Bafang M820 Motor: Still Light or Already Performance?

Around this year’s Eurobike, Bafang presented a new motor. With its further development, the Chinese manufacturer is targeting sporty ebikes for which the overall weight is very much a factor.

At the world’s largest bicycle trade fair in Frankfurt, the term “light E-MTB” was one of the most frequent words that came up when bicycle manufacturers were asked about this year’s trends. Bikes that belong to this category are powered by motors such as the Fazua Ride 60, the TQ HPR50 or one of the numerous rear hub motors. The name Bafang was hardly heard in this context. This is supposed to change with the new M820 motor. Perhaps it will not come to that. And maybe Bafang will not consider this tragic in the end.

Light, but not light enough?

In terms of its technical key data, the M820 does not really seem to belong in this category. Its weight of 2.3 kilograms is between 400 and 500 grams higher than that of the competition, depending on the specific comparison. The torque of 75 Newton metres sometimes exceeds their performance capacity by up to 50 percent. According to Bafang, the M820 even provides 95 Newton metres at peaks for a short time.

This puts the motor closer to an EP8 from Shimano. Or an EP801, as its latest generation is now called. With their magnesium housing, the three even have something in common. Bafang probably found the advantages of the material just as convincing. No wonder, not only does it reduce the weight of components, but the material also effectively dissipates heat. A decisive fact for the heat management of an ebike motor. In addition, magnesium withstands corrosion persistently and can minimise vibrations.

More power and better efficiency

Compared to the previous models, Bafang has also improved the construction inside. Both stator and rotor are completely new. The resulting increase in performance has already been mentioned. Compared to previous models such as the M800, the continuous rated power and torque have increased noticeably, while the weight of the motor has remained constant.

The lower Q-factor should also have an effect on the actual riding experience. The narrower the distance between the pedals, the more efficiently the pedalling power is converted into propulsion. However, Bafang does not disclose the exact Q-factor of the M820.

Pedalling like a whirlwind

Regardless of this, you can pedal heartily. The motor supports you all the way, even when you reach frequencies of up to 120 revolutions per minute. The integrated torque and cadence sensors ensure that the power is regulated accordingly.

Another new feature of the M820 is a boost mode called “Rocky”. This gives you a little extra power for a few seconds. Once you have activated it, a special Rocky symbol appears on the ebike’s display. It can be activated by a single or double click on the plus sign of the respective control unit or display.

Between the worlds

Overall, Bafang considers the M820 one of its most versatile solutions in the range. It is heavier, but also more powerful than even lighter mid-mounted motors. At the same time, its weight does not yet come close to that of a Bosch Performance CX. However, this also applies to its torque. Possibly this positioning between the two worlds of “light” and “performance” will be attractive in the future for bicycle manufacturers who are looking for a good compromise for their ebikes. In any case, Bafang believes that bike manufacturers can equip e-mountain bikes, e-road bikes and e-gravel bikes with the M820.

Bafang M820 motor at a glance

• Continuous rated power: 250 watts
• Support: up to 25 km/h
• Torque: 75 Nm
• Weight: 2.3 kg
• Torque sensor: yes
• Cadence sensor: yes

What this can look like in practice the manufacturer shows in one of its catalogues. There it puts together a kind of “E-Mountainbike Light” package. It combines the motor with a permanently installed Intube battery with a capacity of 410 watt hours and a new control unit.

Bafang F014.410.C battery

• Type: Intube battery, removable for service purposes
• Capacity: 410 Wh
• Weight: 2.6 kilograms
• Charging time: 4.5 hours (with 3A charger)

Bafang E181.CAN control unit

• Riding modes: maximum 5
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Handlebar diameter: 22.2 mm
• Special features: light activation sensor

In another set-up for a potential e-gravel bike, the system weight is even a little bit lower. There, the package includes a full display.

Bafang F050.B360.C battery

• Type: Intube battery, removable
• Capacity: 360 Wh
• Weight: 2.2 kg
• Charging time: 4.5 hours (with 3A charger)

Bafang C263.CAN display

• Screen size: 2.4 inch
• Type: TFT
• Riding modes: maximum 5
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

Pictures: Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.