Reviewing the new Polarizing Bafang M625 Mid drive motor kit

[@ivanh3]

I have two Bafang HD builds. Love them. Used your channel for a lot of guidance. I did look at this unit, but that battery was a dealbreaker. Great video as usual!

[@happyjohnrn]

I agree, the need/ability for an off the shelf battery is essential. That's the dealbreaker. Though I like the 52V 19.2 Amp battery. I have lots of big hills here.

[@thedon2703]

The bbshd is the best diy mid drive because of its ability to be hotrodded to 88v and 4000w while running SILENT with proper greasing. All of the others I've seen are either less powerful or more powerful and 10 times noisier.

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@thedon2703 even in a non-hot-rodded state it's got plenty! My last one certainly did! And I plan to pop the current one's case open and put in plenty of mobil-28 grease like on the first one. I like quiet motors!

[@dennisyoung4631]

Addendum to above: have run new bike several hundred miles. It does all I can ask, and save when very hard-pressed, is nearly *silent.* Also, have a 1.6 kw/hr battery, and find I can go ~45 to 50 miles on *half* a charge. (Meaning I can go truly long distances without hunting up a place to charge.)

[@chrisE815]

I want torque sensing though and do not require even 1500 watts ​@@thedon2703

[@budwhite9781]

Looks like a much improved chainring, but the rest is really a slap in the face of the buyers. No programmability, huge ugly battery, etc. Now if they had added a torque sensor, these kits would be flying off of the shelves. Thanks for this review. Cheers.

[@marceldagenais1893]

You can swap out the controler for the bshd controler makes it programable.

[@int53185]

Just upgraded from a bbs02 to a bbshd. The power is phenomenal! But the new Bagang firmware automatically bricks the controller if current draw settings are changed. Way to go Bafang! Installed open source firmware to open up the controller.

[@FlyingFun.]

Torque sensing is THE thing that would make me want to swap out a bbshd, yes the ability to see the cell voltages is cool but not necessarily needed day to day, you will know when you battery has a problem ( range and power loss) and need to take it apart to fix it and can measure voltages then to check for bad cells.

[@JohnDoe-yoyoyo]

The home builder and mod community brought Bafang their current level of popularity; Bafang is essentially turning their back on their base with this motor. Huge mistake Bafang!

[@dennisyoung4631]

This is most likely intended for large-volume “O.E.M.s” who want to control their customers thoroughly, e.g. lock them into *their* systems, and give them but one choice: “sell us your soul, or rot.” The older gear is, in many ways, a much better deal. I have thus far bought 2 BBS-HDs - the first was on a bike stolen a year and three months ago, sob; the other is part of a build that I’m starting now - and hope to buy an -02 in the future for a “travel bike/spare bike” with a lighter weight, which will help with taking the train longer distances.

[@Commanderziff]

@@dennisyoung4631 I just had my bike with a BBSHD stolen, so I'm currently starting a new build. I was curious about this kit, but once he said "proprietary battery cable" I was out. I loved my old Bafang motor, but I hate that crap.

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@Commanderziff you might desire a chain hefty enough for weight-training, e.g. Vulcan 10mm security chain, plus U-lock, plus perhaps a tracer or two. Hope to get this last next month.

[@HoloScope]

@@Commanderziff put an airtag in it. Get like an old iPhone 7 or 8, trust me it's worth it

[@JohnSmith-ch9lp]

@@HoloScope I understand the airtag great idea but old phone? Are you meaning if you dont have one to monitor the airtag?

[@dannydonnelly8345]

I don't know how much this kit cost, but the Ariel Rider Kepler is currently selling for $1.799 with a bike rack it's a 26 inch bike I believe with the fat tires disc brakes, shocks on the front, 1,000 w hub motor maxing at 1800 watts, 52 volt 20 amp hour battery, a colored screen. it's a custom bafang motor made for this bike. 72 mile range 32+mph the price is soon to go up to $1999 minus the $150 value cargo rack.

[@budwhite9781]

Yeah that Kepler is a game changer for that price. Thanks for sharing that information.

[@thankmelater1254]

$2,582.00 Sale price $2,324.00 Sale

[@diymountainbike]

Sounds like an ad....?

[@chipkhalifa4138]

The aerial rider Kepler is a very good bike for its price to performance ratio… but 1800 peak watts is nothing compared to a BAFANG mid drive can do.. mid drive used the lowest gear for max torque and the highest gear for max speed. A hub motor just can’t compete unless it’s a 3000watts hub motor and the mid drive will still eat up going up a hill.

[@chipkhalifa4138]

@@danimayb I totally agreed with u hub motor have their pros, if the rider don’t have long high hill hob motors a great.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

I'm not sure how far it's come but the High Voltage channel is working to hack this motor. He's part of a community that does some amazing hacks on just about every motor so far.

[@rajgill7576]

This is still a hugely important video. As a buyer looking to convert my mobile to ebike, looks like the old kit is still the way to go

[@davidwooten3430]

I have a bafang kit and learned after you need a quality rear gear set. The basic 7 or 8 gear with the bearings built in don’t hold up to extra power. The cable programming version is worth getting. The standard programs give max power to get to the preset speeds. I set mine to progress in power total output up to max speed on all settings.

[@marceldagenais1893]

MY 26 " mtb with a 16 tooth freewheel

[@jasonwhite8722]

They should make a big batt that fits over the top frame rail like a motorcycle fuel tank.

[@theowink]

Special 🔋 batteries? Bye 8fun,the power to self repair is Appled

[@markkus1134]

Crazy they have a great motor BBSHD. Glad I got one it’s great you should wrap up the wires with shrink wrap makes it look very clean

[@retireditguy9493]

The CAN bus may be overkill for many bikers. While a CAN bus provides a great deal of added capability, it is typically low voltage (1.7 to 2.3 volts) and high frequency. This makes any connector that is not well sealed a potential point of failure. You also need a scope, some training, and experience to troubleshoot a CAN bus problem. It will be interesting to see how well this motor system does over time in hard core mountain biking or dirty environments.

[@lukewalker1051]

Points of note: 1. Johhny mentioned that production will continue for the BBSHD. So those with a brain know what motor is the best deal, the BBSHD. Gear and brakes sensors always work better. 2. Internals of the M625 are virtually identical to BBSHD. This has been verified. Stock CANBUS controller has been removed from the M625 and replaced with BBSHD controller with 'slight controller housing cover mod' and it runs like a BBSHD. Problem is...can a M625 be even purchased without the large brick CANBUS battery? Of course you wouldn't want to because it won't run without the CANBUS battery which is just a companion chip to the battery internal BMS to 'make it proprietary for Bafang to sell more batteries'...without changing to a non CANBUS BBSHD controller. I believe the drivability maybe better for this package as Johnny mentioned...but...a BIG but, for those that like to program the BBSHD like I do with the programming cable, this kit sucks and nobody wants the big ugly battery that will only work with this motor. More expensive than a BBSHD and generic shark battery as well. Epic fail by Bafang. Marketing meet profit motive.

[@chipkhalifa4138]

Hi Johnny, I have both the new Bafang 625 and the BBSHD. In my opinion the newer 625 is a better motor. Let me start with the pros and cons…PROS the motor runs way cooler and quieter because of the magnesium casing. The motor has three different levels of modulating ramp up of power from standstill , so you don’t feel that sudden jerk. The throttle is modular in power ramp up rather than the on and off switch on the BBSHD. The chain ring is narrow wide so it keeps the chain from running off. The motor has a dedicated torque arm thus enabling the motor to keep in one position unlike the BBSHD. The integrated rear and front light is a plus. The battery pack is a 52v 1000whrs and is made from the newer 21700 cells. The can bus protocol to the head unit enables accurate data ( its the first time percentage can be used for the battery rather than voltage..it is that accurate., just like the Bosch and Shimano head unit. The Bluetooth phone app enables the user to see vitals, pedal cadence, motor output shown in voltage, amps and watts. There is also a dedicated section to update the motor software via the app. It has an area for parameter to set motor power ( not ready as yet). The motor cut power as soon as you stop pedaling. The motor has a two stage ramp down. If pedal assist 1 gives a max of 250w output at medium to max pedal cadence and the motor detects the pedal cadence tapering off to very slow to almost stopping ,it will reduce the max watt output to a lower watt output , so the rider will not feel the motor suddenly stop assisting. Just to name a few. CONS .. no gear shift sensor. The battery pack is too large and will not fit every frame. Motor not easily programmable via the USB cord because of the newer can bus protocol. PRO TIP….Do not buy the 750w variant of this motor, because it’s the same 1000w motor detuned to 750w. If you need to get a motor with 750w output for legal reasons, just run the 1000w in pedal assist 3. Third party batteries cannot be used at this time… it uses a proprietary battery .

[@G58]

“narrow wide”??

[@chipkhalifa4138]

@@G58 the chainring that came with the BAFANG 625 motor has narrow/ wide teeth profile… the only short coming is the chainring don’t have the offset like the lekkie bling ring and the Luna eclipse ring.

[@jolive3743]

have you ever thought about bein a youtuber my man ;) I'm glad i stumbled on your comment, i love my bbs hd but thought that Bafang had completely dropped a Bollock with the new one. Your knowledge of it tells me they might well be on track to make a truly fantastic product, if they kinda mash the 2 together. I'm an idiot don't get me wrong but did i miss something or does it compensate for the lack of a gear shift sensor or will it just mash my Shimano Nexus?

[@budwhite9781]

Thank you for the added info.

[@chipkhalifa4138]

@@jolive3743 hi no I never thought of being a KZbinr, this BAFANG 625 is a upgraded BbsHD, it used all the same internals as the bbsHD except the controller. A lot people on the internet give this motor a bad names because the can’t custom tune it. I think BAFANG have a winner with this 625 motor I’m so confident that I sold my bbsHD.

[@backyardr.c.channel4732]

great review! I feel bafang went bacwards with this model. They should have improved the controller on the bbshd and bbs02. There is no tuning with this new model unless you change the controller

[@All4Grogg]

How many controller problems come as a result of users operating the drive system improperly? I hate to say it, but many ebike riders honestly don't know how to shift a bicycle and will fry their controllers going full throttle in a high gear at every stop. Rarely will consumers admit fault, I kNoW hOW tO rIDE a BiKE!!!!!!1!!!1!! Angry customers are bad for business, as they should be, but when the valid complaints are massively overshadowed by the invalid complaints they are left with only a few strategies to protect their reputation; lock settings down to ensure only valid QC issues are presented or the Chinese standby split branding by creating a "new" company every few years. Bafang seems to chosen the former. Bafang is adapting to the western market, where ease of use is paramount and manufacturers are expected to prevent user errors from causing failures. Where reliability is everything in the market, I understand where they are going with this. I don't like it for myself, but I would feel FAR more comfortable if I were an OEM selecting a system for retail sale. They still really need to fix the drive line issues, the best upgrade I did was to add a lekkie chain ring to the bbs02. Too much inside offset can be easily solved with spacers, to little (as with the stock ring on many bikes) requires replacing. Sharp angles increase wear and dropped chains are both unsafe and not fun.

[@dougfurr5217]

Why would Bafang improve the controller when Lunacycles already did it. You can swap out the factory 750/1500w controller to a 3000w controller with no visual difference to the unit. LOVE mine.

[@keithmonk4503]

Built my first bafang hd conversion which was all I had hoped for based on Johnny's guidance. When I was building it last year just could not get a 1000wh battery which I wanted to fit in triangular frame. I had to settle for a battery with its own rack mounted over the rear wheel as this bike. It was a big mistake, I ride very twisty narrow lanes. The steering was was very tricky with far to much tail swing. So much so I spend another £400 when a battery which could fit in between the triangular frame came a vailable. Most of the time I use one battery but I have 'gismo' which let's both batteries be used on 100+ mile trips. The smile battery whilst technically good is a deal breaker if you do not have a large enough frame enabling it to be mounted low for a low center of gravity.

[@lihtan]

Although I'm not a fan of products that are locked down to prevent customization, a lot of this is motivated about complying with new ebike and battery safety regulations. Unfortunately things like battery fires from sketchy battery packs, and people de-restricting their controllers are the reason for this setup. One benefit of this system is all the extra info you can get with it. I personally think it should be standard across all ebikes to be able to see the pack temperature and individual cell voltage. This feature alone will also be a huge benefit to companies that sell bikes with it, and have to deal with service issues later. i've done customer support for ebike companies that didn't have this kind of battery intelligence. It's a huge hassle getting customers to probe their batteries with a multimeter to figure out what's really going on.

[@DFX2KX]

That likely has a lot to do with it, yeah. That said, it's still just a regular ol' ebike motor under all the proprietary gadgetry. You can rip out the built in controller and solder longer phase and hall effect wires in and use them with any ol controller, it need not even be an E-bike specific one. Regulations-wise, I see those becoming increasingly hard to enforce as knowledge of EVs spreads. They'll just ban them outright in a lot of places would be my guess. In the same way that slapping a 5hp Briggs on a bicycle is a thing that people do in the Southern US in a blatant disregard of both the law and their own lives considering bicycle brakes. having vitals from the BMS (and the motor) on UART or CANBUS for the display to show you would be great if it where an open standard, though, I'll give you that.

[@DFX2KX]

(I've considered doing the 'put longer phase and hall wires in' approach to put a decent controller on my TSDZ, as well as reduce the heat generated inside that tiny motor housing.)

[@wpjmurray]

The fact that the M625 kit has everything included including the battery was the reason I bought it. I didn't want to have to figure out which battery to buy and I'm not interested in spending hours tweaking the settings when I could just turn it on and ride. I'm hoping Bafang or possibly third parties come out with CANBUS accessories, the front light that comes with the M625 is not great.

[@werquantum]

Nice review. The physical size of the [proprietary!] battery alone is going to hurt sales. It seems to me they released this motor prematurely. Not impressed.

[@thankmelater1254]

Exposed battery wires? Careless build as well.

[@k04s4]

the link he provided shows 3 size batteries in the kit available. 9ah to 19ah

[@thedon2703]

That's what makes bafang the best. Why can't the other mid drive makers like Cyc Motor make a silent mid drive that does 5kw? I would buy it immediately.

[@andi4281]

Bafang, replace the proprietary crap with a torque sensor, and you have a great motor.

[@alphonsotate2982]

Bad for builds need to be able to use any generic battery with the right volts

[@daltontinoco7084]

I have a 100km all electric range, but i also ride my bike like a moped to school. Also take that same bike on some single track, its a really fun bike! Getting a crown race made for my northrock was worth it, as the 130mm spacing 120mm suspension fork is by far amazing on this.

[@dsp4392]

I really wish more ebike displays would show the current cadence/RPM. It's an important data point for your body AND for the drivetrain, that would also help execute more optimal shifts.

[@markostlund]

Nice review Johnny. One not-so-good thing about using a brake splitter for the gear sensor is that the brake cutoff cuts power for almost a full 2 seconds which can be way too long, especially if you are climbing a hill. The gear sensor port on the BBSHD cuts power for 800ms which is just enough time for the chain to move to the next gear and then power comes back on. We are going to miss you in Salt Lake buddy!

[@wpjmurray]

The other issue with using a splitter is that the controller thinks the gear sensor is a brake sensor, so changing gears will activate the brake light. Not a big deal, but maybe annoying for some people. I don't have a gear sensor on my M625 so I end up just tapping the brake when I shift gears anyway. Not sure why Bafang thought you didn't need a gear sensor, shifting gears while the motor is running feels and sounds like it's going to rip the chain and cassette apart.

[@chadsparling3096]

Watching your new Bafang review love the new technology and explanations but I found the video wanting in the, close up example, category. Please don't get it twisted, love the podcast watch all of them. Thanks

[@albertmonsieur7832]

didn't they discontinue this kit ? just buy the normal bbshd afaik the internals are the same

[@Icehso140]

I haven't finished my first kit. Why am I looking at this???? Because I can. LOL Thanks John for planting yet another seed.🤣

[@peterwainwright5994]

Did look at this kit but went for the bbshd instead! ...glad I did! Battery size and weight, plus the fact you can't use another smaller battery, only this one? ..don't think this kit is an improvement for me. If range is a problem, I just carry a spare smaller battery in a pack on my bbshd, so love my bbshd, didn't rate johnnies build as the battery weight is too high up for centre of gravity! Built a hub motor with a rear rack battery previously and that too has a too high centre of gravity, for me anyway.

[@djneils100]

it's like bafang don't want customers. why give no choice of battery AND make the only battery a stupidly huge one? I respect your work but the battery on the rear rack looks daft.

[@georgecarlinn6288]

One can customize battery pack if one has basic electrical knowledge

[@djneils100]

@@georgecarlinn6288 no you can't - not with 'basic' electrical knowledge

[@Bigdog1787]

@@georgecarlinn6288 not with this there computer chips to detect if it's the correct battery. It's not just a power cable plug in.

[@EBikeBuilder_]

From what I’ve heard You can put a BBSHD controller in an M625 with minor modification, and it will work like a BBSHD including the shift sensor. It apparently allows you to use any battery.

[@djneils100]

@@EBikeBuilder_ this is 100% true but then what is the point of this motor over the BBSHD? internally they are the same

[@CrazyTruckinS10]

Looks like the taillight is blocked by the battery box

[@ZEEKUPP]

Good review. Not for me though. I like more flexibility and I am a firm believer in shift sensors. They prevent chain breaks.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

Ooph! Never thought I'd hear "...better than the HD..." out of your mouth. Sacrilege, I say. All they did was beef up the HD and make it idiot proof by blocking the DIY alternatives in battery and programming. That triangle isn't too small, the battery is too big. I'm planning another build on my Dolomite ALX and was interested in this motor because it has some sweet features but the first thing that concerned me was the enormous PROPRIETARY battery. Next I found out about being locked out of programming. I didn't love the lack of a gear shift sensor but figured I can just plug it into the port for the rear brake & live without the motor cut-off or brake light on that brake (I much prefer your solution). It's an unfortunate thing that they restrict the 1kw motor to 750 watts in the fat BB size. The final nail in the coffin for me was the the Dolomite ALX has a 120mm BB & the M625 doesn't. There is a market for this motor but it will put off a lot of loyal customers. I hope they keep improving on the HD & 02 and don't just concentrate on this new watered down for the uninitiated model. Please pardon my rant. You did an awesome build given the restrictrictions.

[@HighVoltageKits]

Its exactly the same as the bbshd inside

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

@@HighVoltageKits Thanks to your channel, I knew this. Been a subscriber of yours for years (you were just starting to tweak your HD on a fatty to work with a BAC at 72 volts just as I installed a Ludicrous). I even mentioned your channel in another comment. Your passion is inspiring, your work impressive & IMO you should be legend in the industry. Please keep up the good work.

[@ChrisBFerguson]

I would stick with BBSHD and 02. I am incredibly happy with my 02B that I bought from you.

[@thankmelater1254]

Could you please explain what's the difference for you between 02 and 02B?

[@ChrisBFerguson]

@@thankmelater1254 I've only owned the 02B and it is awesome. Never tried any other Bafang mid drives except what I bought from Johnny. Much better performance than the hub motor bikes I have, especially for the wattage rating.

[@thankmelater1254]

@@ChrisBFerguson Thanks, Chris. I found this explanation "BBS02 motors made after 2016 are all BBS02B motors"

[@tonyrichardson2637]

@@thankmelater1254 02B has upgraded Moffatts ect as far as i know.

[@thankmelater1254]

@@tonyrichardson2637 Thank you tony. Upgraded mosfets. I think that's the next motor I'll buy in a couple of years when my ready made heavy hub motor bike starts to need replacements of everything.

[@ZEEKUPP]

Once again, another fine video.

[@paulschmidtke425]

Happy with my bbshd , it'll do

[@scottswineford6714]

Actually I like the range, it's 20 miles one way to anything from home and I'm 72 years old. I'm more put off by it being proprietary and likely very very expensive to have more than one.

[@peterbeyer5755]

I like how some batteries fit under the rear rack.

[@Arfonfree]

The deal killer for me would be the proprietary battery.

[@jimmybonifacio6734]

Eyyy, had used bafang over the years in 4 builds and thank you for your advise and reviews! I wonder if the battery can be mounted horizontally inside the frame for a quick swap like those e-moto? Cheers!

[@billb5732]

Am I correct in thinking that the most important programmability feature is setting the top speed? If the controller does that natively, then maybe I don't need to program anything else? Am I missing something? PS: I kind of like huge batteries. Or maybe two battery packs. Especially with good diagnostic info.

[@JohnSmith-ch9lp]

Hello Bill. Along with top speed, on the BBSHD BBS02 you can programme (adjust with a programming cable) when the motor kicks in, how hard it kicks in, how much assist on each level, how long the motor kicks in on each level, how much it reduces as you pedal/get faster. Throttle control can be adjusted. Low voltage cut off and probably I have missed something. So it isnt just top speed. However if it is just top speed that concerns you then this would probably be fine as long as your bike can accommodate the big battery, as not everyone wants to fine tune every parameter but plenty of folk do.

[@billb5732]

@@JohnSmith-ch9lp OK, I was trying to ask for weighting; how important is that stuff? I dunno... I've never tuned one. Haven't even ridden an e-bike... yet. But that is going to change, thanks to you. It sounds as though you find the other settings useful, so I guess that is what I was asking. Thanks again.

[@JohnSmith-ch9lp]

@@billb5732 No problem Bill. Factory settings are fine but you now what folk are like (including me) if you can tweak something you do it. Also although referred to as 'programming' it is really just adjusting the settings (you need a cable and a windoiws laptop but the programme itself is free). For example on mine I adjusted the motor power to come in more slowly as the factory settings seemed a bit sudden for me. I live in a hilly area in England and my ebike (Bafang BBS02b motor) is marvelous for assisting me get places without arriving in a heap of sweat. Good luck Bill if you decide to build one.

[@billb5732]

@@JohnSmith-ch9lp Thanks. I certainly would tinker with it if given a choice. I visited the Cotswalds many years ago. Stunning countryside for cycling. Dunno if it seems that way to a native, but I really enjoyed it as a visitor.

[@JohnSmith-ch9lp]

@@billb5732 Oh great, yes I've been once too. Very pretty. I live in Sheffield and cycle in the Peak District National Park just 10 minutes away. Stunning scenery and some great cycling.

[@jg5458]

Nice work Johnny (if that's really your name, but I understand, gotta protect the family and all that...) On a more serious note, can one split the signal from brake, as you did, to work a brake light ?

[@paulmcdevitt2038]

Incredibly detailed review. Thanks

[@mmmasterscross7915]

Thanks for great review

[@jelobeltran2725]

Ive rebuilt a bafang battery thrice now... You can re use the bms and use it on a different pack...downside is you have to extend the bms wires and still use the charging port and charger

[@ciscokid2444]

I would love for you to put together a video showing the best items to get the best results to convert.I own a Trek FX3 disc and want to install best components to date.

[@lincolnkarim1]

I have only used hub drive for the last several years and I have no issues. I steered away from mid-drives because I imagined that my legs would have to move along with the pedals since the motor is driving the crank. This is a turn off for me, since with the hub drive, you can sit there and never have to move your legs. Especially in winter when I'm wearing several layers of thick clothing. So does the pedals move simultaneously with the crank or is there some kind of mechanism where you can pedal if you want to, to help the motor?

[@JohnnyNerdOut]

Yes, mid drives have a free wheeling crank so that you can keep your legs stationary whenever you want.

[@tombrennan6312]

No mention of whether or not it has a torque sensor, which as a Tongsheng user is the first thing I want to know about a new Bafang.

[@wpjmurray]

It does not have a torque sensor.

[@mistamarcus1877]

I hope you're right about the BBSHD not going anywhere. Thanks for your content.

[@ciberbri59]

Hi Johnny and followers. I have a bafang mid drive and generally love it. My only issue is that I feel a lot of drag in the pedals when I turn it off or set assist to 0. Does anyone else experience this? I’m told it’s normal but as someone who has enjoyed many long climbs on loaded touring bikes it does not feel normal.

[@keithstewart7514]

My Bosch mid drive requires oil not lubricant. Twice yearly I lay the bike flat one one side then the next day the other. Silicone lube will work for less than one month!

[@ravenrock541]

Oh, I definitely would like a 70 mile range, but not at the cost of only being able to buy from Bafang

[@Hummingbird-ju7tk]

I’ll be sticking with my bbs02, unless a third party can make a battery that will work. As far as programming, it is nice but I even kept mine at stock settings

[@doncarleone973]

Agreed on that... What makes the battery proprietary to the system, is it the connector that they use? Can't that just be swapped out with another one more common?? Is something like that is a big turn off for me, might as well buy the bbshd

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

The different connection provides two way communication between battery and controller. No communication and the controller won't accept the power being offered.

[@scottrocks1993]

Yes you can use different battery packs. Funny enough I have two battery packs 36v in series =72v. What have them data wires what I have bypassed on my Ebike. No problems at all it's very simple. For a professionally e-bike builder it should be very easy to work it out.

[@JohnnyNerdOut]

What did you use to bypass the can-bus?

[@Wog68]

Why would most bikers want this giant motor? For ebikes 250W motor with ocassional burst to climb steep hills is all that is required. For batteries fast charger and capacity to last longer is what it needs IMHO. So, fireproof frame laden with a batteries would be ideal. Rest is an experiment at home for few, isn’t it? What bike communities should work on is to ask OEM to make a simple kits. Because if that would have achieved ebikes and ebike kits would have been lot cheaper with mass production and supply.

[@TheRebelmanone]

I would like to see you buy a welder. It is simple enough, but at first you might feel like you don't know what the hell, but you will figure it out fast. This way you can do custom work and have a huge name. You could also take any frame and do anything you want with it, like add a custom motor mount frame out of old bike, or weld on a tapered stock for high performance shocks, Cut and trim, reweld anything you want. There are thousands upon thousands of old bikes to practice on and won't cost you a cent. Just start a organized scrap pile with different metal and steel beams and pipes.

[@williamgerkens573]

I agree, be bold. Bolting on a manufactured kit does not a fabricator make. Why is nobody (but me) welding the motor bracket to the frame? And yes if you have an aluminum frame, you will have to make an aluminum bracket. I would be cutting that frame to make the battery fit. But for most people hose clamps are easier.

[@TheRebelmanone]

@@williamgerkens573 Awesome, that is the spirit of DIY, the spirit of freedom and independence. Yea you could make that battery fit anyway you dream up, anything you want. Starting with just a good enough welder for the type and size of material you will be working with, and a grinder along with other basic tools like hack saw, etc... can be enough you can do anything you can dream up. But if you get good at it and like it, you can keep building up your some enhanced tools once you are confident and willing to make money with them.

[@TheRebelmanone]

@@williamgerkens573 But be sure to keep doing what you are doing too. I just meant it be cool to see some real cool custom stuff too.

[@nanettesage1112]

Is it a bad idea to put the battery on a front rack the bike rather than on the real rack? ((I am just thinking about how we would want the rear rack for carrying stuff))

[@TheNwr1]

I wouldn't recommend it tbh. Weight up in the front on a basket or rack can mess with your handling. Even if the weight is fixed in place, it will still tug on your fork and handlebars if you turn too sharply (or if youre not holding it in place). It would be fine on a bike when the rack is built into the frame (think something like a Radrunner, w/ the four bolts in front). You may be able to get a rear rack that has rails for pannier bags separate from the top of the rack, and while that would raise your center of gravity (more top heavy), it would work out well enough. If you see this, hope this helps!

[@itekani]

Still no torque sensor then. I wish they would make a motor with torque sensing that would be a drop-in replacement for my BBS02.

[@aNDy-qh1em]

I do not care so much how i can program the controller, rather to use any other non-proprietary battery without hack around. But the review was sponsored so we can not expect Johnny to underscore the main drawback.

[@JurassicJenkins]

Sweet - I have that Costco Northrock - I think I found my e-bike guy!

[@GTunechi]

PARADOX KINETICS kit vs X1 Pro Gen 2 3000/5000W mid drive conversion kit what would be the better option I’ll love to see a comparison video

[@JamesMiller_ShadowWalker]

Needed: 3 pin battery communication cable extension or connectors for both ends. where to get this issue solved for recumbent trike installation?

[@ronaldharris6569]

The big battery is aimed at bicycle door dash and package delivery

[@davidcurry1818]

Is the tail light is blocked by the battery as you've installed the battery?

[@jonk8337]

The proprietary battery and being not programmable is a deal breaker. I’m more excited about the Toseven DM01. If Toseven works out and it is priced properly, everyone will be snatching those up instead.

[@rogermcewen7378]

We are adding an M625 to my friends Tadpole trike and we need a cable extension for the battery communication cable and the speed sensor. Looking for a source of the cables or the connectors.

[@johndoyle4723]

Thanks, but not for me, I will stick with my O2. I prefer an in frame battery mount and the ability to modify the control parameters.

[@Ducatijay72]

Stupid newbie question, I'm tempted to either use one of these or a hub motor, just with motor alone I take it the pedals will stay in place, ie you don't need to pedal under power, I presume there's some sort of clutch or something?

[@robw5735]

So when you say it's as powerful as the HD motor, so this motor peaks at around 1500-1700 watts also not the 1000watts and no more? For the crappy gear ratio on the bike it made it up miniature hill alright

[@Tisi.]

at my bafang can bus Hub motor system you can just plug a no name XT60 batt to the system. there is no CAN bus information 4 bat but system starts and after a few seconsd the bat scale stops blinking and shows full status. perhaps it also works with the M625 ond xt90? plug..

[@kevinrice4909]

Love hose clamps . Top shelf !

[@ducti748]

I’m putting together my kit and I don’t think the can bus cable is long enough… looks like you may have had the same issue did you make your own or did you find an extension cable??

[@JohnnyNerdOut]

It was juuust long enough after re adjusting the rack.

[@HighVoltageKits]

The battery looks so stupid on the back. It's like I've been saying. Total shot in their own foot by making it a compromise on such an otherwise excellent frame.

[@jolive3743]

yep. ''we meddle, it's what we do''....hardest thing in life is to know when to leave your product alone, when it works just fine.

[@stevenleslie8557]

I have one Bafang build I bought from a shop. I really love it. It's either a BBS02 or a BBSHD. How can I tell the difference?

[@Oxfire95965]

Please mention to the company if they could please make short cranks that's the only reason why I haven't purchased one yet

[@Time-Chaser]

Johnny, I would like this conversion on my 2017 40v Big cat Fat cat E-bike. Whats your thought?

[@franco912]

Looks like a nice bike for doing deliveries.

[@Advcrazy]

Just stumbled on this video! Very informative!! I never knew this kind of DIY ebike thing existed! Is there any sort of add on ebike kit I can add to my carbon fiber full sus xc bike? Don’t care if it’s not the most powerful or best range.

[@chargeriderepeat7024]

It seems they are back pedaling on this monstrosity, its disappearing from all the outlets.

[@wheelygood1754]

Phew!

[@dennisyoung4631]

Possible improvement on the -hd would be to fit an internal gear set?

[@AlltheAAAs]

What bikes are people using for their builds? I've got m625 motor on my bike but I can't use all my 12 gears as the motor is touching the chainstay

[@cyberp0et]

Aren't these mid drives wearing out the chain faster?

[@dennisyoung4631]

Uh, not really. I used/will use the KMC e9 Ebike chain, along with a wax-based chain lube, and had less than .5 wear in over a thousand miles. (Park tools gage.) Was running this with a BBS-HD, and pulling a grocery-laden trailer at least once a month. Note that I was using a gearshift sensor, and not, as a rule, pushing all that hard. (15 miles an hour, pulling a load of groceries, uphill and all, is a whole lot better than riding a slow, cramped bus while wondering if the person next to you is going to get offended by you being on the same bus!)

[@bergmanst]

Will you still have to grease the gears inside the motor after 600 miles?

[@dennisyoung4631]

I put Mobil-28 grease in the case before installing it. I love the near-silence.

[@jasondundom1390]

So i went to your site and planning the same thing (kinda) the BBS02 mid drive motor 750w, 52v 16ah LG pack Long Slim pack, Smart charger. 1-5 amp selectable, Gear Shift Sensor for Bafang mid drive motor systems, the In-line brake cut off Sensor and the Bafang Programming Cable, For my Trek 4 Series MTB.. is there anything else i need ? Sorry i'm new to the eBikes 💁

[@JohnnyNerdOut]

The smart charger wouldn’t work with that pack. You’d need a 3 pin mini xlr charge port. Almost every shark pack I have is compatible except the long slim pack.

[@JohnnyNerdOut]

@@jasondundom1390 yes

[@treestandsafety3996]

What is bafang doing...? Torque arm loop is cool tho...

[@al-du6lb]

Hey Johnny! Please review the tongsheng.

[@mikecontreras2061]

I have a mongoose mountain bike Durham 29er I would like to know what kit to use for that bike I like to go fast and long distance?

[@markwoodley3790]

I want to buy a new bike, mountain or tour, and add a new emotor system to it. I’m having trouble finding the bottom bracket width. I’m in the military and using the Navy Exchange for bike selection. But I’m not seeing down bracket width. I want the BeFang 1000 motor. Thank you

[@desotopete]

Isn't the aliexpress showing different available battery sizes for this motor?

[@mikstratok]

I was hoping for an alternative to the tongsheng TSDZ2 (also with torque-sensing), was dissapointed...

[@SchnoogansMcDuff]

Absolutely no way I would ever buy or recommend someone buy the m625 if they are even remotely competent with tools/bikes. It's a closed system that doesn't allow any modifications or upgrades and the motor has identical specs to the bbshd.

[@paulschmidtke425]

Love my two bbshd motors , if bafang battery is as good I definitely don't mind , had some hit and miss issues with AliExpress batteries ,( premature failure and not coming up to the stated amp hours) also Amazon batteries for that matter, also I don't really want to tinker with the set engine parameters, battery size , the bigger the better imo I would get two batteries, as I don't drive so excellent range is important to me

[@mattmeyer6471]

I did this install found that i had to upgrade to the larger magnet on my rim from the one they provided.

[@freevideos051]

Thanks for info, have a great day

[@BlueMonkeyBicycles]

Great coverage

[@1Tane55]

I have a maintenance question how often do you think I should change the grease in the BBS202 Gear Box? I try to ride an hour 5-7 days a week. the bike Trex4300 900w 52v Battery

[@zerobeat2020]

What the heck? How can you actually not tip on your back when you try and accelerate on a steep incline? I see why you were not able to fit the battery where you should, but this would never work for me.

[@rockracing325]

you never said what controller it was Johnny..Thanks

[@TreelessPhantom-k83]

i recently bought an e fatbike with a rear hub motor, and imma be honest, i like it. but i want more. i know what im about to say next isnt practical by any means, but im more wondering if its possible. rear hub, central motor, and a front hub. all 3 positions. with a little switch that lets you manually switch between the 3. a throttle is a must, but my question stands, would it work?

[@wande.r]

No

[@PriceBrotherOutdoor]

Did you say that’s a Costco bike??

[@mhorton7202]

Have a question can that emotor b put on a trike...and wat gears would have to b changed out...thank u in advance for your response