 20 km/h in my 9-10th gear with continuous cadence I notice a repeating error which repeats itself every 4-5 seconds. It feels like the motor would "skip" a "teeth of a gear".
Try to imagine a full turn of cranks and let's say that 1/100 of a turn skips or somehow looses power for a tenth of a second.
I am thinking about returning the bike (which is really likeable downhill) and asking for replacement of the motor for 1.2 version, which should have less design faults like 1.1 version.
I know that the 1.2 motor is hardware-wise 100% backwards compatible and I think that legally they should give me the new motor if this is the second faulty motor in 3 months of usage.
Either 1.2 motor or I return the bike and want my money back because of hidden errors of the item that I've bought (that is the law in EU).
I don't care if they say that the software is not compatible - this can be rewritten and I can prove that easily.

Does anyone else have similar experience with KSL and 1.1 motors?

 

[nicknameless]

I bought KSL in march 2023 and had a motor issue after 2 weeks of riding (2mm gap in the cranks).
The store ordered a replacement motor and now after month and a half (800km) I noticed another anomaly - when I ride around 20 km/h in my 9-10th gear with continuous cadence I notice a repeating error which repeats itself every 4-5 seconds. It feels like the motor would "skip" a "teeth of a gear".
Try to imagine a full turn of cranks and let's say that 1/100 of a turn skips or somehow looses power for a tenth of a second.
I am thinking about returning the bike (which is really likeable downhill) and asking for replacement of the motor for 1.2 version, which should have less design faults like 1.1 version.
I know that the 1.2 motor is hardware-wise 100% backwards compatible and I think that legally they should give me the new motor if this is the second faulty motor in 3 months of usage.
Either 1.2 motor or I return the bike and want my money back because of hidden errors of the item that I've bought (that is the law in EU).
I don't care if they say that the software is not compatible - this can be rewritten and I can prove that easily.

Does anyone else have similar experience with KSL and 1.1 motors?

Good luck with that. Legally they absolutely do not have to give you the new motor.

 

[Geniusbiker]

Website still worked yesterday, the White is OK-ish I guess but that blue off-brand smurf monstrosity is really going to be "popular". Was at local Spec dealer few days ago and all unsold bikes were Salmon colored KSL Comps. Weird that there were so many beautiful and rich colors for LSL gen1 (gen2 is once again just weird) but almost all KSLs except for S-Works and Black Comp were rather odd.
Nice to see 38 Rhytm fork instead of the 36 one, now the Comp build is almost flawless for the price.

When the KSL was released I never thought that my favourite color would be the brassy yellow. But in the meantime and after I´ve seen it in person: it is!

 

[DaveG01]

Strange those bikes have been leaked as of now the frameset on Bikeinn has been removed. Can’t find it. My new S-works now has fresh 2 year warranty and now I’m thinking they can’t keep making the 1.1 for warranty purposes as it just wouldn’t be viable for them to do.. with the half price current KSL it may be a little better to swallow when the new 1.2 gets released.. I’m taking what I get told now with a pinch of salt…

Warranties are normally from the date of purchase not from the date of any repair. Spesh may look after you out of warranty but don't have to so don't bank on it

 

[Ribinrobin]

Sucks for owners who paid full price for the kenevo sl's. I guess at their current discounted prices its easier to swallow them releasing a upgraded one in September.

 

[cappuccino34]

For anyone thinking of getting the new EXT Aria air shock for there Kenevo SL.

It won’t fit. (Gutted)

So it’s back to my original plan and it’s now a coil.. I’m a little gutted to be fair.

I actually ordered on the guidance of Chris from Mojo. After ordering hes phoned me to say the bad news.

Did he say what aspect of the shock makes it a no-go?

 

[cappuccino34]

Warranties are normally from the date of purchase not from the date of any repair. Spesh may look after you out of warranty but don't have to so don't bank on it

Some places have a 'reset' on warranties so that when a part is replaced it starts with a fresh warranty. It stops manufacturers from fobbing you off with a straight replacement of an inadequate product that should really have been recalled in the first place.

America has the 'lemon law', which is different but kinda has the same effect.

Consumer law in the UK says that products must have a 'reasonable life expectancy', but it's up to a court to decide what is 'reasonable'.

 

[motoadve]

I have the Levo Sl, the Turbo Levo and the Kenevo SL, I ride in the PNW, I ride the Kenevo SL 90% of the time, bike is just amazing!
So when the new Levo SL came out I called the dealer where I buy my bikes asking him if the new motor was compatible, he said it is, and I could buy one in December or January to put it on my Kenevo SL.
Really hope this is true. Price in the $1,300 range.
Bussines wise the older Kenevos SLs are cheaper, people can still buy one of those put the new motor and will be less than a 2024 new bike maybe?
I just hope this is true.

 

[cappuccino34]

I have the Levo Sl, the Turbo Levo and the Kenevo SL, I ride in the PNW, I ride the Kenevo SL 90% of the time, bike is just amazing!
So when the new Levo SL came out I called the dealer where I buy my bikes asking him if the new motor was compatible, he said it is, and I could buy one in December or January to put it on my Kenevo SL.
Really hope this is true. Price in the $1,300 range.
Bussines wise the older Kenevos SLs are cheaper, people can still buy one of those put the new motor and will be less than a 2024 new bike maybe?
I just hope this is true.

That's very much what I'm thinking.

I've bought the current KSL with basically a £4000 discount, and to be honest I'll be perfectly happy using it as it is, but if it can have the extra power when the 1.2 motors become available I'll probably do that and have the 1.1 as a spare.

Still a big saving.

 

[cappuccino34]

I bought KSL in march 2023 and had a motor issue after 2 weeks of riding (2mm gap in the cranks).
The store ordered a replacement motor and now after month and a half (800km) I noticed another anomaly - when I ride around 20 km/h in my 9-10th gear with continuous cadence I notice a repeating error which repeats itself every 4-5 seconds. It feels like the motor would "skip" a "teeth of a gear".
Try to imagine a full turn of cranks and let's say that 1/100 of a turn skips or somehow looses power for a tenth of a second.
I am thinking about returning the bike (which is really likeable downhill) and asking for replacement of the motor for 1.2 version, which should have less design faults like 1.1 version.
I know that the 1.2 motor is hardware-wise 100% backwards compatible and I think that legally they should give me the new motor if this is the second faulty motor in 3 months of usage.
Either 1.2 motor or I return the bike and want my money back because of hidden errors of the item that I've bought (that is the law in EU).
I don't care if they say that the software is not compatible - this can be rewritten and I can prove that easily.

Does anyone else have similar experience with KSL and 1.1 motors?

That sounds to me like a combination of a stiff chain link and maybe a damaged sprocket, that causes it to skip when the two come into the same phase.

If it was the motor it would do it in any gear, and the gears inside the motor turn much, much faster than the frequency of your skip.

It's wouldn't skip either, there are no chains inside the motor to skip, and if there was a damaged tooth it would make a noise every time it rotates.

I'd start by swapping the chain. I it doesn't fix it you've got a spare so there's nothing wasted.

 

[CjP]

Did he say what aspect of the shock makes it a no-go?

I’ve seen the new airshock, it’s massive and the 2 valves are mounted on the angle up high. No way it would fit through the tunnel, pity as it’s a work of art.

 

[iamanej]

That sounds to me like a combination of a stiff chain link and maybe a damaged sprocket, that causes it to skip when the two come into the same phase.

If it was the motor it would do it in any gear, and the gears inside the motor turn much, much faster than the frequency of your skip.

It's wouldn't skip either, there are no chains inside the motor to skip, and if there was a damaged tooth it would make a noise every time it rotates.

I'd start by swapping the chain. I it doesn't fix it you've got a spare so there's nothing wasted.

It does it in every gear but is more noticable when I pedal with low cadence, low shift (9+). The skipping repeats every 3-4 seconds with cranks everytime in different position (3-4 pedal rotations).
I will try the chain but the "click" & skip comes from the motor itself - I am almost positive about this cause you also feel it in thru the pedals.