Simple question - can a BBSHD be run with a BBS02 controller?

[BrianK]

Hi folks,
I recently located a used complete BBSHD motor kit for half the cost of the same “bare bones” BBSHD motor itself from Luna. I’m looking to upgrade my BBS02 to BBSHD.

The seller says his BBSHD has 2100 miles on it. He also says the controller is on the fritz, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

I can go check it out and he’s willing to let me mount it on my e bike to make sure it works.

Will my BBS02 controller work with a BBSHD motor, or are they not compatible?

Thanks in advance for any input anyone can offer.

 

[harryS]

The controller is potted into the motor cover, and since the BBSHD is larger than the BBS02, its cover is too large for a BBS02. Or from the other point of view, a BBS02 cover is too small for the BBSHD,

What is the difference between the BBSHD & BBS02 and is it worth the extra cost? - Electricbike.com Ebike Forum

What is the difference between the BBSHD and the BBS02? The BBSHD was completely redesigned, almost every part is different. The BBSHD uses much beefier components, and a beefier controller. The BBSHD is overbuilt to put up with the 30 amp amperage, the BBS02 is at its max at 25amps. The...

electricbike.com

 

[tomjasz]

Why would anyone dumb down a BBSHD in favor of a BBS02? Goofy!

 

[BrianK]

I have a BBS02 currently. I want to upgrade it to a BBSHD. I found a used BBSHD complete kit for sale for $300 but the owner says the BBSHD’s controller in it currently is hit or miss.

I just wanted to know if I could test his BBSHD with the controller from my BBS02 to make sure it works properly. If it does, I’d buy it and buy a replacement BBSHD controller.

But I’m not going to buy it if I can’t test it somehow.

Why would anyone dumb down a BBSHD in favor of a BBS02? Goofy!

 

[harryS]

Could it be tested by letting the BBS002 controller flop in the wind? Seems like a lot of work just to get the cover off, and what if they changed a connector.

.

 

[tomjasz]

I have a BBS02 currently. I want to upgrade it to a BBSHD. I found a used BBSHD complete kit for sale for $300 but the owner says the BBSHD’s controller in it currently is hit or miss.

I just wanted to know if I could test his BBSHD with the controller from my BBS02 to make sure it works properly. If it does, I’d buy it and buy a replacement BBSHD controller.

But I’m not going to buy it if I can’t test it somehow.

The first version BBSHD has issues with snapping rotor shafts. I'd never trust buying a used motor. Especially not knowing how it was treated by the first owner.
An LBS friend pointed out that complete rebuild prices out only $70 less than a new barebones drive.
There were changes in controller connections too. Early versions used Anderson connectors. Later versions have bullet connectors.
$430 is edging very close to bare motor pricing.

 

[greeno]

To finally answer this question which I can see is almost 4 yrs old.
Yes you can for testing purposes only.

My buddy just brought over his OLD e bike which has a bbshed motor and an old mag mount shark type battery and told me it doesn’t work.
Started off as usual testing various components separately as I could.
His battery was toast to start off with so I substituted a spare 52v one I had laying around which I knew was good to go.
Still no startup, nothing.
Checked the in line fuse on the main power cable for the motor and it was ok.
Did a bit more testing and narrowed it down to the controller.
So I stole the bbso2 controller from my wife’s bike to use as a guini pig.

The controllers are different sizes, close but no cigar, the 4 and 6 wire internal plugs are the same so they plug right in.
The 02 controller had the round barrel connectors for the three motor leads and the motor itself was a version 2 which had the spade type connectors.
So I just made three small jumpers out of some #12 wire to connect up.
Plugged in main harness cable, speed sensor and finally a spare battery I had which I knew was charged up and hit the power button on the handlebar remote and sure enough the display lit up and showed no error codes.
Hit the throttle and it turned over too and no smell or odd noises so I’m guessing the motor itself is fine.

So now I have to give my buddy the sad news and see if he wants to drop some coin on a good but older system.
Thanks for listening.