Specialized Levo 4 Firmware Update: 850W, 111Nm, and a Free OTA Power Unlock

[Polar]

Specialized are aware of the walk mode noise and are "looking into it". They said it only affects a small number of riders (not sure about that)

Has anyone done the update and NOT have the walk mode grinding noise?

Metoo grinding noise.

 

[beerglass]

Even after the upgrade, my bike makes an unusual and unclear noise in walking mode.

I don't think this is normal, for me too after the upgrade, in walking mode the bike makes an unusual and unclear noise.

 

[Baron]

Specialized are aware of the walk mode noise and are "looking into it". They said it only affects a small number of riders (not sure about that)

Has anyone done the update and NOT have the walk mode grinding noise?

Yes I’ve updated my S-Works and it’s completely silent

 

[sliverxy]

according Speci should be 'normal'
Turbo Bikes: Understanding Walk Assist Mode
Turbo Bikes: Motor Sound Explained

Q: I hear a noise when Walk Assist starts. Is this normal?
A: Yes. The initiation of Walk Assist generally produces an audible sound as the motor begins to engage. This is expected behavior across all Turbo motor systems. For bikes equipped with Specialized 3.1 motors, the enhanced Walk Assist Mode Plus (WAM+) can produce a more pronounced sound. This is normal and can vary based on:

• Gear selection: Certain gears can make the noise more noticeable.
• Power ramp‑up speed: Faster increases in assistance can create a sharper sound.
• Motor load: If the motor has to work harder to get moving—for example, on an incline or with added weight—the sound may become more obvious or slightly scratchy in character.

These noises are typical and not a sign of malfunction. Find more details in the article Turbo Bikes Motor Sound Explained.

 

[beerglass]

according Speci should be 'normal'
Turbo Bikes: Understanding Walk Assist Mode
Turbo Bikes: Motor Sound Explained

Q: I hear a noise when Walk Assist starts. Is this normal?
A: Yes. The initiation of Walk Assist generally produces an audible sound as the motor begins to engage. This is expected behavior across all Turbo motor systems. For bikes equipped with Specialized 3.1 motors, the enhanced Walk Assist Mode Plus (WAM+) can produce a more pronounced sound. This is normal and can vary based on:

• Gear selection: Certain gears can make the noise more noticeable.
• Power ramp‑up speed: Faster increases in assistance can create a sharper sound.
• Motor load: If the motor has to work harder to get moving—for example, on an incline or with added weight—the sound may become more obvious or slightly scratchy in character.

These noises are typical and not a sign of malfunction. Find more details in the article Turbo Bikes Motor Sound Explained.

I spoke to Specialized, shared my video and they said yeah thats not right.

I've had 4 Levo bikes and what they describe above is normal, under load and ramping up etc. What were hearing now is awful and wasn't there before the upgrade

 

[ozzybmx]

Sorry for the minor off-topic:

A few pro ebike riders live in my area, notably the ebike XC world champ (yes, this is a thing) who is very talented and rides Bosch (with an unofficial race mode that pushes things to the extreme), and a EWS-E top rider that has won power stages, also on Bosch.

There is a long technical climb that takes us amateurs just over 10 minutes to climb. The world champ does it in 9:28, the pro rider does it in 9:43. A few weeks ago a good local amateur on a DJI rocked up and posted an 8:43. So basically any ebike racing that features even a tiny bit of uphill is going to be dominated by DJI and now Specialised, despite the fact that 90% of the field are sponsored by Bosch bikes. Don't see the discipline having any legs, ironically.

Is this a bot ?

 

[Rando_12345]

Is this a bot ?

If you mean an AI then no, just look at my post history by clicking on my poorly chosen username.

If you mean a bot like a particularly bland and awkard person... Well I guess that's subjective

 

[ozzybmx]

If you mean an AI then no, just look at my post history by clicking on my poorly chosen username.

If you mean a bot like a particularly bland and awkard person... Well I guess that's subjective

Pound for pound, I own a Bosch, they are way off and know it. Their sales in 2026 will reflect.

 

[Scott_123]

Sorry for the minor off-topic:

A few pro ebike riders live in my area, notably the ebike XC world champ (yes, this is a thing) who is very talented and rides Bosch (with an unofficial race mode that pushes things to the extreme), and a EWS-E top rider that has won power stages, also on Bosch.

There is a long technical climb that takes us amateurs just over 10 minutes to climb. The world champ does it in 9:28, the pro rider does it in 9:43. A few weeks ago a good local amateur on a DJI rocked up and posted an 8:43. So basically any ebike racing that features even a tiny bit of uphill is going to be dominated by DJI and now Specialised, despite the fact that 90% of the field are sponsored by Bosch bikes. Don't see the discipline having any legs, ironically.

Bosch stays within the 750Wh limit which qualifies their motor to race which is why they have 90% saturation. As far as I understand if your bike exceeds the 750Wh rating it does not qualify to race. Correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[Adasb]

Specialized are aware of the walk mode noise and are "looking into it". They said it only affects a small number of riders (not sure about that)

Has anyone done the update and NOT have the walk mode grinding noise?

I have not noticed any extra noises using walk mode after the update…

 

[Miscel76]

Bosch stays within the 750Wh limit which qualifies their motor to race which is why they have 90% saturation. As far as I understand if your bike exceeds the 750Wh rating it does not qualify to race. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Apparently is 750watt at the rear wheel which is what Specialized is claiming with 850watt at the crank. So just bad luck for Bosch

 

[Gila Man]

Metoo grinding noise.

I get a slight, brief (less that 1 second) grinding noise and then it goes away. Do others get the grinding noise the entire time that walk mode is engaged?

 

[Polar]

I get a slight, brief (less that 1 second) grinding noise and then it goes away. Do others get the grinding noise the entire time that walk mode is engaged?

No only 1-2 seconds from start then it disappeare and it's the same in all 3 walk modes.

 

[Gila Man]

No only 1-2 seconds from start then it disappeare and it's the same in all 3 walk modes.

Thanks. I probably would never have heard it if I didn't try it in the garage. When I use it, I'm usually on a very loose, rocky climb and can only hear the rocks moving and my heart thumping.

 

[robikinkela]

Today I rode a nice ride of about 60 km and 1600 m of elevation gain to try out the new firmware. It was a beautiful day, not cold, perfect for a day trip that already feels like spring... My first impressions are mostly the Dynamic Microtune, which I basically used all day, happily ignoring the other assists, as this mode is so pleasant to use on any terrain. Equally pleasant, for me, is the fact that I can finally access (especially with the 0/100 and 10/100 settings, etc.) a pedal stroke where you feel like you're pushing the bike with your own legs instead of being carried by it. The bike always moves fluidly, and the power is always readily available and released with ease. Unfortunately, at 0/100, the display doesn't show the power output of the motor, only that of the rider, and as a result, the assistance ratio is also denied (perhaps because it's assumed that the ratio is 1 and the power output of the motor is the same as that of the rider's legs? - but why not set it anyway?). Note that I set reactivity, shuttle, and overrun to the lowest possible settings to achieve the most natural feeling possible. And the power? Not found in this case because I'm not desperately looking for it and today the routes weren't the most suitable (but I have in mind a couple of key sections on the home trails that could test the bike from this point of view too... The fact is that those who felt the need to use their legs more efficiently for a hypothetical muscle workout will be satisfied (not that this possibility didn't exist before, but now with the reworked Dynamic Microtune everything is more fun). I can't comment on fuel consumption, but I have the feeling that there hasn't been a significant improvement... Oh, another thing that made me turn up my nose: often the injection of power on the first pedal stroke, for example when you stop pedaling and then resume pushing on the pedal, is a bit abrupt, I wish it were more gradual.

 

[Power1tobe]

Is a "Small amount of riders" to mean all of us? Ya sounds like the electric contacts on a slot car gone wild....

 

[Power1tobe]

Thanks. I probably would never have heard it if I didn't try it in the garage. When I use it, I'm usually on a very loose, rocky climb and can only hear the rocks moving and my heart thumping.

try again, press the walk mode button and place some resistance on the bike and tell me that noise stops.... It sounds terrible. They really need to fix this!!!!

 

[B-man]

Mine grinds 1-2 seconds and then goes away. Sucks. Honestly, Specialized dropped the ball. They should have fixed this first before letting the update out. Ridiculous.

 

[beerglass]

I also have a bigger issue which could be overrun. Put the bike in turbo or 100/100 ( something high power ) then pull away and put a few hard pedals in and stop peddling.

The motor will stop, the chain ring will stop but the shock is terrible. It's like the chainstay is snapped or frame bearings have fallen out.

Does this in lower modes like Eco and Trail but slightly less noticeable. Once you feel it, thats it pretty much every time I stop pedalling the thud is felt

This and the walk mode is shocking really

 

[WatermanJim]

I did a short ride and didnt feel any major differences. I do have a noise when the walk mode starts as well, sounds like the sprag clutches winding up. On the other hand, the motor did seem more quiet while riding. Need a longer ride but conditions are terrible around here.

 

[Ribinrobin]

Same motor and battery?

its just a long travel one and a light weight one with 600wh and fox 36 etc

 

[Pizzman]

Mine updated fine. Walk mode makes a noise. Then it goes away once moving under load. Walk mode seems fine on both my Levos.
Everyone updating and immediately pushing the walk mode button is making me laugh.
I’m a very satisfied customer.

 

[DylanJM]

I wonder if the beta was to get an idea of how many users would be affected by the issue before deciding to either proceed or postpone the update. I think Specialized probably really didn't want to postpone the update ahead of bike reveals next Tuesday.

 

[Power1tobe]

I wonder if the beta was to get an idea of how many users would be affected by the issue before deciding to either proceed or postpone the update. I think Specialized probably really didn't want to postpone the update ahead of bike reveals next Tuesday.

Well I use "Walk mode" less than .00001% of the riding time so its not a big deal. My concern is ppl saying "grinding" sound, but to me it sound electrical in nature as in a contact switch or other electrical component... it is not a mechanical grind. And for you ppl saying it goes away after a second, press the walk button and hold the bike back from going forward, it does not stop if anything it get worse. Regardless.... FIX THIS NOW Specialized!!!!

 

[Power1tobe]

I did a short ride and didnt feel any major differences. I do have a noise when the walk mode starts as well, sounds like the sprag clutches winding up. On the other hand, the motor did seem more quiet while riding. Need a longer ride but conditions are terrible around here.

I think this is because people are thinking in terms of torque and not power. Also, since I am guessing most people did pre-test there bike prior to the update. If you were looking for the bike to surge harder forward that's not gonna happen, what is happening that once you get up to speed the added power makes the top end way stronger. Basically, get on sustained hill that long enough to ride for 30-60 sec, put it in turbo and had you tested this you would see you are carrying a higher top end speed than previously.

 

[RickBullotta]

Cue the Amflow fanboy rebuttals because the updated S-Works just took the KOM in this comparison.

#fakenews - Francis admitted that the Amflow is still faster, and they didn't even test it at anywhere near its full capability. Just another shitty comparison test.

 

[Pizzman]

Cue the Amflow fanboy rebuttals because the updated S-Works just took the KOM in this comparison.

lol
It’s only a matter of time. They really do love their Amflowz. They’ll be all ….
“Nuh uh, see he said, there’s a turbo button ” such a whiney, look at me fan group.

 

[Polar]

#fakenews - Francis admitted that the Amflow is still faster, and they didn't even test it at anywhere near its full capability. Just another shitty comparison test.

Chill down you don't want a cardiac arrest and that's definitely not #fakenews

 

[Powerslider]

I question anyone saying they can’t feel the increase in power. It’s not subtle.

 

[RickBullotta]

Chill down you don't want a cardiac arrest and that's definitely not #fakenews

Try harder. From MTBR directly: