Mtbvkk
Member
True
Levo SL Gen 1 sl motor noise level does it bother you ?
- Thread starter chrismechmaster
- Start date
Ill test and report back, but no way is it the same “loudness” imo.Again, bears repeating. Actual decibel between SL and regular levo is the same. The SL is at a higher frequency and that bothers some people more - and from the looks of it bothers most people more. For me personally, I found the regular levo to be noisier and don't notice the SL as much. I happen to be a serious amateur musician so maybe the SL sounds like music to me. LOL
And I've passed multiple people by on climbs ( including the earlier anecdote I posted above ) and nobody seems to notice that it's an e-bike. Maybe the sound of my breathing is heavier.
ThierryGTLTS
Member
Certainly not cheaper, but lighter, yes!
michaeldorian
Member
Yeah. It does bother me. I didn't think it would but something about the sound really stands out. I don't notice it too much when riding with other rides, but riding in a quiet forest it kind of takes away from the experience. The LEVO on the other hand I never notice at all.
Norcalsl
Active member
Ideally, I'd like a completely silent bike, including a silent rear hub. But I can live with the sound it makes. Plus I ride unassisted on anything but steep climbs anyway.
aklemm
New Member
It doesn't bother me.
I don't feel like it's loud, but the whine is a bit high-pitched. My only other experience on an ebike is riding a Bosch and the Bosch was slightly louder, but also a lower, more mechanical pitch with less whine.
I don't feel like it's loud, but the whine is a bit high-pitched. My only other experience on an ebike is riding a Bosch and the Bosch was slightly louder, but also a lower, more mechanical pitch with less whine.
Mike C
Member
Same motor as in the Turbo Creo and I have not come to like the whine from either one of them. I try to keep the gear selection in the higher range which helps quiet it down somewhat.
j1e
New Member
Initially I found it a bit loud, but it seems like it might be giving deer and squirrels an early warning as encounters have been going better even at higher speeds - which is a tradeoff I would happily take.
Donga
Member
My SL noisiest in eco mode - cadence over 90 it turns into a scream! Different pitch in trail and turbo, still with 90 cadence. Do I have to wait until it eats its gears? My FF Levo is a whisper by comparison!
Anyone had a SL motor changed in warranty by excessive noise?
Anyone had a SL motor changed in warranty by excessive noise?
elyhim
Member
My Trek Powerfly 2017 was louder, the SL is ok, the Levo turbo surprised me how quiet it is but only one of them stays in the shop for repairs.
jimslade
Member
I do this as well. I'll only turn assist on when needed. Otherwise I keep it off.
Gaberao
New Member
I love my 2020 f1 levo sl as well. The noise is part of the experience for me.
CjP
PRIME TIME
Actually sounds better than the current F1 cars!
Norcalsl
Active member
Yes.
shakeystart
Member
Only when I ride with acoustic MTB’rs. 
Donga
Member
My first SL motor (which was VERY noisy) died after 8 000kms (bearing failure) - new motor is much quieter - probably closer to perfect gear meshing - straight cut gears (stronger than quieter helical gears) need careful setup, other wise whine loudly! Always have, and always will, love my SL!!Too much noise for a €7000-bike. This is the main reason why I'm thinking of selling the bike. But it has advantages.... It goes faster as 25km/h, has a nice color, a nice radius and it's payed already
turtleblitz
Member
Does it bother me? no
Do I wish it wasn't there? yes
Would I pay thousands in change over price to go to a much quieter eBike? no way
Rather spend that money enjoying what I have now.
Do I wish it wasn't there? yes
Would I pay thousands in change over price to go to a much quieter eBike? no way
Rather spend that money enjoying what I have now.
