5,000W electric bike conversion motor: Yes, it’s real… and it’s spectacular

CYC, a small Hong Kong-based firm, makes the X1-Professional, a small conversion motor that has an output of about 10 to twenty occasions that of a typical electrical bicycle motor. 5,000W could sound intimidating, however driving with a rocket ship between your legs is definitely fairly cool.

Surprisingly, the motor is straightforward sufficient to put in, has a clear type issue, and encourages customization by design. This, mixed with a good worth, is certain to make the X1-Professional a staple within the hot-rod e-bike world for years to come back.

Most electrical bikes I trip characteristic a motor within the vary of 250W to 1,000W. It is because most electrical bicycles try to imitate the sensation of a bicycle, which makes complete sense. With a well-made electrical motor from the likes of Bosch or Yamaha, even a 250W motor can ship. On the opposite finish of the size, some 1,000W bikes have lackluster efficiency, just because the batteries or controller had been skimped on.

Not so with the X1-Professional. We’ve a bombing motor with max voltage and batteries that may deal with a excessive discharge fee. The one limitation is me, the rider.

CYC X1-Professional (Gen 2) tech specs

• Motor Energy: 5,000W at 72v
• Prime Pace: I finished at 49 mph (78.8 kmph)
• Max RPM: Over 300
• Battery Compatibility: 36 to 72V, drop in suitable
• Gearing: Your alternative of 32, 38, or 42 tooth entrance chainring
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
• Backside Bracket Width: 69/73/83 or non-obligatory BB92 or 100mm, 120mm
• Value: $1,088 (with out battery)
• Extras: brake cut-offs, torque sensor, non-obligatory CYC show, suitable with EggRider show, suitable with ASI controllers (wiring harness needed), non-obligatory twist or thumb throttle

Set up

This little man weighs in at 7.7 lbs, which is someway lower than the Bosch Efficiency line from 2019. The controller is built-in inside, in addition to a torque sensor that’s enclosed within the backside bracket. And I’m additionally including a throttle into this assessment.

The set up of the motor was not almost as onerous as I anticipated. The producer has movies and tutorials on-line, and in print, however truthfully, with a bit of motorcycle know-how, the set up isn’t onerous. I’ve received it outfitted on a Specialised hardtail. The hydraulic disc brakes are a should for prime speeds, and the hardtail is a really acquainted platform. In the event you’re curious, we’re utilizing 21,700 cells, that are more proficient at dealing with a high-amp load. This motor is suitable with 36, 48, 52, or 72V, simply drop it proper in, and the motor is aware of what to do. However shoot, ain’t nobody utilizing a 36V battery with this! I capped it out at 72V, however I additionally used a 52V battery to get to my racing vacation spot at an empty monitor close by.

5000W off-road

Off street, it is a billy goat. It could actually carry heavy hundreds and energy higher than any motor I’ve tried off-road. Realistically, the motor is so robust that it places a good quantity of burden on the rider to stability and try and hold traction. So long as you are able to do these two issues, this motor will proceed to ship energy to the drivetrain. The motor could be mounted in a number of orientations, so if you’d like even larger floor clearance than what you see right here, you are able to do that, too.

The quickest e-bike (for me)

I’ve simply hit 40 mph utilizing this motor, and it scared me to demise. On one such event I hit 49 mph, which was too wealthy for my blood. Actually, at these speeds, I feel a bike is way safer. Automobiles on the street anticipate bikes to be quick and loud, they usually have greater lights and security options. The bigger automobile is much less liable to small variations that have an effect on stability. Add to this the truth that the whole operation is on 2-inch-wide tires, and obtainable roads for this type of testing aren’t freeway easy.

Excessive-speed e-bike kits

You’re an grownup, you’ll be able to determine this out for your self. Using this quick is certainly scary and thrilling, however oddly sufficient, I someway really feel safer utilizing the X1-Professional motor, as a result of I do know it’s made for prime speeds. Different quick motors and methods I’ve tried use DIY software program to unlock supposedly hidden potential. The efficiency of an overclocked motor doesn’t really feel that a lot better than this inventory model of the X1-Professional.

Customized e-bike motor

Did I point out you’ll be able to customise and tune the X1-Professional? Apart from alternative components obtainable for the gearbox, the windings, mounting, and extra, CYC goes after scorching rodders who eat worry for breakfast. You may change out the inventory controller, rated for 65 amps, and simply swap in an ASI BAC800, which has a better rev vary. This one does about 100 amps.

Electrek’s Take

All in all, the X1-Professional is a straightforward contender for the perfect scorching rod conversion motor in the marketplace at this time. Different motors may be extra sturdy, cheaper, or smoother on help, however for a brand new system, the CYC X1-Professional excels in energy output, type issue, and customization.

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