Hey on another note about the axle bolts loosening.... I consider a nylock but a one time use kinda deal. An example being the nylock nuts on a moto sproket. If you don't replace them when swapping gears your asking for ovaling in the mounting holes on the wheels. Don't know if you guys re-use them but it may help to replace em. I now have a nut collection for axles, rear shock and a few others.
E-S Stealth Electric Bike Owners
- Thread starter voicecoils
- Start date
1abv said:
When it comes to the axle bolts loosening no amount of nylock, or thread locker glue will help. The problem is caused by slop between the axle, and the drop outs, and the opposite forces put on the axle from motor torque, and the regen. The only way to stop this from happening is by mechanically locking the axle in place. That's where the torque arm clamp comes into play. It really does work well, but the axle bolts must be correctly tightened in the proper sequence, and the torque arm clamp has to be correctly positioned before it's tightened to the proper torque, for it to work like it's supposed to. If one item in this sequence is incorrect, it won't work.
So no, I don't replace my axle bolts after use, because the nylock only keeps the axle bolt from falling off the axle it if it comes loose, but it doesn't prevent the axle from coming loose in the first place.
Rix
100 TW
Samer said:
These look pretty neat, Doc Bass has one that showed up on another members CF build thread. Curious to see some one's first hand experience. WIth the DIY frames options increasing, I really got to wonder if Stealth will offer one in the future?
Emmett
10 kW
Re: axle nuts loosening: Has anyone removed their regen button, or know a way to reprogram the controller to make regen force less aggressive and sudden?
I ask because on certain downhills I use regen, and:
1. it can seriously degrade the control of the bike compared to carefully applying the desired amount of rear brake.
2. for more gradual downhills, regen is usually too powerful, so I wont use it.
3. I assume regen contributes to hub heat. Correct?
3. After a ride, when I look at my energy spent vs energy from regen, is usually about 800 to 5. Hardly worth it considering issues 1+2.
Re: carbon composite frames: I think these frame "kits" are the future, but for rough off-road riding will these first gen frames flex enough longitudinally? And how durable are they?? The big 4 jap motorcycle MX brands all took years before they could make an alum frame both flexible enough and also survive durability testing. CrMo steel is a very nice material for a few good reasons.
I ask because on certain downhills I use regen, and:
1. it can seriously degrade the control of the bike compared to carefully applying the desired amount of rear brake.
2. for more gradual downhills, regen is usually too powerful, so I wont use it.
3. I assume regen contributes to hub heat. Correct?
3. After a ride, when I look at my energy spent vs energy from regen, is usually about 800 to 5. Hardly worth it considering issues 1+2.
Re: carbon composite frames: I think these frame "kits" are the future, but for rough off-road riding will these first gen frames flex enough longitudinally? And how durable are they?? The big 4 jap motorcycle MX brands all took years before they could make an alum frame both flexible enough and also survive durability testing. CrMo steel is a very nice material for a few good reasons.
Allex
100 MW
The future is with middrives. I think hub motors is just a phase, cheap and simple solution to make the vehicle move.
Yes, regen contribute to motor heat if I use my regen to break from 80 km/h to 0 I can sometimes gain 5-8°C on the stator temp.
It is not possible to activate variable regen on stock controllers. But with my controller I can have variable regen. You can connect the sensor to the rear brake lever and the more you press on it the more it engages the regen and at final pinch it engages the mechanical brakes.
Yes, regen contribute to motor heat if I use my regen to break from 80 km/h to 0 I can sometimes gain 5-8°C on the stator temp.
It is not possible to activate variable regen on stock controllers. But with my controller I can have variable regen. You can connect the sensor to the rear brake lever and the more you press on it the more it engages the regen and at final pinch it engages the mechanical brakes.
Rix
100 TW
Emmett said:
I don't use regen, ever. As far as frame material goes, I think Cromolly is still king, so does KTM for the reason you cited. Its nice to have a tiny bit of flex. And even if there isn't any flex, cromo dampens better than aluminum. Yah, you got to get a little creative with design because its heavier density wise, but that hasn't stopped the Offroad MC world one bit. The twin spar aluminum design is stiff, that being said, the YZ 125 and 250 have aluminum frames and they feel almost like steel. But they are not a twin spar design like the YZF 250- and 450 are either.
Allex
100 MW
For those who want to upgrade their key switches:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64321
"It is ignition switch, expensive one, fancy one. Its mostly meant for bikes with box frame: Stealth, Phasor, Qulbix, Chaika, Boggrunner, but could be used by anyone building custom bikes.
It is a true fingerprint ignition system. It can store 200 fingerprints. It controls 2 switches. The first one is your usual ignition and the second one is 3 speed switch, more like 2 speed switch in this case."
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64321
"It is ignition switch, expensive one, fancy one. Its mostly meant for bikes with box frame: Stealth, Phasor, Qulbix, Chaika, Boggrunner, but could be used by anyone building custom bikes.
It is a true fingerprint ignition system. It can store 200 fingerprints. It controls 2 switches. The first one is your usual ignition and the second one is 3 speed switch, more like 2 speed switch in this case."
I've always thought the regen is just there, because on an expensive bike it's expected, but that doesn't mean it does anything. I use it mainly for slowing down coming up to lights. I'm suspicious it might not be good for the battery, or the motor magnets, but what do I know?
stevebills
100 W
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2011
- Messages
- 249
Rights whats the truth that stealth bikes are made from Chinese parts and fall apart after 3 months?
I was going to buy one but now im on the fence after I have been asking question and don't feel have about parting with my hard earned cash now
Anyone want to jump in and have a say?
thx
Steve
I was going to buy one but now im on the fence after I have been asking question and don't feel have about parting with my hard earned cash now
Anyone want to jump in and have a say?
thx
Steve
Rix
100 TW
stevebills said:
Here are 4 vids I made this year on the Fighter, I have modded both the Fighter and Bomber, but when I say modded, referring to modifying the stock OEM controllers. The Bomber is on its 3rd year now, still original stock battery, and everything else is stock except MC rear wheel conversion and 5404 higher torque slower speed hub motor. I have done MC wheel conversions on both the Fighter and Bomber. Fighter is running modified controller, different battery and MC wheel, everything else is stock. I sold my original battery to another Stealth owner and its still working fine. I weigh 265-270 ready to ride, I hammer the shit of my machines, they never see any easy rides. Yah some of the components are Chinese origin, but Stealth still specs those components from the manufacture. There isn't an American made mass produced hub motor I am aware that can be used fore bicycle applications, so with the exception of Cromotors, its options from Asia. [bChinese parts and fall apart after 3 months][/b] Where did you hear that? Some folks have had some issues with their machines, it happens, but if the original owner and within warranty time frames, I have yet seen or hear of any circumstance where Stealth hasn't stood behind their product.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItGLqH7Jq3k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuSiBsL0nvU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1mVYResxnY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xudfnV6sN9M
Allex
100 MW
devman said:
You forgot the swingarm.
stevebills said:
Try any find anything not made with Chinese parts. If it has wheels, or tits it will give you trouble, but all things considered my Bomber has been as, or more dependable than the best motorized bikes I've ever owned including my Road King, which also had some Chinese parts, and cost $24,000
When you're talking about an electric bike, you need to consider how easy is it to work on, and how easy is it to get parts for. If you don't do your own maintenance, or repairs you probably don't care about that, but you will when a problem occurs. Most electric bikes are very difficult to find a part for that isn't oem. Even if you can find a part from a outside source, it probably won't fit because most electric bikes are made where only the specific oem part will fit in it's place.
Stealth's otoh are made where the frame and running gear will accommodate just about any brand of parts on the market. That's actually one of Stealth's greatest strengths, because it means the bike will never become obsolete. You'll be able to update it forever, same as a Harley. Battery's, controllers, motor, suspension, just about everything can be had from the aftermarket, and everything can be made to fit with minimal modification. Very few bikes on the market right now can make that claim.
Allex
100 MW
stevebills: Honestly, for the money, the Stealth should be better, and I mean all of those small annoying things that you can fix yourself afterwards, like cheap chinese ignition key, aluminum holes in the frame that eats your brake hoses. Screws that starts to rust after first wash. Gear numbers are up side down on the vbox shifter - why not fix the small details Stealth?
But really, you wont find a better ready build bike with that power/speed...
But really, you wont find a better ready build bike with that power/speed...
Allex said:
I had my bike for 2 months wondering about the symbols in the shifter window, and what they meant. I was thinking they were some kind of Australian hieroglyphics. Then one day I mentioned it to a friend who happened to be standing in front of my bike, and he looked at them and said they were just upside down numbers DOH.
Emmett
10 kW
Does anyone make use the "Soft start mode" in the 2014 controller settings?
I've never used it. Initially I saw that option and thought "why would I want that?". Now I'm thinking that maybe it will increase motor efficiency and maybe reduce peak electrical current draw on the battery when RPMs are very low. I'll always like maximum torque as instantly as possible. But for low speed steep inclines, it would be nice to hold the throttle full open and let the controller take care of things to extend ride duration and maybe also battery life. If I use the soft start mode will I still get full torque response when the RPMs are up? I would go out and try it if I could, but I cannot ride this week. So thought I'd ask for some insight. Thanks.
I've never used it. Initially I saw that option and thought "why would I want that?". Now I'm thinking that maybe it will increase motor efficiency and maybe reduce peak electrical current draw on the battery when RPMs are very low. I'll always like maximum torque as instantly as possible. But for low speed steep inclines, it would be nice to hold the throttle full open and let the controller take care of things to extend ride duration and maybe also battery life. If I use the soft start mode will I still get full torque response when the RPMs are up? I would go out and try it if I could, but I cannot ride this week. So thought I'd ask for some insight. Thanks.
Allex said:
100% agree. For the cash they should have much better quality suspension, bolts, connectors amongst other things but there really is no competition for them. The carbon frame looks interesting for a road bike but there is no way in hell ( I don't give a rats ass how many engineers say its aerospace grade) that I would ever trust a carbon frame for serious offroading. Cromo or al.
By the by I put in the firmer 6.5 spring ( stock is 4.5 for 170lbs rider 6.5 is for 210lbs rider ) for the 888's and Went for a spin.. So much better. Turning has a lot more grip, bottoming is not an issue and yes its firmer but its still plush...
How many of you dirt bike guys still ride your dirt bikes? I still ride every weekend. Has your e-bike taken over?
Hyena
10 GW
Theodore Voltaire said:
'Mericans :lol:
While I haven't used stealths version, I imagine the theory is the same across the board.Emmett said:
For street or general trail riding a slow start will extend your range and also reduce heating in the motor.
If you look at the efficiency curves for these motors (and pretty much any for that matter) they're really inefficient at low RPMs, down around 10-20%. That means when you dump say 4000w into it off the line 3000w+ of that is going straight into the windings as wasted heat. Granted it's only for a few seconds but it adds up and if you constantly punch it off the line or labour it up steep hills at low RPM then it's in this inefficiency part of the curve and wasting power. It's also hard on the controllers too as this is when they're doing maximum phase current multiplication. The soft start essentially just limits the current and simulates taking off slowly.
For steep or challenging offroading you want to switch it off as it turns the bike into a slug and will lack that initial shove of torque you need to pull up a grade or over a rocks or logs. I have a 2000w 'economy' mode on mine + an unlimited mode. I ride around largely in the economy mode if I want to go for a long ride but when I come to a hill I flick it to unlimited so I can power up it. Just yesterday I went out for a ride on some tight really steep single track and left it in low mode by mistake and didnt have the necessary torque when I went to climb a steep eroded gully full of tree roots and had to 'involuntarily dismount'. Granted sections of this particular track would be probably better suited to a trials bike, but still this is the sort of place you don't want to use soft start.
Emmett
10 kW
Thanks. When does the soft start mode turn off? Gradually? Full power by some wheel speed?
Hyena
10 GW
I can't comment on the new ones, my fighter was one of the last ones before the DC1 was fitted.
It does have a very tame throttle curve though, nothing much happens for the first half of the range of movement. Good to keep noobs out of trouble I guess and also keep the power consumption down.
It does have a very tame throttle curve though, nothing much happens for the first half of the range of movement. Good to keep noobs out of trouble I guess and also keep the power consumption down.
Rix
100 TW
1abv said:
My Stealth have taken over 99% of my two wheeled riding. I sold my KTM XCF450 and SXF 250 which had an HT Racing 320cc Big bore kit in it. The reason I sold them was I wasn't riding much at all after my son was born, so hauling bikes to unloading site wasn't happening. With the Bomber and now Fighter, I ride at least a couple of times a week. 10 minutes from my house, I am in the rocks and desert. I still have a tricked out CRF 230F with a 250 Big Bore kit, and a bunch of suspension work. I would say for every 8-9 rides on the Fighter, my CRF gets ridden once.
Attachments
Rix said:
Little dog!! That is richeous! Love the small bore bikes..I was over in england and went to a trials school and "green lane" trail tour ( England's version of trail riding...consider yourself lucky you don't have to trail ride in england its pretty sad)... Rode the 230 and an English copy of the same bike.. The guide said if you can find the power band let me know cause I havent! I bet w sokmne work on it you could turn it into a little monster! I have a built crf250, a wr450 which never gets ridden.. I used to have a xr650r..wtf was I thinking?? Anyway thats a cool little beast.. Im not ready to give up the motos yet.. The stealth I ride almost everyday but its no it there for the big stuff yet..
1abv said:
I only ride street bikes, but I've stopped riding all my other bikes except my Bomber. My Sportster has 2 inches of dust on it now. My trusty dependable Tomos sits unused for months at a time. My motor bicycle is just in the way, and I sold another one.
My Bomber is a very endearing bike for city riding. Even though it's fast for a electric bicycle, it's not really fast. 45 to 50 mph just keeps up with traffic here in the cement jungle. It out sprints compact cars from the lights, but struggles with SUVs, and huge pick up trucks. In this giant metropolis it's a little range limited, so I've learned to adjust my speed accordingly, and with some effort it can cover any distance.
It reminds me of a horse. All my bikes have always reminded me of horses in some way, but the Bomber more than others. Horses get tired quickly, running at top speed. Horses cover about 20 miles a day, but can cover over 40 miles if ridden carefully. My Bomber reminds me of the little Pinto horse in the movie Hidalgo. Supposedly an undersized, underdog race horse that won every race it was ever in, because of huge heart, and strong will.
When it comes to electric bicycles, my Bomber is like a thoroughbred. It's never seen the electric bicycle that it couldn't easily run away from. I have to dummy it down riding with friends so they don't end up secretly hating it. More than once I've accidentally left them behind without realizing I was starting to ride beyond their bikes capabilities. When I'm 20 miles from home it's dependability is comforting, knowing that it will get me home safely, and nothing can stop it (except a flat). But even then, I could take it home on a train. When I ride with my friends on their electric bikes, all of them bring their bikes to where we want to ride on a car carrier. I'm the only one that actually rides my bike to the ride, on the ride, and back home again.
And on top of all that, I feel good about the future. Battery's are going to get nothing, but better. Controllers, and motors will improve, and can easily upgrade to my bike when the time comes. If you haven't guessed my now, I really like my Bomber.
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