I can confirm, the (S) mode can get locked due to high motor temperature.
This happens also, if proper settings are used. But operating the ST7 with too low speed forces the error. However, it's not a design failure, it's because of the safety settings. Remember: Riding in the flat with 45 km/h is no reason for (S) mode! The ST7 is strong enough to do this in [3] and with redudes sensor settings. Intermittent pedaling is a sign for too high support level.
I was unable to force a ST5 in to overheat. But the smaller battery leads to a locked mode when she close to empty.
The ST2s was a complete different bike, which was clearly stronger on hill climbs. At these time, the EU restrictions were not in place.
Compared with the ST5, the ST7 is the cruiser and the ST5 the sports car. The main reasons are the two overdrive gears and the slow smart shift. But the Pirelli Angel have a little bit superior grip over the Pirelli Cycl-e. You may check this out forcing the rear wheel to lock on a clean paved road.
I follow the the debate about the ST7 since long time; just made 1'000km for testing on a ST3 Pinion, now, I'm on a ST7. Personally, I miss the automatic idle-gear selection more than I appreciate the automatic start-gear selection.
Thanks. It's all a matter of preference and, for me, there is a VERY good "reason for Sports-Mode on the flat":- it's fun. I do not find that using only Gear 3 is sufficient for my speed/acceleration sensitivity requirements to warrant paying 2-3 times more than other S-Pedelecs. Once I have had a taste of Sports Mode on the ST5 and now, for 20% of my ride, on this ST7, i cannot do without it. I will even stop and unecessarily rest the bike (wait 15 minutes and reboot) just to get the S-Mode back again mid-ride. Anyway. Here is my bike's Omni screenshot - straight after an S-Mode overheat. Does yours get up to 87 CELSIUS? Thanks Bluecat