Bafang M560 Mid-Drive Motor: Complete Specs, Performance Data, and Compatible E-Bikes

The Bafang M560 is a 750 W nominal mid-drive motor with a peak torque range of 150–160 Nm, delivered through a geared reduction system. It operates on 48 V or 52 V battery platforms and fits frames with a BSA threaded bottom bracket (shell width 68–100 mm). The M560RS variant adds a factory-integrated torque sensor for smoother, more responsive pedal assist. This motor appears as both a standalone conversion kit and as OEM equipment on select production e-bikes.

Key Specifications at a Glance

The 150–160 Nm torque figure is the peak at the crank under full throttle or high pedal-assist mode. Real-world sustained torque depends on battery voltage, controller current limits, and thermal load during extended climbs.

Torque Delivery and Climbing Performance

The M560 achieves its torque advantage over smaller Bafang mid-drives (M400, M600) through a higher internal gear reduction ratio. This allows the motor to maintain crankshaft torque at low cadence without excessive current draw.

• Peak torque window: 150–160 Nm at approximately 40–60 RPM crank cadence
• Sustained climbing capability: Maintains 80–90% of peak torque on 15–20% grade for 8–12 minutes before thermal limiting begins
• Thermal limiting behavior: Controller reduces power after 5–8 minutes of full-throttle climbing on grades above 15%. A 2–3 minute cooldown at low load restores peak output.
• Efficiency sweet spot: 60–90 RPM cadence at 60–80% throttle yields the best Wh/mile ratio on paved climbs

Rider outcome: On a typical 5-mile commute with two sustained climbs at 12% grade, the M560 delivers full torque for both ascents without noticeable sag. On a single 25-minute fire-road climb at 18% grade, expect a gradual power reduction after the 8-minute mark. Plan your gear selection to maintain cadence above 60 RPM — this keeps the motor in its most efficient region and delays thermal limiting.

Real-world comparison: The M560 delivers roughly 30–40% more peak torque than the Bafang M600 (120 Nm claim) and about 10–15% more than the M620 (160 Nm claim, but at higher weight). The trade-off is that the M560’s smaller housing runs hotter under sustained load than the M620.

Battery System Requirements and Voltage Trade-offs

The M560 requires a 48 V or 52 V nominal battery. A 36 V pack will trigger undervoltage protection early because the controller cuts power at approximately 43 V — a voltage that a 36 V pack reaches while still showing 30–40% remaining charge.

BMS rating rule: The M560 controller can draw 30–35 A peak. If your battery’s BMS continuous discharge rating is below 30 A, the BMS will trip during hard acceleration or steep climbs. Use a 40 A or higher BMS with a 52 V pack for reliable full-power operation.

Practical decision: For a commuter on flat terrain, a 48 V 17.5 Ah battery with a 30 A BMS is sufficient. For a cargo bike or off-road rider who climbs regularly, step up to a 52 V 20 Ah pack with a 40 A BMS — the extra voltage headroom delays thermal limiting and gives a wider usable torque band.

Frame Fit and Bottom Bracket Compatibility Checklist

The M560 fits BSA (English) threaded bottom bracket shells only. Shell width must be 68–100 mm. Non-BSA frames require adapters that introduce chainline offsets and clearance risks.

Bottom bracket shell width and spacer requirements:

• 68 mm shell: No spacers needed. Fits standard mountain and hybrid frames. Chainline remains factory-specified.
• 73 mm shell: One spacer on the drive side. Common on older mountain bikes and some fat bikes.
• 100 mm shell: Two spacers plus a longer chainline. Typical on fat bikes with 170–190 mm rear dropout spacing. Expect the chainline to shift 3–5 mm outward.

Frame compatibility rules:

• BSA threaded shells (1.37″ x 24 TPI): Direct fit — look for “BSA” or “English” stamped on the shell
• Non-BSA frames (BB86, BB30, PF30, T47): No direct fit. Requires a threaded adapter cup. Even with an adapter, chainline may shift 3–6 mm, causing chain drop on the smallest rear cog. Test fit before final assembly.
• Japanese or Italian threading: Not compatible without thread adapters. Check shell stamping carefully.

Clearance check points:

1. Measure the bottom bracket shell width with a caliper (tape measure is too coarse for the 0.5 mm tolerance)

2. Verify the threading: BSA is 1.37″ x 24 TPI. Look for “BSA” on the shell or old BB cup.

3. Check motor housing clearance: The M560 extends ~75 mm from the shell center toward the chainring side. Ensure no frame tube, cable guide, or water bottle boss is within that radius.

4. Confirm chainstay clearance: A 2–3 mm gap between the motor housing and chainstay is the minimum safe clearance under load. On frames with thin chainstays (older carbon road frames), the housing may touch during hard pedaling.

Success signal: If the bottom bracket is BSA 68–73 mm and no frame member is closer than 5 mm to the motor housing, the M560 fits without modifications.

Compatible E-Bikes and Conversion Considerations

The M560 appears in two distribution channels: aftermarket conversion kits and OEM factory builds. Conversion compatibility depends entirely on frame fit. OEM bikes with the M560 are limited but growing.

Factory e-bikes known to use the M560 (model availability varies; verify locally):

• Watt Wagons: Select models in the Hydra series (check specific year and trim — not all variants use the M560)
• CYC X1 Pro (aftermarket controller pairing, not OEM motor)
• Mario e-bikes: Some cargo and utility builds

Conversion kit compatibility:

The M560 is sold as a full conversion kit including motor, controller, display, wiring harness, and sometimes a battery. The kit fits any bike that meets the BSA bottom bracket requirement listed above. Key factors for a successful conversion:

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