Levo SL Gen 1 Levo SL 2023 Megathread

[Streddaz]

The current model is already very good, with good kinematics. I would expect a steeper seat tube and longer front end, a slight increase in power (35 is already good in my book) so the battery size will be increased accordingly. 45/400? I imagine that they have worked hard to keep the weight to around the same as present model.

It would have to be at least the same weight, as the full powered Levo is reasonably light for a full powered bike anyway, so they don't want to push it too close to that. If all bikes initially came out with 35Nm we would think that's fine but because the mark was around 80Nm from the beginning, so many people think it's way too underpowered. I think 35Nm is just fine but I suppose if you are used to more it can seem underpowered. Then again if you ride a dirt bike, all Ebikes are underpowered.

 

[Darkyhs]

Cheers to the insiders…

@sluette, you seem to know a lot more What's up What can you share?

 

[Geniusbiker]

@sluette, you seem to know a lot more What's up What can you share?

He´s not allowed to do so...but he also cannot resist to share what he´s knowing even if it´s only in really small details, bit by bit. Otherwise he might be getting in trouble with his dealer (who also was not allowed to give him all these information).

 

[ebikeZA]

Limiting my Normal levo to 40% Peak power should simulate the motor on a SL ?
Maybe 45% to account for additional weight of the bike. If that's the case then 35NM is fine for the SL as I often ride in that setting on my levo.

But if they want to sell bikes, they need to keep up with the trend... and the trend at the moment is 50/60nm for lightweight

Long gone are the days when specialized were creating the trend. now im afraid they need to catch up ... lets see what the new SL has to offer... I could be wrong. But looking at what is out on the market already I think its going to have to be something really special.

As for the side arm ... that's what I loved about the SL .. without it it looks like an old stumpy. If the folks at specialised keep to their promise in the Rob interview with a motor being backwards compatible.. I would love a current SL with the upgraded more powerful motor. As I just love the lines and look of the current SL

 

[Eduardoramundo]

 

[Doomanic]

The new Levo SL to come out in 2-3 months. 50nm same motor tweeked, choice of batteries, Mastermind, and S sizing, plus one revolutionary thing tbd. You heard it here.

@Dax

 

[Ou812]

It would have to be at least the same weight, as the full powered Levo is reasonably light for a full powered bike anyway, so they don't want to push it too close to that. If all bikes initially came out with 35Nm we would think that's fine but because the mark was around 80Nm from the beginning, so many people think it's way too underpowered. I think 35Nm is just fine but I suppose if you are used to more it can seem underpowered. Then again if you ride a dirt bike, all Ebikes are underpowered.

It will be heavier, I’m guessing around 5-6lbs judging by how it looked. But that’s not really a big deal, all bikes are getting heavier nowadays.

 

[Moderator]

Merged two of the SL Rumours threads to avoid some duplication ..

 

[Doomanic]

It will be heavier, I’m guessing around 5-6lbs judging by how it looked. But that’s not really a big deal

You must be joking! 2.5-3kg extra makes it totally pointless.

 

[Ou812]

You must be joking! 2.5-3kg extra makes it totally pointless.

A bigger battery with what looked to be the same motor then add the flight attendant suspension that was on it then the weight makes sense.

The weight savings on most of the new lightweights is in the motor/battery package. The Fazua/TQ motors are tiny/light, Spesh looks to be using the same motor as the old LSL.

 

[Loamranger]

No way 5/6 Ibs heavier.

Anyhow, it will be a while coming. End 2023 earliest I should think.

 

[JSQ]

,

 

[head]

Just heard from the local Specialized rep that it's postponed until the first week in May.

Looks like 2022 Levo SL rumors were recycled for 2023 .

 

[MM5K]

Limiting my Normal levo to 40% Peak power should simulate the motor on a SL ?
Maybe 45% to account for additional weight of the bike. If that's the case then 35NM is fine for the SL as I often ride in that setting on my levo.

I made a power calculator in Excel to play with different settings, since I have both the Levo and KSL. The closest Levo power settings to match the stock KSL settings (power only, not accounting for weight) would be 15/15, 25/25/, and 45/45:

 

[Loamranger]

Kenevo SL unchanged for quite a while apparently.

As I see it with the LSL, Specialized would have had two choices:
Keep the same power and size of battery but reduce weight.
Add power and larger battery ( as demanded by Joe Public) and try and keep the weight the same.

 

[Suns_PSD]

My Relay was delayed till May which pleases me as I'm a Spesh fan boy and want to see the new Levo SL before spending my money.

That said, the same motor suggests the same noise, and that is a deal killer for me.

Watching and waiting.

 

[sluette]

Heard about same motor casing with complete new internals. Quiet as TQ…

 

[Doomanic]

Quiet as TQ…

Not a chance.

 

[sluette]

Not a chance.

Why?

 

[Doomanic]

If the cases stay the same the internal layout will remain the same. If the power is up the internals will need to be stronger which may mean metal rather than plastic gears. Metal gears will not be quieter than plastic gears. All IMO of course.

 

[sluette]

Let’s wait and see

 

[boBE]

If the cases stay the same the internal layout will remain the same. If the power is up the internals will need to be stronger which may mean metal rather than plastic gears. Metal gears will not be quieter than plastic gears. All IMO of course.

Yep, your IMO looks correct to me.
Helical gears are quieter than the straight-cut that the SL uses but they add an axial load so the housing must be stronger (heavier). Metal gears add weight and $$.
Most of my riding is at 35% so I would rather see a new SL with the same power and 3-5 kg *less* weight. Of course I understand that is not what the market is likely to want.

 

[Streddaz]

I was speaking to my dealer yesterday and he said the new Levo SLs are in the warehouse ready to go but are waiting for the new motors to arrive. He said that they are more powerful and are quieter than the current SL motor and share the same frame design as the new Stumpjumper. He didn't mention battery size or weight.

 

[sluette]

and share the same frame design as the new Stumpjumper.

Maybe it shares the Geo with the actual Stumpjumper (as also the old SL shared it with the 2018 Stumpjumper), but it definitely comes without the beam parallel to the damper.

 

[David666]

I would say that official release could be during Sea Otter Classic (April 20-23), isn’t it ?

 

[Suns_PSD]

Why?

The TQ has a very particular design that runs at much lower RPMS, which is why it's so quiet.

There is no chance the SL motor will be that quiet but there is a chance it could become as quiet as other motors of the same design.

The problem as I see it is that the SL motors run less torque to save weight, then have a reduction gear to multiply the torque but now have to run high RPMs, which is what creates all of the noise.

I doubt that this will go away.

 

[Streddaz]

The TQ has a very particular design that runs at much lower RPMS, which is why it's so quiet.

There is no chance the SL motor will be that quiet but there is a chance it could become as quiet as other motors of the same design.

The problem as I see it is that the SL motors run less torque to save weight, then have a reduction gear to multiply the torque but now have to run high RPMs, which is what creates all of the noise.

I doubt that this will go away.

I've been told that there is a new motor, so it will be interesting to see if that is true. The SL motor is quite reliable compared to most other Ebike motors. A new motor will also have to prove itself over time.

 

[Mcharza]

The SL motor is quite durable. I have heard and read horror stories about TQ engine problems and long waiting times for a new engine.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

 

[Losiak]

Rob when, when ?