INSANE 4000W MID DRIVE EBIKE WITH MODIFIED BAFANG ULTRA | BUILDING AN INSANE BATTERY

[@andykirby]

Hope you enjoy this one, dont forget to check out our sponsor :-) GET NORDVPN: nordvpn.org/andykirby USE COUPON CODE: andykirby USE THE CODE SO YOU CAN GET 70% off 3-year plan + 1 month free.

[@Bikesandrones]

Hi andy can you drop a link for the 21700 plz looking into maybe using them on the next battery for my bike safe safe 👍

[@davidwatt6646]

lithium titanite battery please ^^ just got my new 2000w 60v 18ah fatbike - www.alibaba.com/product-detail/55km-h-best-fat-electric-bike_60706403374.html?spm=a2700.8293689.201713.1.6f2965aaTN9vli

[@andykirby]

I got them from Fogstar

[@forevercomputing]

That's a lot of capitals....

[@duke7214]

@@antscape accounts server? there isnt such a thing haha. The server was breached and it only showed that NordVPN does not actually keep logs so nothing was done from the hacker side, only thing that happened is that Nord will improve their security.

[@rogermckenzie2711]

I like the rear view camera, that'll be handy for the police pursuit episode. :-)

[@peterseery7154]

The police will end up on the same things! Good racing! 😁

[@Vortecks]

Cheers for the shout-out again mate. I'll be in touch soon - I have a project coming up which will hopefully bring you some interest 😉

[@andykirby]

Hey mate! Nice! Look forward to it 👊

HK li-po related: running two 8Ah 6s Multistars in series for the last two years. I charge them with a boost dc-dc module and no bms. Just a string of 100mA balancing boards. (3x3s) I did a lot of low voltage discharges on these. 2V/cell a few times! When I charged these exact type on an Imax B6 and used them in quads and helis, they lasted one year before at least one cell in the pack went to greener pastures. Was pulling up to 50-80A or so. On my bike, wilst pulling ~30A at most, the cells remained within 0.01V of each other, no swelling, no heating. Two years and counting. Pulling 50km+ out of these with my 2wd.

[@andykirby]

Definitely due to the discharge, in a heli it’s really pushing them hard, on an ebike not so much. Also as you are using them regularly on the bike?? That really helps, leaving them alone for extended periods of time is often problematic, well done though, that’s good going!

@@andykirby My bike is my car so... it's a daily driver. :D

[@ScoobySTi777]

Good on you for rescuing animals ,thumbs up.

[@gmeister03]

This is the kinda riding i do every day. Anything less than 5kw won’t do for me on an e bike. But then I commute, it’s mostly road, and I have upgraded all the components minus my 2012 Giant frame. Hard tail is best for me. Nice build. I didn’t know that motor could take that power

[@dalehall7139]

The Ibera bag you are using is the one I have used for the last 2 years - trouble free I might add. Before I always had a problem with the zippers failing.

[@dalehall7139]

I have 5 cycles on my new 26800 battery, built by Litespeed Cycle here in the USA using a 60 amp Bluetooth BMS. 52 volt 27 ah. Does incredible so far.

[@jordan2mill]

How is it still, any tips for if you were to build another?

[@LysergicCasserole95]

Is there a way to identify which version of the M620 has straight cut or helical gears? Thinking it might be best in my circumstance trying to get the helical gears since they're naturally quieter.

[@mickgatz214]

thanx for your intuitive video Andy, i'm learning a lot from them. :)

[@jimhofoss9982]

that’ll get your top speed up! The only thing that is worrysome is the lack of cellholders. Just make sure your cellwrappers are all pristine, only thing between positive and negative....hope they don’t rub thru! will your glue turn gooey when your cells heat up? No airspace between cells....if you have it wrapped tight with reinforced tape, monitor cell temp closely! ( esp with 3 p cells trying to do 100 amps) looking forward to the hi volt test! wear a helmut...no regen to help slow you down! cheers!

[@TurboShandy98754]

Well done brother, that's such a beast! I'm taking full credit though, based on mine :) remember mk1, eh? You've come a long way!.....

[@andykirby]

Haha! Yeah definitely! Nice one mate.👍😁

[@rilufuzz]

Hi Andy, when you say "modified" motor, what have you modified specifically? Is it still stock with a higher voltage pack, or have you done anything to the motor itself? Cheers.

[@andykirby]

I have removed the internal controller, routed the phase wires out of the motor housing and connected a Phaserunner controller. There’s no modification to the actual motor windings or anything like that. This motor is an absolute beast and can take WAY more power than the 1500W that it runs as standard.

[@rilufuzz]

@@andykirby Awsome, thanks for your reply!

[@neekodevinchi]

Hi Andy, so sorry for the delay. I'm not to sure if remember our previous chat but to cut a long story short, I've found a smaller and lighter complete spider/chainring for the ultra motor. I'll send you pics via email and the link. Only cost me £11.50 and definitely makes the bike a lot cleaner looking compared to the stock 44tooth chainring. Keep up the good work mate.

[@andykirby]

This sounds good thanks, I’ll look out for the email 😁👍

[@SinghalLouis]

That's a beautiful looking bicycle.. love it

[@Toby10]

Hi I have the BBSHD 1000wat Bafang. can you do this what you did? the engine is damaged? could? explain me? the frame frame where you bought? how did i developed the 4000w ?? 😊👍

[@jurgiebaby]

Awesome stuff as always Andy, one day I will have an E-Bike, random question though what are the mudguards that you have on this bike build and where did you buy them from, please

[@slopetechno]

Thanks for pushing the bafang ultra, really curious to see what you will do. Still planning to use the phaserunner with this battery? Not a limitation?

[@andykirby]

Yes the Phaserunner has more power to give still. The only other option for higher power is one of the other ASI controllers but I think there’s a point where the drivetrain is just going to break, 4000-5000W I think it probably enough for this bike 😁

[@dalehall7139]

@@andykirby check out ERT's ASI controllers, Alan is CEO and owner/builder, does some amazing things with these controllers for the Bafang BBSHD, and I think he is working on the Ultra as well.

[@donaldbartholomew209]

Thats an awesome motor I have one on my bike. Very quiet and powerful at its normal level of power

[@ELECTRICBIKEDIYLIFE]

Is that the Ibera bag? I had one on my old ebike as a battery bag. I ended up having to poke some zip ties through it to secure it better to my frame because I had a large open triangle. Before the zip ties it would sway really bad and it made the bike feel squirley.

[@ahaveland]

Nice vid Andy, lots of really good info there - your knowledge and use of best practices have really come on! I made a canvas saddle for my ebike lipos that just sits on the top bar and strapped in place. This makes it dead easy to remove for going into a shop for example. I don't care about looks at all -- the tattier the better, means it's less likely to get stolen especially in Budapest!

[@andykirby]

Cheers mate! Hold on...you’re in Budapest?!

[@ahaveland]

@@andykirby Yep, long story! Give us a shout if you're over this way... got some great trails and off touristy places to explore... I think we're long overdue for a chat...

[@andykirby]

Definitely! 😁

[@Jazzmarcel]

I love ebikes!........build five Samsung 30q (the pinkie) battery packs just from watching utube, and though I only have had bbsHD motors, I'm hoping to get a bafang ultra with a phase runner setup like yours! Great video! Oh, and could you post a link for that BMS and those batteries👊🏽😡👍

[@malachiorgad9689]

Follow

[@robertalopez1263]

Built an ebike, BaFang, how do I peddle (peddle assist mode) when the bike is freewheeling without the motor jerking each time it turns on????

[@jaylord55]

i recently had a problem with my malectrics spot welder after half my battery pack i burnt out 2 of the 4 bottom diodes on it. Malectrics was great about sending replacements for decent price

[@andykirby]

Yeah Marc’s a great guy!

[@jaylord55]

@@andykirby hey i got a ? can you charge 2 10s packs with bms's in series? or do i have to charge them in parrell without disabling the bms

[@jaylord55]

​@@andykirby recently got my 150amp controller. how do i set the regen breaking on the Sabvaton controller toturn regen on when i hit the breaks ? or even when hand off throttle starts breaks would be good 2. got mine from www.aliexpress.com/item/32829010701.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6b554c4dOgRFlm

[@drc6940]

Andy can you revisit the wind turbine? There doesn't seem to be much coverage of then outside of John Daniels. Winter is the time when we should be more focussed on them.

[@andykirby]

You beat me to it! It hasn’t stopped spinning the last few days so I’ll definitely be doing some more videos about it.

[@lansing3uk]

Andy, what make is your rear mudguard ?, I have the mudhugger one, just need something else to fill the gap where your one is.

[@andykirby]

It’s a mudhugger front with the sides cut off and tie wrapped on, works a treat to prevent mud on the rear suspension and electronics

[@lansing3uk]

@@andykirby cool, I have a bbshd mid drive and was looking for something to stop the spray. Thats a good idea

[@josephusher7347]

Hello mate just wondering if you could give me some advise, i have a bbshd bafang battery and my display screen, is flashing saying battery empty with a little symbol next to it, do you no what this could be? Its brand new

[@stuartty1]

living the dream, no wonder your always smiling. im so jjealous

[@kanipaa]

Nice setup.. I have 250w motor and my rearchain won't last even 1 year.Of course i drive almost everyday and temp (-20c to 30c) Does your rearchain holds fine?

[@andykirby]

Thanks, Yeah it’s been fine, it’s a KMC ebike chain, seems pretty strong.

[@nickbigg84]

Yeah dude. I used to race BMX and the KMC 410 Z chain is a really good chain and quite inexpensive you can even buy them in colors KMC also makes a hollow pin chain which is a little lighter that's pretty strong.

[@kanipaa]

I have to try that. Because i have been using Shimano E-bike chain.

[@marthamryglod291]

@@nickbigg84 that's the same chain I use. No issues.

[@jackreacher1963]

would it be stupid to do this to my road bike with straight bars. My stock bbshd is bumpy enough never mind go 80 kph i do about 55 kph and pretty bad.

[@gregstafford2155]

My m620 motor temperature at times go above 50deg at 52v, so how hot will yours get at 72v?

[@andykirby]

mine is getting to 50-60 flat out but remember I’ve removed my controller from my motor which will reduce the heat quite a lot.

[@gregstafford2155]

@@andykirby interesting, love your work. Cannot wait to see how far you go with this bikes limits. Your Innovation is next level:)

[@xTinBenderX]

16:34 Them lipo cables jump

[@a-aron2276]

Figured here might be a good place to ask but does anyone know if theres a colour screen upgrade to the lcd-sw900 display, i was about to get the ktlcd8 but just found out my new controller doesn't support it, and i couldn't find a compatible 3kw sinewave for the lcd8, but i hate that I'm now stuck with a boring lcd screen after doing so many upgrades like the new custom made 14s 1.5kwh 18650 pack.

[@RobY-1]

Another good video thx Andy. Could you please provide a link for those 21700 if at a decent price for bulk buys? Would luv one for 18650s too pls.

[@gtesteve9434]

i love what u do i watch every video i wish i could get 1 of them bikes its amazing

[@vaidulis2415]

Shock work looks so satisfying

[@johnkimbellchua4981]

Hi where can i get this tunner?

[@W-H1U]

i was going to put those in my mountain board but went for the 30qs if i had enough money id have the 30ts in a heartbeat!

[@W-H1U]

also all cells have the gasket underneath the heat shrink so they should be fine but i agree a 3rd layer of protection cant hurt.

[@andykirby]

Definitely the more protection the better, when spot welding big thick nickel it can be easy to get in the wrong place and potentially damage that built in protective layer. By the way the 30QS are one of the best, I’ve been using them in different high power packs and they pack a huge punch.

[@natalielong6868]

Can you help me how to hookup a kelly controller to a bbs02b 750w luna cycle mid drive motor

[@tonielcock8891]

Andy you just use a watt meter then.? Got my little bafang 750w 48v middrive an it's great fun. Now wanting the bbso3, you must spend a fortune

[@erikjonromnes]

Hey do you still recommend that battery spot welder after using it ?

[@andykirby]

Yep 100%

[@kennethford1366]

Andy, been looking at your store on cloudsto, im interested in buying a complete bike but the thing that is concerning me is this custom tax, and what the bill would be??

[@darrenfantom7827]

How fast do think the Bafang will cook itself at 4kw? Seen plenty of burnt out ones after modding them. I rather use a bigger motor with less chance of it being dead, I do like how quiet they are but I need more power so it's Lightning Rods kits for me.

[@andykirby]

I’ve been riding about for a couple of weeks at 3800W peak, the hottest it’s got is 60 degrees C and the thermal dissipation is pretty amazing, it’s back at about 25 degrees within 5 minutes of stopping. So i think it’s more than capable.

[@wesleye-w4275]

Hi, could you tell me what are the mudgards your using? Many thanks 👍

[@andykirby]

They are both front mudhugger mudguards, the rear one has the sides cut off and is tiestrapped to the frame.

[@wesleye-w4275]

@@andykirby thanks, they look solid 👍

[@michaellange7819]

Hey Andy, is your 10 speed Shimano system still fine with that 4000w? I'm in the decision of buying Shimano 10 Speed or the expensive Sram Ex1 8 speed. Would love to hear your opinion!

[@andykirby]

Yeah surprisingly its holding up well, I’ve replaced the rear sprocket a couple of times before I learnt not to use the last 3 gears...there’s not enough tooth engagement on the smaller cogs, if you stay away from them then you’ll be ok. Otherwise it tears the teeth off😅 I wouldn’t bother with expensive gears, just use ones you can replace easily when the time comes. I will say the chain hasn’t stretched at all, that’s a KMC ebike chain.

[@michaellange7819]

@@andykirby Thanks alot, thats interesting. The chain has been my only reason to think about going 8 speed, because kmc and wipperman/connex offering an 8 speed chain wich is supposed be alot stronger than their 10 speed ebike chains. But if that chain isnt even streched 10 speed ist fine!!!

[@meanf1502]

Same battery I run in my pulse x vape mod great battery cool ebike

[@dalehall7139]

Same here

[@solarfunction1847]

I hope those spot welders are good, I bought one to do my 100 batteries that I have to make up.

[@gasmanrus]

Solar Function they are mate. I used one to build a 5p 20s pack & I’m a total novice 😀 Like andy said, check out his previous battery build videos & he goes into depth & gives good tips.

[@solarfunction1847]

cool, thanks, I just ordered a new set of wheels for my carbon mtb frame, I measured up that 700c 23c will fit my frame so I got these cheap Teny 6 spoke wheels, I only ride on the road & the mtb frame is the only frame that doesn't hurt my bad back, my bike is becoming even more of a hybrid lol. With 53T 11T it should do 55km/hr at 90 cadence which is not too fast pedaling with a mid drive motor.

[@psi3000]

nice run setup for the chickens. probably had a rooster with them, as they rip out the rear feathers when matting...

[@nickbigg84]

Awesome ! That bike is insane.

[@boj83]

you should clean the nickle and the top of the battery if you ever touch the surface your grease or what ever is going to be very bad for the welds.

[@paulkazjack]

Use a big soldering iron, much more reliable joint and more metal for the higher currents.

[@andykirby]

Yes I’m going to use a combination of nickel spot welding and soldered copper bus bars for this one😁👍

[@djrideson]

I have a Chinese bike that's had a little work done to it by me and would out run out clime top speed 85+ tweenty kill awatt motor 72 volt battery this bike well run

[@ianhill20101]

Have a look at the 21700 moli cells good power, top work keep pushing the hobby im watching these bafangs with a keen eye very versatile. I got a bunch of dead Lipo myself I will use what I got and move to 21700 the Sony vtc4 pack 13s 10p I got chucks out 200amps no probs even in the summer.

[@andykirby]

Yeah I’ve seen the Moli cells, look good. I got such a good price on these 30Ts so hence why I went that way. The VTCs are crazy!

[@christopherroberts22]

Nice Vid !!

[@Chris-mg3hi]

What bike do you have? You never tell in vidoes. And could i do this to my 2019 Bobsch performance ex?

[@andykirby]

It’s the bike we sell here: www.cloudsto.com/ebikes/kirbebike-vapour/kirbebike-vapour-emtb-frame-and-m620-powertrain-kit-detail.html Unfortunately I don’t think the Bosch will handle more than 1000W as it has plastic gears inside.

[@HighVoltageKits]

I love this bike :)

[@papikx12]

hey, I got a question about legality of the overpowered ebikes, first of all, I've built an ebike as well and for sure it ain't 250w like the law says :P But could you make a video with your view on it ? Like for example explain what you think of the legal limits (like the 250w motor) and how would you react if u got pulled over by the police and questioned? what can we do to enjoy our fast and fun creations without having the cops after us ? ofc I won't be ridding 50mph in 20mph zone but like if I get pulled over because I'm doing 30 in a 30 zone what should I say ?

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

I'm surprised no one has commented on this. I have a M-1 coming with a top speed of 46 mph. I have no intention of cruising at those top speeds. I simply want to be able to do over 30 in straight smooth areas and keep up with the roadies. This bike looks like a normal bike since the battery is integrated. Just don't be reckless and be considerate and you should be ok. Most of the fast ebike guys i questioned have said they have had no legal issues. If you get pulled over just be polite as you would in an automobile.

[@papikx12]

@@MichaelJosephJr934 I was really curious on people's approach to this, thank you

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Patryk I know some areas are relaxed when it comes to laws. In Chicago I ride my 20 MPH ebike often never stopping at lights or stop signs and police don't bother anyone for this. Plenty of E scooters E bikes and one wheels here. This relaxed law could change if it gets too crazy.

[@ianmangham4570]

Tell them to fook right off 😅 👮‍♂️ 🥓

[@SmokeyStoner]

Didn't someone recently hack into Nord vpn?

[@TheSTOPlayer]

yes they were and all youtubers have stopped promoting nordvpn temporarily. Andy may not be aware if he doesn't keep up to date on tech news.

[@PhilC184]

@@TheSTOPlayer They hacked one server on one site out of many. No useable data was extracted and they stopped using that data centre immediately

[@gurmon]

@@PhilC184 Thats what they are telling you.

[@Hebdomad7]

Beware of any VPN that spends more on marketing than security.

[@eBikeaholic]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. I'm range testing the Ultra with a 52v Luna Wolfpack (Samsung 30Q cells) and it cuts out power with 51.6v remaining - requiring me to disconnect/reconnect the power cable to restart. I have the controller LVC set to 38v so I'm assuming the voltage sag at 1500w is tripping the BMS LVC? Any experience with that? Any idea how to prevent the motor from cutting out like that or jumpstart it roadside to squeeze out those last few volts without disconnecting the cables?

[@marmac567]

Surely 21700s are also Lipo???? The ones I see for sale say that

[@jamesbrogan3232]

Are you putting that tune on the beginning of the video on Spotify mate because I listen to them while I ride my motorbike

[@andykirby]

Yes definitely, there will be more on there soon.👍

[@authentic4225]

How does the battery even stay in place without rigid support?

[@davidmorton3128]

what range from a full charge

[@MikeZ8709]

what kind of seat is that?

[@authentic4225]

What bike model is that?

[@manipulativer]

Yo! Have you mingled with the idea of adding super caps for small surges of power? Perhaps only to go easy on batteries or perhaps a separate module of a few caps that would be engaged as a boost button? I have no experience on how harder would a module have to be to make it work, but it would be a nice gimmick. And is there an e-bike controller that has a solar pannel input to charge the batteries or some other special controlers that exist that let you do similar stuff? After investigating e-bikes i came to the conclusion that the biggest problem is battery+BMS coupling that would be easy to avoid by making some adjustements to a controler rendering those costly assembled batteries obsolete... Ofcourse the controler should be made with better materials and be more expensive, but it should open up the self-assembly of batteries decreasing the overal cost after 1 or 2KWh or more battery packs. It should be programable to acomodate future batteries that will come in the future with different high and low momenta... Perhaps a milion dollar idea?

[@manipulativer]

in short an e-bike controller with build in BMS charger that would perhaps charge the lowes individual batteries when regenerative braking or if you add a small solar pannel or both.

[@unlicensedpsychologist3278]

how much make it

[@e-motional9161]

Nice one again, Can't wait to see how the pack performs. How did you get on with the Liito kala cells, how come you aren't using them.

[@andykirby]

Thanks! I wanted to try the Samsung 30T cells this time as they should sag less under load than the Liitokala.

[@ChadKovac]

Let's see what you can do with a battery of supercapacitors. They won't last more than a moment but... that power dump will be extreme.

[@JB-yn9hh]

Great video!

[@TheSTOPlayer]

Oh dear Andy, bad timing with the nordvpn sponsorship, you may wanna lookup on whats happened to them this week. A lot of youtubers have stopped promoting them until the hacking issues is resolved.

[@SgtPepper69]

Where can I get those mudguards from?

[@andykirby]

They are called mudhuggers, the rear one is the front version with the sides cut off and tie strapped in place 😁

[@crazylife6319]

Why didn't you go with the cyclone 3000w motor if your gonna run that type of power?

[@andykirby]

Well, it all started with the Bafang as we sell this bike and motor kit, in all honesty the Bafang looks better, less parts and i think it probably is on the same level as the Cyclone.

[@crazylife6319]

@@andykirby makes sense, I havent owned a bafang so I could give the proper comparison, but the cyclone really blasts in my experience, and with you running 3000w over it's rating, it jus seems Sketchy but I see you inspecting the internals, best of luck, love the videos 💪💯

[@ps3customgamer]

Good source of 18650 cells in the UK ANDY?

[@alexanderhopkins2807]

How about trying 2 wheel drive?

[@peterwakefield915]

Andy, where do you buy your cells from.

[@a-aron2276]

Who cares about neat, that thing will be an absolute beast😊 the battery that came out of it, is there anyway to use the base plate from the old case and build up the sides to take up more space in the frame? Just a thought ☺️

[@gareth5000]

Put the batteries in a back pack, keep the bike light. Easy charging, easy build.

[@andykirby]

Normally you could do but the trouble with that approach on this build is the voltage drop over a long wire (the battery leads) because we are pulling such high amps they would have to be copper and massive, it would be a faff being tethered by massive heavy fat cables!

[@gareth5000]

Maybe you're right, you should know. I made this a while ago... www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8797 My next one will be easy in comparison. I want a GT Fury Alloy with a Bafang mid drive like yours, 2170's too. Shame about the back pack idea, that was integral.

[@potmancourteouscannabis2025]

Do you happen to need a Test Pilot in New Hampshire USA?

[@ShadowRifft]

nice punchy pack👍😎

[@gteaz]

Winter? we're now getting into Autumn.

[@RoastHardy]

Kirby Dragster Bikes!!

[@pulsey2001]

1st after digesting content 🤠

[@chloedevereaux1801]

no not NORD!!!!!!!! have you not heard what's happened with them?????????? please please don't use them. all the top tubers and companies are blocking them.....

[@antunmaruvic8630]

Link for batery cell

[@ladamyre1]

Where did you get that Atlanta Braves hat? So you were a fan of the Bobby Cox Braves too, a? You've dated yourself.

[@pckopp]

Maybe round off the ends of the nickel strips?

[@Fishbait075]

Andy, you realise NordVPN was recently compromised?

[@MR2perfectable]

Do you sell this version of the bike mate Btw love your videos

[@MrSphayes]

There's sticky stuff on the table. 🥴 Eeeeeegh, I don't wanna know.

[@evukelectricvehicles]

What about the no-weld kit for 18650's ? Latest Vruzend 2.1 no-weld connectors get thumbs up from the experienced ebike builder at "Ebikebuilder" - video: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKrPk3mkicx5f5o Paul G

[@danhunter4902]

like your chickens

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

Rescued 'Battery Hens' lol

[@andykirby]

I was waiting for that😅

[@benjyblog]

nordvpn did an oopsie

[@dtec30]

Nord vpn has been hacked

[@paultomlinson528]

Radio ham? Me too live your channel

[@esteban19h08m]

You mister gotta show how u manage with the chain of the motor and the pedals, bad overview

[@888rogermoore]

Did I spot a silver rod?

[@stevemansfield9582]

Just get a motorbike man, cause that’s what you’ve got 😳

[@andykirby]

I’ve already.got an electric motorbike but this is more fun because it’s so light, the power to weight ratio is awesome😁

[@shanegrant8441]

I've a bigger bag lol😎