bikespeed.de RealSpeed Bosch Pedelec Tuning - Works!

[Shea N Encinitas]

So I gambled on a tuning system for the Bosch mid drive system, was not certain my version of the firmware was compatible or the US build of the bike (Haibike FS RX). I'm happy to report no problems, maybe a 20 minute install. I ordered the crank (treadle as translated) puller and Torx T20 driver so I would have all the tools to do it right. The cap screw on the crank was super tight, I had to use an old MTB handle bar (my burglar beater) to gain enough leverage on the 8mm allen wrench to remove it, and latter carefully tighten. BTW - The 3rd screw on the dust cover is hidden under the bash plate (remove two fwd screws) and there is a small catch leaf to release before splitting the two shells. I used a flashlight to determine the orientation of the cables and had read the manual enough while waiting 2 weeks for the parts to just go for it. Cost was just above $200, with crank puller, Torx & I also got the locking ring tool. I went with this version of the tuning systems available (there are about 4) because it actually indicates the correct speed and other metrics (trip, avg, etc) and has no external plugs or ports, just a key sequence up/down up/down (power levels) to toggle the tuning, and another that enables a service mode in case you want to update the Bosch system firmware.

I literally waited all day for the registered mail, and it was dark by the time I got my first test drive in (yes w lights). Performance wise it was much like my Dash but with more torque off the line. The motor never sounded strained or loud, no odd temps or smells to report. I must confess I would have never purchased a Bosch mid drive system if I did not think it was tune-able, 20 mph is fine off road but really silly on the road. If this tuning failed or was incompatible I was going to sell the Haibike while still fresh, now I will seriously consider selling the Dash to purchase 2 more batteries and a second charger.

The only caveat was the Bosch system did not shut off automatically, sleep mode. Funny because it is suggested NOT to power down and instead rely on the sleep function to preserve more accurate actual distance and related metrics - a minor flaw in the otherwise awesome design. Thanks guys!

Can't wait to ride tomorrow! -Shea

 

[Brambor]

Cool beans. So now you have increased your max speed to 28 or 'something like that'?

 

[MLWilcox]

Wow. I can't wait to hear more.

 

[PowerMe]

I want to hear more as well! Looks like you can reach a speed of 31mph if I'm reading the literature correctly. More than enough to get yourself somewhere quickly.

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

Cool beans. So now you have increased your max speed to 28 or 'something like that'?

28, 30, 33,.. motor power does not cut out at all, instead I reach more natural limits much like the Dash and other speed pedelecs. It is raining in patches here today, but it is also warmer so I can head out early for more testing, battery longevity in particular. Super stoked to have the strong frame and hydro brakes of the Haibike, and now a more reasonable pace. I've got the Bee Line tires on there too now, so off the do more research! TTYL, -S

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

Not the best day for testing, started out into an 11 - 15 mph headwind, was nice to be just a touch over 20 without performance anxiety. About 7 miles out I was playing it safe (3 battery bars) and turned into the downwind leg. I quickly shot up to 28 - 30 mph pedaling pretty hard and fast and then a glitch, no power. I kinda fumbled the re-activation at first but then was back on my way in short order. The tail wind was pushing good and a strong roadie was not far behind when I came to a river valley, the winds compress and accelerate here (aka venturi) and I nearly hit 40! The roadie caught me at the light and commented that I sure was hauling ass on that MTB. All the assist levels worked as expected, and the battery drain was pretty severe into the wind, also as expected. Basically I went out on 3 bars and returned on 1 at plus 25 speeds, leaving 2 bars in the tank before re-filling. Hope those batteries become available soon, I want two and a 2nd charger. -S

 

[Brambor]

awesome.

 

[JoePah]

Not the best day for testing, started out into an 11 - 15 mph headwind, was nice to be just a touch over 20 without performance anxiety. About 7 miles out I was playing it safe (3 battery bars) and turned into the downwind leg. I quickly shot up to 28 - 30 mph pedaling pretty hard and fast and then a glitch, no power. I kinda fumbled the re-activation at first but then was back on my way in short order. The tail wind was pushing good and a strong roadie was not far behind when I came to a river valley, the winds compress and accelerate here (aka venturi) and I nearly hit 40! The roadie caught me at the light and commented that I sure was hauling ass on that MTB. All the assist levels worked as expected, and the battery drain was pretty severe into the wind, also as expected. Basically I went out on 3 bars and returned on 1 at plus 25 speeds, leaving 2 bars in the tank before re-filling. Hope those batteries become available soon, I want two and a 2nd charger. -S

Sounds very coolShea! Is it just an additional circuit board that you install between the controller and the motor?

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

Sounds very cool Shea! Is it just an additional circuit board that you install between the controller and the motor?

That sounds about right, the circuitry (about matchbox sized) has matching male and female plugs that install in place of the original connections on the male end, and then interface with the original plugs via the female connectors on the unit. It does drop activation every once in a while but comes right back with the -/+ -/+ sequence. I got a second ride in today and the winds were even stronger limiting me to 17 - 21 mph in the headwind, 28 - 35! on the return. The Haibike feels great at speed, very stable. It was odd having cars passing so slow in comparison. Of course this was in a gnarly tailwind so I hope nobody gets the impression that this is a major speedup, more like a fix to the 20 mph limitation. I still think the Dash is a bit faster once up to speed but I'm all about the stability and hydro brakes. BTW some metrics were corrupted, like my 402.6 mph Avg!

I'd like to get my hands on the diagnostics software, check the firmwares (motor, controller & battery) to see if I can dial it in, plus I'm sure the local shops could use a tutorial once I figure everything out, they seem shy about it now. -S

 

[biknut]

Sounds like a good improvement. Now you'll be safer riding on the street. My son could use something like this for his Carbon.

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

That would make a nice xmas present! Or whatever you may observe as holiday cheer. A torque wrench would be interesting in the process of installation, see where that cap screw comes loose on the scale. That was the scary part for me, leveraging it loose and cranking it back down W/O specs or a TW. Yesterday I did a distance ride, conserving the power so last night I'm thinking am I really happy with the results, maybe I should go for a full power ride now that the winds are down. She hauled arse and won my heart, maybe not as strong after the battery dropped some power, but 26 - 28 most of the ride, peaking to 38.6 on a downhill section. On the distance ride I was barely over 20, but at least I can go there now. -S

 

[biknut]

Devices such as the one you bought should, and will be common place eventually. They already have been everywhere else in the bike world.

When fuel injection first came out on motorcycle people thought, oh no, we won't be able to tune our bikes. Then it dawned on everyone that when tuning is electronic, it's easier to change than it was before. Bring on the hackers.

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

Had about 3 rides with no glitch, then a few drops today but I must say my average is way up -S

 

[biknut]

That's a really high performance kit you got there. Heck, I'd be happy with 400.