Levo 2019 motor noise

Adasb said:
I had the first 2019 SW Levo in New Zealand, and picked it up in ~September 2018. I had replaced a 2017 Aluminum Levo Comp. Immediately I noticed a difference in noise. The new bike was louder with 2 distinct pitches to the noise. A deeper baseline noise with an intermittent higher pitch 'whine' that seemed to be more obvious at higher cadence. Without another 2019 to compare with, I just sucked it up as it had been explained that there was more noise transmission with the carbon frame + the Magnesium casing with the motor had less dampening. 2 months later, my wife's small S- works levo arrived, and wow, that was quiet! I'm a bigger guy (188cm, 95Kg) but I had to try her bike to see if it was my 'heft' causing the drag, but no, my size made no difference and my bike made the same noise for my lighter wife (65kg).

By that stage, the news about the motor noise recall was all around, so I got a new motor under warranty. Initially, I was happy (riding around the carpark at the LBS), but after my first ride on the trails, the same 'swarm of bees' noise was there, and I was embarrassed to ride past other clockwork bikes with any assistance on!

So, back to the LBS, and now I'm on my 3rd motor. This is just as quiet as my wife's now and I'm so happy... I can now sneak up on other riders without being self-conscious of the noise. It feels smoother too. I still have my aluminium Levo as a spare, and I think the noise is only slightly louder on the new 2019 carbon bike, but it should be insignificant. If yours makes a lot more noise, I'd suggest getting a motor swap...

They performed the foam insert recall / mod for the back of my motor casing, but the cover has 3 holes still. not sure what the 4-hole cover was supposed to do....
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Hi,

I am now riding with my 2nd motor. (Levo 2019 Comp) I can only hear the motor when riding uphill, low gearing and high cadence. Also in eco at 10/15% you can hear the motor clearly but it’s also not really irritating. However ifif it would be totally quiet, like the 2017/2018 motor, it would have been great.

Do you recognize the above? If so, do you recognize it with your 2nd or 3rd motor?
 
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Adasb said:
They performed the foam insert recall / mod for the back of my motor casing, but the cover has 3 holes still. not sure what the 4-hole cover was supposed to do....
Click to expand...

I think it's to pull the case better together to stop the gap. I can get a 3mm Allen key in all along the bottom. See here...

1947328918.jpeg
 
My SW went back today as it won't switch on consistently. I did enquire about the 4 bolt housing while there and apparently this will be fitted under (uk) warranty if the original fit is poor with the 3 bolt set up. I did not have a problem with my 3 bolt so it will not be changed.
 
DONUT said:
My SW went back today as it won't switch on consistently. I did enquire about the 4 bolt housing while there and apparently this will be fitted under (uk) warranty if the original fit is poor with the 3 bolt set up. I did not have a problem with my 3 bolt so it will not be changed.
Click to expand...
Can you let me/us know what the outcome of this was and how long they had the bike for please. I'm getting anxious about handing mine over as I need it daily.
 
All Mountain Coaching said:
Can you let me/us know what the outcome of this was and how long they had the bike for please. I'm getting anxious about handing mine over as I need it daily.
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Hi AMC - I have posted elsewhere tonight on the news I have had today from the LBS. I am still hopeful to get the bike on friday as they believe they can get a new harness in 24 hours from specialised apparently. I remain hopeful that I will get a ride in this weekend.
 
2019 S-Works here. Definitely emits a loud whine - especially at high cadence.

I still have a 2016 Expert that is virtually silent.

The motor also does this strange thing when I stop pedaling it will "leave the assist on" for a moment or two. Is this normal?

Should I request my LBS replace the motor?
 
Hightower said:
2019 S-Works here. Definitely emits a loud whine - especially at high cadence.

I still have a 2016 Expert that is virtually silent.

The motor also does this strange thing when I stop pedaling it will "leave the assist on" for a moment or two. Is this normal?

Should I request my LBS replace the motor?
Click to expand...

I’d definitely ask my local bike shop to have a look. After two replacements my motor is pretty quiet now whereas before the exchange it sound like a swarm of bees when I was going down a single track. Quite embarrassing after spending $$ on high end gear!

I’ve noticed that lag in power disconnect on my sw as well as my 2017 aluminium comp Levo...
Might be a software adjustment that can be made?
 
Hightower said:
The motor also does this strange thing when I stop pedaling it will "leave the assist on" for a moment or two. Is this normal?
Click to expand...

Try playing with the ‘acceleration’ settings in Mission Control. I believe higher settings speeds up engagement/disengagement ‘feel’

Simon
 
Hi. The lag is normal and discussed in some reviews. It actually has some small benifits when climbing difficult trails. Very debatable.
 
Nando Lope said:
I’ve uploaded a video with my Levo at highest cadence in turbo mode. What do you think about the noise? My local dealer says it is not one with the issue but I still found it noisy:

Click to expand...

Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!
 
That seems really noisy to me, I didn’t think they knew which ones were affected until the bikes were used?
 
Nando Lope said:
Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!
Click to expand...

For me this sounds totally abnormal. I checked your Youtube channel. You posted a video 5 months ago too about this topic. Also there the noise level is already at such an irritating level that I would never ever accept it.

Good luck and hopefully Specialized/Brose is able to solve the issue soon for you.
 
Maastricht said:
Nando Lope said:
Finally my motor needs to be replaced it has gone worse with use. Listen to it now:


I’ll tell you as I test the new one!!!
Click to expand...

For me this sounds totally abnormal. I checked your Youtube channel. You posted a video 5 months ago too about this topic. Also there the noise level is already at such an irritating level that I would never ever accept it.

Good luck and hopefully Specialized/Brose is able to solve the issue soon for you.
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So...I got my motor replaced this week and this is the result: I feel it more powerful, less rough but still noisy
Check the video:
 
Nando Lope said:
So...I got my motor replaced this week and this is the result: I feel it more powerful, less rough but still noisy
Check the video:
Click to expand...

I just watched your video. Regarding the more powerfull new motor this might has to do with the latest firmware. Regarding the sound, for my feeling, mine is less noisy but it’s hard to say based on your camera and mic setup compared to real situation when sitting on the bike.

If you still don’t trust I would recommend to inform your dealer again. Maybe you unfortunately need a 3rd motor...
 
Maastricht said:
Hi,

I am now riding with my 2nd motor. (Levo 2019 Comp) I can only hear the motor when riding uphill, low gearing and high cadence. Also in eco at 10/15% you can hear the motor clearly but it’s also not really irritating. However ifif it would be totally quiet, like the 2017/2018 motor, it would have been great.

Do you recognize the above? If so, do you recognize it with your 2nd or 3rd motor?
Click to expand...
I was thinking of getting Sworks but when i read about people on 3rd motor that is putting me off , if that was a white goods appliance it woud warrant total replacemant.
 
I'm 100%happy with my bike. One thing I find with the good motor is the more you load it the less noise it makes. Literally. By the time Its in 9 or 10 gear there is no noise at all! Will make vid if you like. Yours does still sound loud.
 
Glen said:
I'm 100%happy with my bike. One thing I find with the good motor is the more you load it the less noise it makes. Literally. By the time Its in 9 or 10 gear there is no noise at all! Will make vid if you like. Yours does still sound loud.
Click to expand...
please make one :)
 
It does depend on load. when riding flat or small incline you hear nothing, yes when climbing you hear it more and especially on steep stuff. Heat also play sa factor in my experience. when just starting its less but after 2 hours of pounding and its running 45 deg plus its a bit louder. I don't think its an issue
 
mine is not always noisy, but can you just tell me if this is too noisy.... im a little worried after hearing all the issues.

 
Kentrider said:
mine is not always noisy, but can you just tell me if this is too noisy.... im a little worried after hearing all the issues.

Click to expand...
Mine sounds like yours i always hear a noise unless going really slow . First ebike so normal to me . Berkshire cycles supplied so presume noise is normal. 650 miles still ok here's hoping it continues.
 
It all depends on the amount of load. Try using a higher cadence(lower gear) and/or increase the pedal assist setting on your eco mode. It is quite possible to maintain speed in most terrain with very little rider torque but increased cadence and the motor will be virtually silent. There is then the added benefit that you are putting the least strain on the motor and drivetrain.
 
Mikerb said:
It all depends on the amount of load. Try using a higher cadence(lower gear) and/or increase the pedal assist setting on your eco mode. It is quite possible to maintain speed in most terrain with very little rider torque but increased cadence and the motor will be virtually silent. There is then the added benefit that you are putting the least strain on the motor and drivetrain.
Click to expand...
Interesting, as this situation (uphill in low gear/high cadence) is when my 19' Expert makes a fairly loud noise. Enough to make me self-conscious about it anyway. Higher gearing/torque is much quieter.

Following this thread as I have been meaning to take it back to the shop for an assessment...
 
juuungle said:
Interesting, as this situation (uphill in low gear/high cadence) is when my 19' Expert makes a fairly loud noise. Enough to make me self-conscious about it anyway. Higher gearing/torque is much quieter.

Following this thread as I have been meaning to take it back to the shop for an assessment...
Click to expand...
Same here definitely quieter in higher gear.
 
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