Article Testing the new Shimano EP8 motor

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Rumours about a new Shimano motor have been circulating for months. Now it’s finally released, the new Shimano EP8. Due to the pandemic, there was no press release event. But we were lucky enough to get hold of a motor and to communicate briefly with a guy at Shimano Public Relations. I’ll let him introduce the motor.

Introduction



Shimano: “The new EP8 drive unit is capable of pumping out 85Nm of torque to conquer the toughest trails and steepest climbs. This 21% increase in power over its SHIMANO STEPS E8000 predecessor comes along with a 300g weight decrease to 2.6kg (10% reduction) thanks to a new magnesium drive unit casing and optimization of the internal components. This low weight and high peak power make it one of the best-in-class drive units in terms of power-to-weight.”...

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[Rob Rides EMTB]

We think the new eOne-Sixty 9000 is a good-looking bike. At first glance, it looks identical to the 2020 model. But there are a few important changes. It’s got the new Shimano motor. And it’s got the new, bigger and heavier 630Wh battery. So, we expected the 2021 model to feel a bit heavier and slower than last year’s model. But that wasn’t the case. The new bike wasn’t noticeably slower to handle or less nimble. We were surprised to see the eOne-Sixty 9000 weighing in at 24 kg, with pedals and tubes. That’s about one kilo heavier than the cheaper 2020 Merida eOne-Sixty 8000. The weight increase is caused by that heavier battery, heavier tyres and a burlier fork. Also the bike now has an integrated headlight. The rest is pretty much unchanged. Frame geometry is the same. Brakes and drivetrain are still Shimano. The eOne-Sixty 9000 has a complete 12-speed XT groupset.

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The...

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[knut7]

Rumours about a new Shimano motor have been circulating for months. Now it’s finally released, the new Shimano EP8. Due to the pandemic, there was no press release event. But we were lucky enough to get hold of a motor and to communicate briefly with a guy at Shimano Public Relations. I’ll let him introduce the motor.

Introduction



Shimano: “The new EP8 drive unit is capable of pumping out 85Nm of torque to conquer the toughest trails and steepest climbs. This 21% increase in power over its SHIMANO STEPS E8000 predecessor comes along with a 300g weight decrease to 2.6kg (10% reduction) thanks to a new magnesium drive unit casing and optimization of the internal components. This low weight and high peak power make it one of the best-in-class drive units in terms of power-to-weight.”...

Continue reading...

 

[RickBullotta]

No mention as to whether E8000 bikes can be updated with the new drive system. Any insights?

 

[RickBullotta]

No mention as to whether E8000 bikes can be updated with the new drive system. Any insights?

 

[Dunkz]

Shimano's new 2021 EP8 ebike motor on test – We've got all the details in our exclusive special

Shimano's new EP8 ebike motor is here! Our big EP8 special has the top ten facts, an exclusive in-depth review and the most important information and specs!

ebike-mtb.com

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

No mention as to whether E8000 bikes can be updated with the new drive system. Any insights?

Yes and no. Technically it can, but Shimano wont be offering any standalone sales.

 

[Billybopsbasher]

Yes and no. Technically it can, but Shimano wont be offering any standalone sales.

Hopefully my motor will now conveniently stop working soon?

 

[z1ppy]

Shimano are missing a trick if they don't offer it as upgrade, that's one option to update your old bike would make them a lots of friends (potential customers) & a healthy dose of kudos which they are lacking.

ps: I know.. they don't care and won't offer it..

 

[Dave_B]

I just watched this


he says you cannot fit EP8 to existing bikes because of the from factor difference between all the different bikes.

So we can't put one on a Decoy or we would need a Decoy specific EP8? It doesn't make sense? I thought EP8 would be backwards compatible as it has the same mounting locations.

 

[Fivetones]

The wait for the EP9 (SL power level for road/gravel/light mtb) begins. ?

I wonder how reliable this EP8 will be Vs. The E8000?

 

[R120]

The mounting system is the same but the wiring is different, meaning even if you could get hold of an EP8 to retrofit, it wouldnt be plug an play

 

[R120]

Ohh and nice one @Rob Rides EMTB and @knut7 - straight in with goods as usual!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I spoke with Shimano about the retrofit - basically as far as they're concerned its not gonna happen! (Even though physically it'll fit).

 

[stiv674]

So is the motor rattle any worse than the Bosch rattle? ?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

So is the motor rattle any worse than the Bosch rattle? ?

Mine was worse. But I think @knut7 was about the same.

 

[remosito]

I spoke with Shimano about the retrofit - basically as far as they're concerned its not gonna happen! (Even though physically it'll fit).

I guess they are afraid to piss off the bike manufacturers. Enabling upgrade to ep8 would mean less sales for the bike makers. Angry bike manufacturers might just opt for different motor makers in the future...

 

[RickBullotta]

I spoke with Shimano about the retrofit - basically as far as they're concerned its not gonna happen! (Even though physically it'll fit).

Yup. But individual bike manufacturers could offer kits to do so. Might require different cover, adapter for the wiring harness, etc...

 

[z1ppy]

The mounting system is the same but the wiring is different, meaning even if you could get hold of an EP8 to retrofit, it wouldnt be plug an play

Your telling me, they couldn't sell a wiring harness too? .. but as I noted and Rob has again confirmed, shimano are a faceless corp who couldn't care less

I guess they are afraid to piss off the bike manufacturers. Enabling upgrade to ep8 would mean less sales for the bike makers. Angry bike manufacturers might just opt for different motor makers in the future...

@remosito I'd disagree, I'd buy bike from "bobs bikes" if I knew I could definitely upgrade the motor later, and you'd buy with the knowledge that if you decided to change frame, the value would be solid.

 

[towzer]

What is the warranty - two years, original owner non rolling ?


What is it like re rebuildability, is it a sealed unit or is it rebuildable by specialists, are they providing rebuild spares (bearings etc) and technical documentation on how to rebuild.

What happens at 2.5 years old, say 2500 miles when the bearings go ?

 

[stiv674]

Mine was worse. But I think @knut7 was about the same.

Cheers, was that on the same (make of) bike?

 

[knut7]

So is the motor rattle any worse than the Bosch rattle? ?

I compare the noise while coasting from the EP8 against the E8000 and Performance CX in my video review. Starts at 01:46:

 

[knut7]

Cheers, was that on the same (make of) bike?

Yeah, pretty much the same. Mine was the 9000 version of the eOne-Sixty.

 

[KeithR]

shimano are a faceless corp who couldn't care less

Unlike Bosch, who tuck you in at night and send you Christmas cards?

None of these companies want to be your friend - there's nothing unique to Shimano in this.

 

[z1ppy]

@KeithR I didn't say they weren't.. I suggested Shimano could do themselves a huge favour by being less corp douchbags and more customer friendly. A rolling 2 year warranty from Bosch is not to be sneezed at, nor Spesh's choice to stand behind their customers, and they receive great feedback because if this.

 

[R120]

Pretty sure Shimano have a rolling 2 year warranty - I had a new e8000 motor under warranty last year and it came with a fresh 2 year warranty

 

[KeithR]

I suggested Shimano could do themselves a huge favour by being less corp douchbags and more customer friendly.

Seems to me that you're taking Shimano's business model far too personally.

 

[RickBullotta]

One other question for @knut7 and @Rob Rides EMTB : does the new app let the end user FINALLY set their own wheel circumference? I switch between 29" and 27.5", as well as different 27.5" tires. It is ridiculous that this isn't user settable in the existing eTube app.

 

[z1ppy]

Seems to me that you're taking Shimano's business model far too personally.

really not, I just can't stand aside and not point out pointless stupidity when I see it.

 

[stiv674]

@Rob Rides EMTB Do you have any info on some sub £5k bikes with the new motor?