Will this 60 Volt eBike Survive the Brutal Desert?

[@RugersLastResort]

CONCLUSION: After cleaning the bike up and looking high and low for any loose connection; I've surmised that the problem lies with 98F ambient temperature and constantly loading the motor via hills. I do not think the metal coupler to the drive motor was the issue, just coincidental as the components cooled. The hills really do not show well on the video. Riding this bike like an enduro cycle, in high temps may not work. The bike seems fine now, I've been ripping it through the neighborhood all morning without a problem. We are going to try this again soon. Just for the hell of it. Thanks for watching and I'll look forward to any additional thoughts on this escapade. RUGER

[@johns5504]

I'd check with wired if a potted controller would work. If it stays cool, your battery stays cool, then its your motor. My guess is the controller, could make it get more air but you know, water.

[@johns5504]

Just saw where another kicked out at 285. So that seems to be the max

[@RugersLastResort]

@@johns5504 My next video will be a sweltering ride of misery above 105 degrees for sure. Look for that and results soon. RUGER

[@johns5504]

@@RugersLastResort Expect it

[@stevenpeavler959]

I just did a trail ride in the latest Wired, 80 degrees ambient. Motor shuts down at 355 degrees. The problem (I think) is that the motor is rated at 1500 watts. 3000 is the peak. If you try to climb a steep incline on level 4 or 5 it will quickly cook the motor causing it to shut down. I had to push this bike up a steep hill for a good 30 minutes lol. What I’ve done is set level 3 to 50% power which should be about 1500 watts. My next ride I’ll keep it on level 3 on the steep climb and see how it goes.

[@heavenlyblue]

I received a brand new Freedom in Sep2024. The PAS worked fine on first ride, but the throttle did not do anything at all. I contacted Wired via Chat and was informed to remove the cloth like velco wrap around the cables near the handlebars (says WIRED on it). Then check for loose or disconnected cables which can happen during shipping. On mine I had a disconnected cable, and others connectors looked loose. For the disconnected cable, I made sure the Triangle on both black connectors matched up, and reconnected the 2 cables, and made sure the others cables were connected good. Fixed my problem in case someone has a similar issue.

[@johns5504]

Set your C8 setting to one. If its at zero it won't show motor Temps. It also then may not show excess heat/error on display. As mentioned here, tailhappy ran his bike hard along the beach and overheated it, not sure if he had motor temp gage on or not. But it gave error code and shut down.

[@RugersLastResort]

Appreciate the info. I am going to adjust that setting and perform another 'wilderness' type run 👍👍 RUGER

[@MrDeath1988]

Can't wait to get my ebike and explore and more interested in areas untouched by man and just pure God creation.

[@RugersLastResort]

It's a wonderful experience for sure. RUGER

[@jasongress3738]

I own a Wicked Cruiser (Wired's former name) and I have had that happen too. It can happen for two reasons in my experience: 1) Battery dips below shut-off threshold momentarily. This happens rarely when battery voltage is around 54V and you give it a heavy load. 2) Controller overheats. That controller cannot breathe at all inside that black plastic box. 99% of the time it works great, but that can happen. I suspect the newest models with the potted controller won't have this problem. What I normally do is power cycle the bike and it comes right back. Happy Riding!

[@RugersLastResort]

Thanks for giving us your experience. Yes, I do believe it was either the controller or motor that overheated. I'm going to go on a hot run soon and see how it does. RUGER

[@daleloch1089]

Nice troubleshooting Ruger!

[@RugersLastResort]

Thanks! Luck was lurking in the desert 😎 RUGER

[@MikeForbes-ih2yq]

These are the kind of trails that I ride on here in the coal region of PA.( minus the cactus) of course. We have full forestry along our backroads instead and I won't go out riding in 90+ degree weather either. I haven't had any problems like that on my Aug '23 model yet but once in a while it will not accelerate on throttle for a few seconds.

[@daveyJ213]

My first thought was, How do you keep track of where the truck is parked? Knowing myself, I'd get out there can get myself lost. However, that was an awesome ride, and a great look at how the WIRED Freedom performs on super rough terrain. Very cool! Glad you avoided the "cactus ass". My grandson got a leg full of the jumping stuff on his last visit to the desert. Nasty. Stay safe.

[@RugersLastResort]

I just stay within a reasonable distance to the vehicle. Been playing in this area for decades. Thanks for watching 👍 RUGER

[@49lakers]

Please do it again in cooler temperatures, I want to know if I should take mine hunting… 🤔

[@ByteMyWire]

Damn, I thought for sure I was gonna get to call you Cactus Ass at the end of the video, but you stayed upright. 😛 I'm a electrical guy (electronics, avionics, industrial). There is a 2 pin connector inside the downtube near the bottom bracket (Battery to Controller connection). That came apart on TailhappyTV's ride on bumpy terrain. It looked like you still had power to the display though. Many motors have a thermal overload that opens the connection to the battery. It's internal to the motor. They self reset after the motor cools down a bit. May not present a error code, it depends if Wired is monitoring it (probably not). Although I would think the controller would fault due to open load. You could test this by disconnecting that motor connector you messed with. If no error with that disconnected, then you wouldn't get a error if there is a overload installed that had opened. My 2 cents anyway. Would know more if Wired would send me my damn bike already. LOL 😁

[@RugersLastResort]

No cacti ass this run! Yeah, I don't think that swingarm connection was the issue. The motor overheated. 😒 RUGER

[@FreakyT333]

So while I agree with your conclusion of temporarily overheating, on a few occasions riding my Wired Cruiser on bumpy terrain, it shut down on me. After poking around for loose connections etc. I found that the problem was the battery losing connection enough to shut the bike down. Threw a strap around the battery to keep it from wiggling at all and haven’t seen the issue since.

[@RugersLastResort]

Thank you for relaying your experience. I've had an occasion wherein the battery didn't fully seat, lost power while riding over a speed bump. RUGER

[@benlaubscher6371]

I have one i got feb of this year.have just under 300 miles on it now .been riding 20 plus miles a day last 5 days.in 7th gear im developing a chain jump or something every once in awhile..im 6' 3 300 lbs and i can still get it up to 34-35 pretty easy...i ride usually in mode 2 or if its windy mode 3..

[@Freedom_eRider]

I'll bet ya is overheating. Turn on your motor temp on the display C8=1. If your motor heats up past about 280f it'll shut down. Happened to me a few times in similar conditions.

[@RugersLastResort]

Yes, I believe this as well. That connection to the motor issue does not add up. Thanks for the info 👍👍 RUGER

[@ebikehub]

Overheating is a common issue with ebikes, and I've seen it firsthand with several different models, including two Wired bikes. It seems like it can happen to any ebike unless the controller is way overpowered compared to the other components. Potting the controller on my Freedom with potting epoxy completely solved the problem for me. I bought Max EPC Electronic Potting Compound, It was about $35 and totally worth it! If you're struggling with overheating, give it a try. 👍

[@RugersLastResort]

@@ebikehub Thanks for that info on your experience and remedy. My next video will be a hot ride test. Waiting for temps to break 110 for the ride. We'll see what happens and go from there! RUGER

[@DaveGonzales-qz4ks]

I put tie wraps on that connection on each side of thumb twist connector. To much vibration will jigger it loose.

[@ejd1149]

Hey, I live a little north of Wickenburg so I know what you are putting the bike through and it's nice to see someone actually take this bike off road and really test it to see what it was made to do. Great review. I have a Juiced Rip Currant and have never had a problem with over heating or breakdowns. These are off road fat tire ebikes, this is what they were made to do. I was interested in this bike for the full suspension because my Juiced is a hard tail. How did it ride? Also how did it handle? This bike is very heavy at over 90 pounds. As a retired engineer I would say they have an engineering problem, this bike should not fail in these conditions. Back to the drawing board Wired. I will pass.

[@RugersLastResort]

Thanks for watching. The Wired had a nice overall ride and handled fine. It's just the drivetrain that was the weak point. I suspect overheating due to high voltage. The Wired definitely is no enduro motorcycle replacement! RUGER

[@RidinRetired]

At least there’s no sketchy tunnels.

[@RugersLastResort]

Not sure but may choose the tunnels over power loss issues 🤞 RUGER

[@natelesan2773]

44mph on a downhill throttle only. What do you get on a flat throttle only? Say 1 minle flat ground, what are you topping out at and what will your average speed be. Love the video, cheers!

[@RugersLastResort]

Thanks for watching. I'm probably 35-38 MPH depending on battery status, wind, slope, etc. Most avg speed 18-24 depending on mood, style, ,etc... RUGER

[@mikebordeaux8218]

When the time comes let me know which Goodwill you drop her off at 😉

[@RugersLastResort]

Ha ha will do! RUGER

[@ishgumi44]

I can't tell ya how many times I wiped out on these type of trails and, yeah, I fell on a cactus a couple of times. Us AZ people are used to it. Always have needle nose pliers on you. The bike held up much better then my pride.. What I really hate is sandy washes, though. They are the kiss of death. ☠

[@RugersLastResort]

Ouch! My skin survived this run; but, pulled a few out of the tires! RUGER

[@wreckloose120]

Waiting for my bike too. Really want to know what the problem was with this ride…

[@RugersLastResort]

I believe the motor overheated. I'll pin a comment above with my subjective opinion. RUGER

[@wreckloose120]

@@RugersLastResort thanks!

[@1bottlefed]

If you do this type of riding a lot you might want to look into adding a small ducted fan to blow on the rear hub. I recently converted my Freedom to 72 volts and was thinking of adding a fan to keep it cool. However I ride mine on road and found that I can ride at 35+ on hot days without the motor even passing 150°f so it seems that the heat build up issue is more a product of lack of air movement not the watts being used.

[@RugersLastResort]

Congrats on that 72v upgrade. I agree that it's probably a lack of air movement. Thanks for watching. RUGER

[@jeremywheeler2122]

How do you do that kind of upgrade? Sounds super cool

[@Thom_Yorky]

what kind of bike rack do you have behind the 4Runner?

[@RugersLastResort]

That is a motorcycle carrier I picked up on Amazoon. Forgot the brand but price was under $125. Works well but I'd rather have the one that 'clamps' the bike down. Those ratchet ties I use are a pain in the ass! RUGER

[@benlaubscher6371]

In 7 th gear I get a chain jump or something every once in awhile? I've got just under 300 miles on mine .got in Feb this year...no other problems at all .been riding 20 plus miles a day last 5 days....I'm 6'3 300 lbs..can still easily get it to about 34-35 mpb..I ride in 2 power mode 70 percent of time and 3 if it's windy !.

[@darinsmith2458]

I would say that is an extreme ride.. I have seen many extreme rides with this bike and that is why I like it..

[@weareallamericans7358]

Please do tell us more about the Durability of the bike's Ability 🤔

[@RugersLastResort]

Absolutely 👍 I'll probably pin a comment regarding my findings later today. RUGER

[@vanceg4901]

Have rode 150 CC scooters the last 25 years or so and the last one a Honda PCX 150 got totalled when a lady pulled in front of me and I did a long slide under her SUV. I'm 59 now and think my next bike is going to be a $2000.00 or so Ebike. Will keep the 🔋 in a Bat Safe XL lithium battery box same as I do with my EGO electric lawnmower and Craftsman electric lawn tools batteries.

[@RugersLastResort]

I've been kinda eyeing those 150cc scooters. They look like a fun little ride. Good luck with your ebike search. RUGER

[@ACJr7]

When you see this e-bike on the back of The Toyota SUV you can really get a sense of how big it actually is. I'm 5'7" and won't have a problem riding it but it'd be like riding a horse. 😝

[@RugersLastResort]

Yes, that Wired is a tall one! RUGER

[@damonjenkins3798]

Another wired freedom breaks down. Glad it was something simple! Guess you have to stay clear of rough terrain. Nice ride!

[@RugersLastResort]

Yeah, it's no gas enduro bike, that's for sure. Thanks for watching. RUGER

[@martinschwartz7342]

If that was a mid-motor bike those hills would be easier.

[@AllAround360media]

FlatOut & mr. Tuffy trump the Slime (shorter lifespan) & the Tannus option is bad, bcuz of more rolling resistance & they theorize that moving the tube an inch away prevents flats, uhh.. nope..

[@RugersLastResort]

Yeah, I'm sure tannus 'may' help but I'm not interested in the price nor installation. Never tried the other sealers yet... RUGER

[@coreyalexander4766]

This won’t happen to me. I bought a 5 star

[@RugersLastResort]

I hope you are right 👍. RUGER