How eBike Motors Are Tested! Behind Closed Doors At Bafang

[@embn]

Did you learn something new about Bafang from Steve's tour? Have you tried a Bafang motor yet? Let us know below 👇

[@wangelite5279]

What an amazing company, a factory churning out cheap motor for weapons, that will be affordable for the buyer.

[@GDawg2K2]

Been riding a Bafang M620 Ultra for about 2yr now. I simply couldn't ask for any more. What I just witnessed explains the reliability and power of this motor. Thx You for braving the "evil" China to bring us this report!

[@dennisboyd1712]

Yes, it changed my opinion of Bafang

[@deputydd4364]

I’ve been to Suzhou many times to visit electronics factories. But I never knew single track was so close! I’m doing that next time!

[@vashon100]

0:25 You left out they destroy and eat dogs in China.

[@ngilcvert3457]

That was an amazing inside view of Bafang. I have been building custom e-bikes with Bafang motors for 3 years, and now they are quality company. Now I have even more trust and excitement about using them! Thank you guys for the great video!

[@embn]

Great to hear!

[@andrewford9974]

Can I just say that the show's production value is top notch that climbing intro was epic

[@embn]

Thanks for saying! A lot of work went into this one :)

[@VadikRamm]

WOW! The only technology I am genuinely pleased regarding this video is that it's shot and uploaded in 4K! Great job!

[@embn]

Hahaha, Thanks! Storage at the volume of videos we create is the main issue with big projects in 4k, but we're working on it 👍

[@brianlamb66]

I got to tell you. The lighting, the camera moves, lighting, brilliant.... really beyong good... I am a Video Cameraman. (43 yrs) Looks like Steadicam work And of course. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date. I hope it's monetarily satisfactory

[@Mindycogswell]

Very happy to see you have brought BAFANG systems to center stage on the channel. I sincerely hope that with this huge and dare I say expensive piece of journalism you’ll begin adding BAFANG motors to your usual lineups of various systems! Extremely. Happy with this work. Cheers from Ca.

[@hindesite]

So, after years of dismissing the world of DIY ebike conversions, now that they make OEM systems, you guys are all over them? Bafang would not exist without the support of the very bike riders you ignored for so long. And still do, quite honestly.

[@mray8519]

I’m an average e-bike owner having a hub drive city bike and high end EMTB and have ZERO interest in some cobbled together DIY bike with batteries hanging out, loose wiring, etc. Just saying.

[@joehoeper4648]

That's because DIY conversions are silly and couldn't look dorkier.

[@JasonNosajasoNosaj]

It's cuz it's an ad so they paid them. Look at the AD in the thumbnail.

[@rossg9363]

My first ebike was a DIY bafang bbshd on a high end Fuji mtb hardtail frame and it was the best cost effective introduction ebike I could have asked for! I'd still be riding it today if I didn't brake the frame. I sold the bbshd kit off it and pulled the trigger on a Bafang m620 29er compleat bike and am loving life. I agree bafang DIY kits are awesome even though I don't own one anymore I rate the highly❤

[@hindesite]

@@mray8519 Good for you. However, competent DIYers can actually produce a better product, at a lower price, than any OTS emtb.

[@ziadabdul-nour5135]

I built a 150mm rear travel with an M500 during the pandemic due to the unavailability of the mainstream products. Bafang replaced the original motor due to a defective clutch when I received the motor, but with over 4000km since, it's been super reliable with no complaints. Affordable replacement parts are also a bonus.

[@GDawg2K2]

Same here. I ended up with A Luna Z1 that uses the Bafang M620 Ultra. 160nm at 1500W. I reoutfitted the bike with AXS Eagle wireless derailer and dropper. Plus an EGGrider controller that offers Bluetooth tuning. I'm on my 3rd set of tires after somewhere around 10k kms. The motor just keeps delivering!

[@RoissyAngel]

Very impressive. Amazing. If Bafang wish me to test their motors in 365 days of Welsh rain I am eager to volunteer.

[@galgtr]

As the same of israel's dust powder and mud all year long. With the most rocky land of the galil. ❤😂

[@ducksgoquackirl92]

@@RoissyAngel I've around 50000km across two Bafang motors, both have survived Irish winters and lots of abuse, unlike Bosch. Let's not also forget that the motors are fully user serviceable and parts are easy to get. None of this closed system crap

[@embn]

The dream job 😍

[@AdrianoCasemiro]

I've been riding a DIY Bafang BBSO2 on a city bike and it's a hill climbing machine. Love that. Very smooth powerful little beauty.

[@ollimustonen]

Just bought my first e-bike ever. Fatbike with Bafang M510 for 2000€ on sale and it is awesome.

[@danielsimmonds5162]

Another great video Steve, very informative and enlightening as anything "Chinese built" has to prove to be capable of outperforming all others just to be accepted by the "western world"! Lucky you to get access to the Bafang company 👍🏻🙂

[@marklouieadame]

It is not accepted but suppression of competition. Lot of DIYers building their own emtb using m510 and the beast m600. If you want overpowered motor g620 lol... that motor is on another level. After this yay the demand will now be crazy

[@likfrikbik]

Dear Bafang, get back to basics. That means BBS series, BBSHD best motor ever made. Made to last,easy to replace any part. Extremely rare thing these days. I know it's very bad business to make things that are high quality and long lasting,but on the long run your company will only grow. I would love to see upgraded BBSHD, with more power, this thing would sell like crazy!

[@ducksgoquackirl92]

Ive loved my BBSHD''s, my current one has 35000km and its on all original parts, serviced every few thousand km with a simple regrease and new paper gasket. ive had it thru absolute hell with irelands wet winters

[@srennielsen4545]

@@likfrikbik Maybe tell bafang and not a youtube bike channel.

[@likfrikbik]

​@@srennielsen4545 You have a point. You think no one from Bafang will see this video and comments?

[@srennielsen4545]

@@likfrikbik I dont think see a link from you- to bafang holding a boardmeeting with investors over your “need better quality” comment on the bike channel, no.

[@dd776]

They so badly need a torque sensing motor conversion kit. I know they are developing one, but it is taking ages.

[@davidwalker2144]

😂😂 no wonder the Bafang ebike prices will NEVER come down! Product lifespan, design, quality is mesmerizing

[@JoeHock-ds7ym]

Bafang E-bike motors have a very special place in my heart. Best kit all-round.

[@davidwalker2144]

😂😂 no wonder the Bafang ebike prices will NEVER come down! Product lifespan, design, quality is mesmerizing

[@JoeHock-ds7ym]

@davidwalker2144 price won't come down in the USA because we are in a recession as well as sanctions and a new 25% taffiff. Welcome to the world of Predatory Capitalism through rules based order. Fortunately for us Americans, the free world and global South have a more equitable plan to rectify that issue. Fingers crossed.

[@jokermtb]

Interesting series Steve. Hope you get a bit more look at ‘right to repair’ scenarios as this is perhaps the biggest deal in ebike world

[@nosignalMTB]

Incredible cranks, glad to see the people that benefit from my purchase. Much appreciated from Canada 🇨🇦 155mm were a huge upgrade to my ep8 Santa Cruz Heckler, thanks again

[@volneicycle]

The visit to Bafang was really cool, did you get to test the m820 engine? Bring an analysis between the m510 and m820.

[@chargeriderepeat7024]

My Bafang BBSHD took me up Helvellyn in one continous almost silent climb that emptied the 750W battery in 25 minutes and the motor was barely warm.

[@vashon100]

Not familiar with that location/dist/elev, but that sounds like a quick drain. Can you elaborate, as I assume this is meant to be a good thing.

[@richardharker2775]

You lucky fellow getting to tour that facility. It is huge and mind blowing how much they put into their systems.

[@embn]

It was an awesome trip! We're so thankful for being able to go

[@AmvC]

I was in Shanghai a couple of years back. The size of this city is beyond belief for a humble European. My translators, everyone else on the team and everyone i was in conctact with were incredibly kind, help- and respecful

[@patrolmaverick]

That was great. I love these style videos showing how things are made and tested.

[@embn]

We enjoy making them, thanks for watching 🤘

[@Ellerich800]

I want to hear about ebikes that use Bafang including the most powerful motors.

[@ducksgoquackirl92]

Look up Dengfu Bikes, their E55 uses the Bafang M620 1000w 48/52v 160nm motor

[@antn8387]

That showroom and R&D facility is worldclass.

[@Magoo71]

Seeing this great video by Stevie, makes me feel good about having a BaFang motor on my bike. 160Nm takes me anywhere I want to go! Thanks Steve!

[@LookingBackwards]

Brilliant production quality, loved it

[@earlybird3]

bought a Bafang BBSHD kit in 2018. Still use it, no problem. It is powerful with fun amounts of torque.

[@CamdenWallraff]

Cool to think that they test emf resistance to stuff like maglev linear motors as it flies by

[@saltydog888]

Bafang the world🤙🏽🤙🏽👌🏽

[@LeftCoaster113]

That was a great video! The crew at EMBN should be proud of that one. Was really cool to see a behind the scenes of testing. Bafang is definitely on the radar more these days for me. But if any this highlights a problem the e mtb industry has. If the bike i buy comes spec'd with whatever motor, i have no option as a consumer to buy and swap out different motors to try and own. I have to buy an entire bike and the system they tell me to ride . Ide like to honestly try or buy a bafang motor as well as others. Industry standard bolt pattern or adaptor jigs would be great.

[@embn]

Thanks for watching :)

[@acelectricalsecurity]

I think a lot of people look down on bafang, but their facilities are second to none. My latest bike has the 510 motor, and it's actual peak output is over 700w

[@Svenson612]

Ah

[@sosochio4374]

Banfang is doing a great job, and it will grow into one of the best bike component suppliers soon.

[@rossg9363]

Bafang m620 is the boss motor and you didn't show it🤔

[@nicholaschai4458]

One of the proud onwer of bbs02

[@ishiar]

Congratulations on the excellent article, anyone who has had other engines and can compare, knows the difference it makes to have a BAFANG engine, in terms of durability, maintenance, access to engine parts and configurations, costs, power, torque and the pleasure of switching to other brands on the trails.

[@Mindycogswell]

@embn will you be showing us some video of you riding with these 2 different motors

[@mintsauce101]

They are missing 1 critical machine, the pedal strike machine! The death of every ebike motor.

[@freeforester1717]

Aren’t Bafang motors relatively easily serviceable though, and with spare parts readily available?

[@mintsauce101]

@@freeforester1717 Maybe if you have tools and equipment and confidence / experience, but that’s probably only 5% of owners so not sure your comment stands up.

[@freeforester1717]

@@mintsauce101 my comments referred to repair by competent mechanics; many of those guys complain about the lack of parts availability for other marques, for no other reason than a stranglehold on said parts by the manufacturers, which force riders of broken or damaged motors to buy entire new units or even a new ebike, all for the want of specific parts; this is not Bafang’s philosophy.

[@rac-beatzbeatscoversremixe5479]

@@freeforester1717 You're right! Unlike Bosch, Bafang is an open system. Literally every broken part can be replaced. And it's not that difficult. I speak from experience.

[@ducksgoquackirl92]

ive smashed my BBSHD off many a rock and tree stump, even bent the crank out from the frame around 8 inches. all ive had do was replace the crank

[@curtrichardson8002]

Bafang are better than most embt think,I have hub and mid drive bafang bikes and am very happy with performance, my rail is my favorite still with Bosch cx.

[@ipearce1]

I would love to see the competitors testing as my Shimano’s EP8 in my experience dies after riding through a puddle 😩 covered by warranty (currently) be still a pain when you’re along way from home.

[@StephenRose-eu1vh]

That was so interesting to watch. You don’t realise how much work and effort goes into testing motors.

[@yuglobalcitizen2246]

This video has made me want to try out ebike instead of discriminating ebike in general

[@embn]

Give them a go! They're a blast

[@vashon100]

The water testing is impressive. Other motor manufacturers should be worried. I think between repair and water ingestion, riders are getting to the point of changing motor loyalty to the one that offers the best reliability in ALL emtb conditions and ease of repair.

[@teslarob4790]

Nice view at The Bund.

[@mray8519]

Bosch, take note these guys have you in their sights.

[@islandaerial3414]

Agree. Bosch is riding on their laurels which I have come to discover are woefully pathetic

[@Calvin_Wright]

Agreed Bosch are made out of non user serviceable chocolate.

[@owen8538]

I love these hub kit s :):

[@Extremegaz25]

Wow I'm blown away at the bafang excellence. I'd love to try before I buy.?

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

Something tells me Bafang is not quite content with taking a back seat to other well known name brands. Now if we could just get a independent company that tested all the Ebike motor to this level and beyond in the lab and real world.

[@Mark26879]

Looking forward to you using the Markhor. I have the bigger brother to that bike with 1000w Awesome bikes

[@bestbiker7323]

Very nice 👍

[@philiptuffs-wh7jp]

Yep I have a bafang for 10 years never serviced jet washed , smashed on rocks . Still no faults

[@SafferCA]

Yep, I have a Bafang hub motor that has just done 20,000kms.

[@mobi1etone]

This was an amazing insight into Bafang.

[@octane_matty]

We need a comprehensive review of the M560 please!!

[@Mindycogswell]

@@octane_matty are you riding the m560? I ordered a bike from superhuman (weaponx) and it comes with the m560. Not a lot of videos out there but I am concerned because the ones I saw make the motor sound crazy loud!

[@samsopshanghai]

Excellent report video. Thanks for this.

[@jakebrakebill]

great video

[@mtbsteve]

Hi you where riding the Markhor bike @133 how was the bike

[@keithattwood59]

I am going down the route of converting a "standard" bike with a Bafang kit. I have a branded ebike, but now I want something where I can replace and service all the parts myself, or as much as. Even software is available to program the controller for power delivery. Yes, integrated components are pretty, but I value practicality too.

[@embn]

Cool! What bike are you going to use as the base?

[@keithattwood59]

@@embn I'm into fat bikes, so I've got a Surly Wednesday and fitting a BBSHD 48V unit. Later, I'm looking at putting a Mastodon Pro front fork on. Just increased my rotors from 160mm to 180mm. I've found I need the bigger discs for control. It's pretty hilly where I live. My branded fat ebike is heavier than the Surley. That one came as a 250W class II for Europe, but uses the same controller and motor as the USA version. Fitting an eggrider display allows to unlock the power settings. The same eggrider display can be used to program the BBSHD controller.

[@ducksgoquackirl92]

@@keithattwood59 look up the Dengfu E56, it's a full suspension fat frame that can take a m620 and a massive 1040wh 52v battery

[@ApEsXiT]

Very cool. Elektrek's tour of ananda was similar. China has some awesome ebike companies. Truly impressive motors. And good people you got to meet!

[@user619tlsdca5]

I bought a Trike last week, placed a front motor hub wheel and planning to convert into a Dual using the Bafang as the 2nd motor or the based motor. Great video, tells alot of the quality over the reputation of China made products for quantity.

[@yiyanggao7285]

Welcome to my hometown Shanghai.

[@kunkakunkic774]

I have Bafang BBSHD. Thing is bulletproof.

[@ronlind1757]

Any brands other than Vitus that use Bafang motors??

[@Mindycogswell]

@ronlind1757. Check out superhuman bikes. Particularly the Weaponx

[@Mindycogswell]

@@ronlind1757 superhuman makes their bikes using BAFANG namely the weaponx

[@JoLe1991]

surprised to not see the M435 and M635 for BSA bottom bracket mounting. These are the most silent of all, and with the addition of a great torque sensor, they are the very best out there at the moment. more powerful, better heat dissipation, very responsive and extremely quiet, significantly more quiet than the M510 while pushing power levels of the M560 and M620.

[@stevenconnor4221]

I still have my bbs02 and bbsHD to be honest the bbs02 (updated mosfet version) is all I need. Lets just hope they are installing some power overload or short sensing, even a fuse 😂 to stop you being able to brick the controller by plugging in a broken speed throttle. Thats 2 motor controllers I have went through because of that. That was back in 2015 or so.

[@lukaswolf3012]

Sky never lies :)

[@vaidotasratkus7619]

@EMBN was this sponsored trip?

[@tonyrobinson1623]

Of course it was sponsored trip. All these channels are businesses who sell advertising for the sponsor.

[@vaidotasratkus7619]

@@tonyrobinson1623 yes - all of them are busnises, but some lives from patrions and some from merch - others - have no morals and will advertise all kinds of shit

[@embn]

Yes it absolutely was! We've gone above and beyond the KZbin declarations required to let you know that :) We would never have been able to afford to go to China and show you a facility like this without being invited. But of course, our opinions are our own and we script and shoot and edit it all ourselves. We're not told what to do or say 👍

[@michaelmartin4383]

Bafang is the Kawasaki of ebikes. The most powerful and well engineered motors on the market today.

[@BIGEUSMC]

Do they have a Chinatown there?

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

The best move Bafang could make is to have a range of their motors set up as replacements for existing bikes. I’d really consider putting the Brose in the bin if I could swap it for a reliable, waterproof and well engineered Chinese alternative.

[@BordercityMTBer]

The big concern about e-bike systems is battery safety, obviously not helped by cheap Chinese made units that are built to a price point. After seeing the facility are you convinced that the safety standards of the Bafang systems are as high as the more “reputable” companies?

[@embn]

Without a doubt!

[@mrdylaninthebox]

Actually the best battery techs all come from China now, Porsche, BMW, Tesla EVs are all using Chinese battery brands,catl and byd.

[@dodegkr]

they need to make a motor that will drop into a turbo levo, now that would be sweet

[@IslandFilmMaker]

EXCELLENT VIDEO 🎬🍻

[@iptaylor]

Where can I buy a new original Bafang Crank nut, M16*P1*12?

[@svenball5384]

AliExpress

[@johngreen787]

A very interesting video Steve, well done, 👍

[@embn]

Thanks 👍

[@JerseyStyle7]

👍🏽 interesting

[@TheCraigGroves]

Its a shame they seem to have little to no support in the UK. Hopefully this is changing as there are a lot of bikes in the UK equipped with Bafang.

[@brianlamb66]

Cheaper and obviously reliable, the mgu is clearly the choice of the future. Say goodbye to the chain thank you very much

[@tanzie2174]

Well, I was very impressed.

[@SamsBikes]

Great video mate...

[@islandaerial3414]

Maybe it's time to consider trying the Chinesium unit. All I really need is a frame with the DU and controller. Lord knows I have enough 'parts' available to build a decent bike...

[@ShanenWay]

Looks more professional than Tesla, Ex employee

[@mtbsteve]

I’ve got one of the bikes he was riding at beginning markhor

[@Flyingaceful]

Love my Dafang hub motor!!

[@selimsaffarini6198]

Nice :)

[@stefan_sth]

When looking at those super clean and tidy rooms it reminds me of a company I used to work for. Before important visitor arrived, the walls got painted - after 10 years of neglect. Those rooms sure look different in a everyday situation 😉

[@John-x9x2q]

Bafang is badass

[@brianlamb66]

I hope BeFang puts a belt-driven mgu like pinion

[@cyblur]

Great Video. Just another reason to SLAPAHOE, when they say Bafang, is a cheap motor.

[@niccots]

There are so many motor makers today, you can chose fantastic motors, same from Bafang, but what Bafang makes the best choice is price of their products and no stupid SW and tuning restrictions.

[@Emtbtoday]

The Bafang motor freezing video is good done in US. A bike manufacturer just did it for a test. It still worked, but it was completely rusted inside. It was finished, but the display still worked great. The battery was also done, but for displays only rated for smash and dust proofing, it survived being frozen for 30 days. As for thier hub drive the don't have any sealing it's flat ally cover against flat alloy body replaced 2 already in 3 years with them rusting up inside

[@scottbailey5644]

Impressive!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

when I see a refined 180mm travel mini dh bike with belt drive no chain and O'chain cranks all at a great price will look at it

[@energem133]

I bought a new 2024 full suspension Buzz Bike here in NZ made with Bafang components. I'm on the third motor after doing just 800km and close to requesting a full refund. I suspect Bafang makes the grade on mechanical components but will cut corners on electronic components to remain competitive.

[@tonucaferran2882]

I learn today you can have christmas tree in 30 juny😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MaartenSFS]

Goes to show that some Chinese companies definitely produce some top-quality products!

[@billymoranage2]

I've got a 510 motor on my Vitus and it's defiantly not waterproof .

[@vashon100]

How is it defiant about waterproofing, unless you mean definitely.

[@martintramuntbikemallorcak481]

I'm SICK of being the butt of jokes where I am.. about me building my own DIY chinese eMTB!! I built it around a BAFANG M510 motor, whenever my eMTB is parked up outside the many shops here I am affiliated with, EVERYONE looks at my bespoke DIY eMTB...and not the other "brands" - It is the best bike I've ever built!! and the greatest satisfaction when riding it! and yes.. It is BEAST! and yes... It is mostly CHINESE (but isn't everything in the bicycle world!! just "they" won't admit it!!)

[@marcolucarelli5165]

I have a trekking bike with bafang max drive engine, 51000km without problems.

[@danielsimmonds5162]

Why havent bafang been used by any of the major EMTB manufacturers??

[@moozeex1]

The Answer is simple.Bafang sells motors and systems on a open market meaning yuo can replace a motor or get parts yuorself. Saving allot off £££$$$."Big" MTB manufactures don't want this because they get a big cut for every motor "fixed" /replaced.They are not interested in fixing a 5$ broken part because it doesn't makes them MONEY!!! tHEY JUST CHARGE A PERSON FOR A NEW MOTOR WHICH COST 7 TO 800£/$. In other words. Modern bike manufacturers are aplying Apple sales modell to bike. It's better to buy a new bike than to fix an old one every couple years. You own nothing and you'll be happy about it. (Also Bfang is the only big company that sells motors are sold unrestricted!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[@danielsimmonds5162]

@@moozeex1 Good answer!! It does make one think about how the "Corporate" side of anything manufactured is not about the "Consumer" it's just about the Profit!! 😡

[@sulleset]

They do with Vitus, one of UK biggest bike brand.

[@moozeex1]

@@danielsimmonds5162 YEP!!!

[@hindesite]

Not locked down enough and too easy to repair. Probably...

[@barrygoh5840]

Some of the testing is not a real life situation test as the load test of the axle is not under load from 85-95kg rider stamping on the pedal

[@roneysilveira2153]

Every project has to grow with updates technology and ebike motors are relatively new on the market. All manufactures can have some issues and the response to fix them is the most important…!!! Very interesting visit, amaizing facility with a lot of hitec technology, I loved and true is change my vision of BAFANG ebike motors….have to start considering them 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻