If you want to convert your bike into an electric bike, you might have come across two popular options from Bafang: the M625 and the BBSHD. Both motors are designed to fit most standard bottom brackets and offer various power and torque options. But what are their main differences, and which should you choose? In this blog post, we will compare the M625 and the BBSHD in terms of exterior design, specifications, performance, customization, and price. We will also give you some tips on installing and maintaining these motors and where to buy them.
Exterior Design
The first thing you will notice when comparing the M625 and the BBSHD is their appearance. The M625 is a newer model released in 2021, and it has a sleeker and more modern look than the BBSHD, which was introduced in 2016. The M625 has a black casing with silver accents and larger cooling fins than the BBSHD, which has a silver casing with black accents and smaller cooling fins. The cooling fins are important for preventing overheating and improving efficiency.
Another difference is the size and weight of the motors. The M625 is slightly smaller and lighter than the BBSHD, which makes it easier to fit on some bikes and reduces the overall weight of the e-bike. The M625 measures 230 x 140 x 130 mm and weighs 4.8 kg, while the BBSHD measures 240 x 150 x 140 mm and weighs 5.8 kg.
A new feature that the M625 has is an auxiliary mounting point on the top of the motor, which allows you to secure it to the downtube of your bike with a steel clamp supplied with the kit. This can help prevent motor movement and improve stability, especially on rough terrain or high torque situations. The BBSHD does not have this feature, but you can use Loctite or other methods to prevent motor movement.
Specifications
Both motors have similar specifications regarding rated voltage, current, power, torque, and efficiency. They can run on 48V or 52V batteries (although some sources say that the M625 can only run on a specific Bafang battery), and they have different power options depending on your preference and local regulations. The M625 has three power options: 500W (13A), 750W (20A), and 1000W (27A), while the BBSHD has two power options: 750W (25A) and 1000W (30A). The torque of both motors ranges from 120 Nm to 160 Nm depending on the power option, and their efficiency is around 80%.
One issue that some users have reported with the M625 is that it has a battery compatibility problem, meaning it can only work with a specific Bafang battery that uses Samsung 21700 cells. This battery has a good capacity of 19Ah (960Wh) and a high discharge rate of 35A, but it is also very bulky (440 x 110 x 90 mm) and heavy (5.5 kg), which limits your options for battery placement and selection. The BBSHD does not have this problem, as it can work with most standard batteries with an XT90 connector.
BAFANG M625
Performance
The Bafang BBSHD is a well-established mid-drive motor on the market since 2015. It has a rated power of 1000W and a peak power of 1500W, with a maximum torque of 160Nm. It can reach up to 50 km/h (31 mph) on flat terrain and climb steep hills. It is also relatively quiet and smooth, thanks to its sinusoidal wave controller and gear reduction system.
The Bafang M625 is a newer model that was released in 2021. It has a rated power of 1000W and a peak power of 1200W, with a maximum torque of 140Nm. It can reach up to 45 km/h (28 mph) on flat terrain and climb moderate hills with some effort. It should also have a more efficient and intelligent controller that uses field-oriented control (FOC) technology and CANbus communication protocol.
The advantages of the BBSHD are its higher peak power, torque, and speed, which make it more suitable for off-road riding, heavy loads, and extreme conditions. The disadvantages are its higher weight, bulkiness, and heat generation, which can affect its reliability and durability.
The advantages of the M625 are its lower weight, sleeker design, and improved controller, which make it more suitable for urban riding, lighter loads, and moderate conditions. The disadvantages are its lower peak power, torque, and speed, which make it less capable of handling challenging terrain, heavy loads, and extreme conditions.
Customization
The Bafang BBSHD is a highly customizable mid-drive motor with many aftermarket parts, accessories, and firmware available. You can change the chainring size, add a gear sensor, install throttle or brake levers, upgrade the display or battery, or flash a custom firmware to tweak the settings and performance. However, modifying the motor can void the warranty and make it illegal in some countries to use on public roads.
The Bafang M625 is a less customizable mid-drive motor that has limited aftermarket parts, accessories, and firmware available. You can change the chainring size or add a gear sensor, but you cannot install throttle or brake levers, upgrade the display or battery, or flash a custom firmware. The motor only works with the Bafang battery (50.4V 19Ah) that uses Samsung 21700 cells. Modifying the motor can also void the warranty and make it illegal in some countries to use on public roads.
The advantages of the BBSHD are its greater flexibility, versatility, and personalization options, which allow you to tailor the motor to your preferences and needs. The disadvantages are its higher cost, complexity, and risk of damaging the motor or breaking the law.
The advantages of the M625 are its lower cost, simplicity, and compatibility with the Bafang battery, which ensure a hassle-free installation and operation. The disadvantages are its lower flexibility, versatility, and personalization options, which limit your choices and possibilities.
BAFANG BBSHD
How to Choose Between BBSHD and M625
If you are looking for a high-performance motor that can handle any terrain, load, or condition and are okay with spending more money and time on customization and maintenance, then the BBSHD might be the best option.
Suppose you are looking for an efficient motor that can handle most terrain, load, or condition. You prefer a simple and easy installation and operation without much customization or maintenance. In that case, the M625 might be the best option for you.
Final Thoughts on BAFANG BBSHD VS. M625
When it comes to choosing between the Bafang M625 and BBSHD mid-drive motors for an e-bike conversion, it depends on your needs and preferences. The BBSHD offers higher peak power, torque, and customization options but comes at a higher cost and complexity. The M625 is more efficient, simpler, and easier to install and maintain but has lower peak power, torque, and customization options. Ultimately, deciding which is better for your e-bike conversion project is up to you.