Levo SL Gen 1 sl motor noise level does it bother you ?

[Mtbvkk]

Yes, the noise of the SL motor bothers me but I think it's still the best ebike on the market for me. I have not ridden the Orbea Rise which would be in the same category of ebikes that I am interested in. The great things that will be coming in the future are quieter, lighter, and more powerful ebikes.

True

 

[Jason1]

When I first rode my sl I thought the noise would be really annoying but after a few rides it doesn’t bother me as much and I now I don’t notice it most of the time.

Jason

 

[thewrx]

Again, bears repeating. Actual decibel between SL and regular levo is the same. The SL is at a higher frequency and that bothers some people more - and from the looks of it bothers most people more. For me personally, I found the regular levo to be noisier and don't notice the SL as much. I happen to be a serious amateur musician so maybe the SL sounds like music to me. LOL

And I've passed multiple people by on climbs ( including the earlier anecdote I posted above ) and nobody seems to notice that it's an e-bike. Maybe the sound of my breathing is heavier.

Ill test and report back, but no way is it the same “loudness” imo.

 

[ThierryGTLTS]

I’m guessing the next iteration of the SL will have maybe some improved battery life, but I bet the motor will be quieter. Not sure why the straight cut gears, but I’m sure there’s a reason, hopefully not just because they are cheaper to manufacture.

Certainly not cheaper, but lighter, yes!

 

[michaeldorian]

Yeah. It does bother me. I didn't think it would but something about the sound really stands out. I don't notice it too much when riding with other rides, but riding in a quiet forest it kind of takes away from the experience. The LEVO on the other hand I never notice at all.

 

[Norcalsl]

Ideally, I'd like a completely silent bike, including a silent rear hub. But I can live with the sound it makes. Plus I ride unassisted on anything but steep climbs anyway.

 

[aklemm]

It doesn't bother me.

I don't feel like it's loud, but the whine is a bit high-pitched. My only other experience on an ebike is riding a Bosch and the Bosch was slightly louder, but also a lower, more mechanical pitch with less whine.

 

[Mike C]

Same motor as in the Turbo Creo and I have not come to like the whine from either one of them. I try to keep the gear selection in the higher range which helps quiet it down somewhat.

 

[j1e]

Initially I found it a bit loud, but it seems like it might be giving deer and squirrels an early warning as encounters have been going better even at higher speeds - which is a tradeoff I would happily take.

 

[Donga]

My SL noisiest in eco mode - cadence over 90 it turns into a scream! Different pitch in trail and turbo, still with 90 cadence. Do I have to wait until it eats its gears? My FF Levo is a whisper by comparison!
Anyone had a SL motor changed in warranty by excessive noise?

 

[elyhim]

My Trek Powerfly 2017 was louder, the SL is ok, the Levo turbo surprised me how quiet it is but only one of them stays in the shop for repairs.

 

[jimslade]

Ideally, I'd like a completely silent bike, including a silent rear hub. But I can live with the sound it makes. Plus I ride unassisted on anything but steep climbs anyway.

I do this as well. I'll only turn assist on when needed. Otherwise I keep it off.

 

[Gaberao]

I haven’t had to ask anyone to let me pass since getting the SL as they can hear me coming from far away, which is a bonus.
All I hear is a formula 1 car going through the gears.

I love it

I love my 2020 f1 levo sl as well. The noise is part of the experience for me.

 

[CjP]

I love my 2020 f1 levo sl as well. The noise is part of the experience for me.

Actually sounds better than the current F1 cars!

 

[SusXT]

Too much noise for a €7000-bike. This is the main reason why I'm thinking of selling the bike. But it has advantages.... It goes faster as 25km/h, has a nice color, a nice radius and it's payed already ​

 

[Norcalsl]

Yes.

 

[Dax]

Yes.

 

[shakeystart]

Only when I ride with acoustic MTB’rs.

 

[Donga]

Too much noise for a €7000-bike. This is the main reason why I'm thinking of selling the bike. But it has advantages.... It goes faster as 25km/h, has a nice color, a nice radius and it's payed already ​

My first SL motor (which was VERY noisy) died after 8 000kms (bearing failure) - new motor is much quieter - probably closer to perfect gear meshing - straight cut gears (stronger than quieter helical gears) need careful setup, other wise whine loudly! Always have, and always will, love my SL!!

 

[turtleblitz]

Does it bother me? no
Do I wish it wasn't there? yes
Would I pay thousands in change over price to go to a much quieter eBike? no way

Rather spend that money enjoying what I have now.

 

[jwrx]

went from levo to SL, no it doesnt bother me at all, 2.5 years later, i just sold it this week. Getting a Fuel EXE..which is completely silent if thats what you are looking for

 

[SusXT]

Got a new motor and much better noiselevel.
Fuel EXE is for 2024 when all bugs are gone.