If you want a powerful and versatile mid-drive motor for your electric bike, check out the Bafang M820. This is the latest model from Bafang, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of e-bike drive systems. The M820 is designed to deliver a smooth and responsive riding experience for both e-mountain and e-road bikes. In this blog post, we will review the features, pros, and cons of the Bafang M820 and see why it is an excellent choice for your next e-bike upgrade.
Why is it essential to have an excellent electric bike motor? Well, the motor is the heart of your e-bike. It determines how fast, how far, and how comfortable you can ride. A good motor should provide enough power and torque to tackle any terrain and situation while being efficient and reliable. It should also be compatible with different types of bikes and battery systems and offer a natural and intuitive pedaling feel. The Bafang M820 claims to meet all these criteria and more.
Features of the Bafang M820
The Bafang M820 is a mid-drive motor mounted at the bottom bracket of your bike frame. This gives you a better balance, weight distribution, and more traction and control. The M820 has a magnesium housing, which makes it lighter, stronger, and more corrosion-resistant than aluminum. It also reduces vibrations and improves heat dissipation.
Specs
It has a rated power of 250W and a maximum torque of 75Nm. Depending on the application, it can support speeds of 25km/h, 32km/h, or 45km/h. It also has a peak torque of 95Nm for short bursts of power when needed. The motor has a narrow Q-factor, which means the distance between the pedals is smaller. This improves the power transfer from your legs to the pedals and gives you a more natural riding position.
Design
The M820 has a high-efficiency design that optimizes the energy consumption and range of your e-bike. It has a built-in torque sensor measures your pedaling force and adjusts the motor output accordingly. This gives you seamless assistance matching your riding style and terrain. The motor also has a low noise level, which makes it quieter than other mid-drive motors.
Compatibility
The M820 is compatible with different types of bikes and battery systems. It can fit frames with standard bottom bracket shells (68-73mm) or wider ones (83-100mm). It can also work with different chainring sizes (32-48T) and chain line options (49-56mm). The motor can be paired with various Bafang products to form a complete e-bike system, such as displays, batteries, sensors, etc.
One of the notable features of the M820 is the boost function called “Rocky.” This function lets you activate a short burst of extra power by pressing the “+” button on the display or remote control. This can help you overcome steep hills or tricky obstacles faster and easier.
Pros and Cons
The Bafang M820 is a mid-mounted motor for eMTB and road bikes that offers light, compact, and powerful performance. It has several advantages over other motors in its category, such as:
Pros of BAFANG M820
- It has a rated power of 250W and a max adequate torque of 75Nm, which can reach up to 95Nm at peaks for a short time. This means it can provide strong and smooth support for climbing hills and accelerating on flat roads.
- Thanks to its perfectly tuned torque sensor, it has a maximum extended cadence support of 120 rpm, which can control the exact power according to the pedaling force. This means it can adapt to different riding styles and situations and deliver a natural and harmonious feeling.
- It has a magnesium housing that reduces its weight to only 2.3kg, making it one of the lightest motors in its class. This means it can improve the handling and balance of the bike and reduce energy consumption.
- It is compatible with different types of batteries, displays, and controllers from Bafang, allowing for a high degree of customization and integration. This means it can suit the different preferences and needs of the riders.
However, the Bafang M820 also has some potential drawbacks.
Cons of BAFANG M820
- It is relatively expensive compared to other motors with similar specifications, especially if you want to buy a complete system with a battery, display, and controller. It may only be affordable for some who want to enjoy its benefits.
- It is relatively new in the market, so there are few reviews or feedback from users who have yet to try it. This means it may have some unknown issues or problems that need to be fixed or improved.
Competitors of BAFANG M820
Shimano EP801
A new generation of eMTB motor from Shimano, with a magnesium housing, 250W rated power, 85Nm max torque, and 2.6kg weight. It has a more natural pedaling feel and a quieter operation than the previous EP8 model. Compared to the M820, it has slightly more torque, less weight, less cadence support (110 rpm vs. 120 rpm), and less power at a high cadence.
Bosch Performance Line CX
A popular eMTB motor from Bosch, with a magnesium housing, 250W rated power, 85Nm max torque, and 2.9kg weight. It has four support modes (Eco, Tour, eMTB, Turbo) and an optional eMTB mode that automatically adjusts the support level according to the terrain. Compared to the M820, it has slightly more torque and more modes of support, but also more weight and less cadence support (120 rpm vs 140 rpm).
Brose Drive S Mag
A powerful eMTB motor from Brose, with a magnesium housing, 250W rated power, 90Nm max torque, and 2.8kg weight. It has a smooth and responsive pedaling feel and a low noise level. It also has a flexible interface that allows different displays and batteries to be used. Compared to the M820, it has more torque and more flexibility but also more weight and less cadence support (110 rpm vs. 120 rpm).
Final Thoughts
The BAFANG M820 is a top-of-the-line mid-drive motor that offers powerful and smooth performance for eMTB and road bikes. Its lightweight magnesium housing, high-efficiency design, and natural pedaling feel make it an excellent choice for riders who want the best of both worlds. However, it comes with a higher price tag than other Chinese mid-drive motors and limited user feedback compared to other motors in its category. Overall, the BAFANG M820 is a solid option for those prioritizing performance and versatility in their e-bike upgrade.
Sales Manager at Jieli Electric Bikes.
Near 10 years experience in electric bike industry, researching/marketing/promoting e-bike is my daily life.
