Zen Photon Ultra - limited version (Bafang Ultra, Rohloff Speed hub, Gates belt drive)

[il Munduato]

So is the motor a Zen or a Bafang Ultra?
Even your website gives conflicting information.
And what ever happened to the Ultra that were being assembled in Feb /March?

 

[Slick50]

So is the motor a Zen or a Bafang Ultra?
Even your website gives conflicting information.

I am also wondering what motor is now supplied with the E-14 version of the Zen Photon Ultra and what are the exact specifications of the latest model, including weight. I'm guessing that the E-14 version has the updated frame and colors with thicker aluminum and gusset to minimize flex. I know Ravi is always looking to improve safety and features but it appears changes to the build aren't immediately updated on the website, and postings here seem out of sync with that information. It is not immediately clear which model (version) of the Photon Ultra is for sale on website and when delivery is expected. No criticism intended, just looking for clarification.

 

[Kriti Yad]

@Slick50 @il Munduato Here are the specifications for the new model of Photon Ultra. until last year we used Bafang M620, however the newer model comes with 52V Ananda M6100, 750W, 160 Nm. Yes, The frame has been made stronger with thicker aluminium and gusset.

In its current state our website is not the best representation of Zen's 2025 bike models.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHOTON ULTRA

• Motor: Custom 52V Ananda M6100, 750W, 160 Nm Mid Drive
• Battery: 52V, 20 Ah, 1040Wh (UL Certified)
• Charger: 4A UL-Certified
• Gears: Rohloff E14 Speedhub
• Brakes: Tektro E725 Hydraulic Disc (4-pistons)
• Frame: Hydroformed Aluminum 6061
• Suspension: RST Aerial 120mm air suspension with lockout
• Tires: Schwalbe Supermoto 27.5” x 2.4”
• Drive: Gates Belt Drive
• Speed: Max 27 Mph (USA)
• Colors: Aurora Blue, Earthstone Brown, Zen Ivory
• Throttle: Yes, Thumb Throttle
• Warranty: 3 Years
• Lights: 400 Lumens
• Display: Center mount KD986 Bluetooth-enabled LCD
• Headight, Breaklight and Turn signals / Integrated back rack and front basket.

 

[Slick50]

Thanks! The bike is very nice looking and has many desirable features. Is the rear light hardwired and does it function as a brake light? When would the 2025 model ship to customers?

 

[Kriti Yad]

Thanks! The bike is very nice looking and has many desirable features. Is the rear light hardwired and does it function as a brake light? When would the 2025 model ship to customers?

The rear light is wired, it functions as break light and has a reflector as well. For the 2025 models the rear lights also have turn signals. We have a 17" Blue and 17" Ivory which is ready to be shipped as early as next week. and the 19" frames are under production- looking at Mid-November shipping

 

[Slick50]

The brake light and turn signals are a plus. I suggest that Zen mention this in the above list of specifications.

 

[Kriti Yad]

The brake light and turn signals are a plus. I suggest that Zen mention this in the above list of specifications.

That you for the advice. I've added this to the specifications

 

[PCeBiker]

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHOTON ULTRA

• Motor: Custom 52V Ananda M6100, 750W, 160 Nm Mid Drive
• Battery: 52V, 20 Ah, 1040Wh (UL Certified)

I would word it this way,..
UL Certification is a Big Deal for a battery.

• Battery: UL Certified 52V, 20 Ah, 1040Wh

 

[scrambler]

Any progress on a full suspension version of the ultra ?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

So is the motor a Zen or a Bafang Ultra?
Even your website gives conflicting information.
And what ever happened to the Ultra that were being assembled in Feb /March?

The Bafang Ultra is a beast, but it also weighs a lot!
Our customized motor with Ananda works with our existing frame design, reducing weight by 2.5 kgs, and we can program the motor as we would like.
The Ultra is very powerful and we are working with Bafang to make the power ramp-up profile very smooth.

 

[il Munduato]

The Bafang Ultra is a beast, but it also weighs a lot!
Our customized motor with Ananda works with our existing frame design, reducing weight by 2.5 kgs, and we can program the motor as we would like.
The Ultra is very powerful and we are working with Bafang to make the power ramp-up profile very smooth.

Good luck with that. . .
Bafang has dangled the ability to adjust the CANbus version for a few years now and no one yet (vendor or user) has posted any success. Is your BESST Tool working with the motor?
The UART version is easily tuned and a smooth ramp up is easily achieved. Though I have heard that it is being discontinued.

 

[bryanpnew]

So I am interested in the Photon Ultra but more so with the Bafang Ultra motor. Is there any way to purchase it with that motor? @Ravi Kempaiah @Kriti Yad

 

[Cybersnow]

Why the Ultra vs the M620? My M620 peaks at about 1600 watts in a steep climb. Ultra is rated at a max of 1700 watts.

 

[Kiwibru]

Ravi, or Kriti, I requested some additional information on several components on the Ultra via your web based email system. Never got an answer...so throwing the same questions out here.
The rims on the bikes are what brand?
The front hub, is it a sealed unit, what brand?
Are the wheels laced with s.s. spokes?
Does not appear you are using quick release skewers, but I have not seen the bike facing in the other direction, so what is the axle attachment type?
The battery is integrated into the frame, can the battery be removed like the Bosch system and taken indoors during winter weather?
If so I assume it can be charged off the bike?
None of this information is available in your specifications listing but for many of us it is important, thus the questions...thanks.

 

[JRA]

Why the Ultra vs the M620? My M620 peaks at about 1600 watts in a steep climb. Ultra is rated at a max of 1700 watts.

The Bafang Ultra is also known as the M620 and to add further confusion the G510.

The motor is able to be speced with either a 48v or 52v controller which would make for different peak watt ratings as well.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Ravi, or Kriti, I requested some additional information on several components on the Ultra via your web based email system. Never got an answer...so throwing the same questions out here.
The rims on the bikes are what brand?
The front hub, is it a sealed unit, what brand?
Are the wheels laced with s.s. spokes?
Does not appear you are using quick release skewers, but I have not seen the bike facing in the other direction, so what is the axle attachment type?
The battery is integrated into the frame, can the battery be removed like the Bosch system and taken indoors during winter weather?
If so I assume it can be charged off the bike?
None of this information is available in your specifications listing but for many of us it is important, thus the questions...thanks.

Hey sorry,
I am just checking this message. I will answer your questions below:

• Sun Ringle makes the rims on the Photon Pro and Ultra, but the ones on the Ultra don't have the brand name etched on them.
• The front hub is a 15x110 sealed boost hub from an OE company in China that supplies hubs to several EU brands.
• The wheels are indeed laced with SS spokes 13g/12g as per Rohloff's instructions.
• Rohloff hub is 135 mm with CC OEM plate and an image has been attached below for your reference.
• The battery is fully removable and can be charged on or off the bike. The BMS defaults to long-life mode upon each charge cycle.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

The brake light and turn signals are a plus. I suggest that Zen mention this in the above list of specifications.

Thanks, we have several important features that we have not advertised properly. We will try to improve moving forward.

 

[il Munduato]

The Bafang Ultra is also known as the M620 and to add further confusion the G510.

View attachment 185991
The motor is able to be speced with either a 48v or 52v controller which would make for different peak watt ratings as well.

The Ultra is the common name for the G510 motor.
M620 I believe refers to the complete system. Motor, display and battery
Since M620 the motor system is printed on the motor face, many assume it's the motor model. But if you look at the serial number area the Mid Motor model is G510

 

[Cathycycling]

Hey folks! I wanted to quickly share my thoughts on the Gaciron Loop-100 bike tail light, which I’ve been using for the past few weeks. Honestly, it’s one of those pieces of gear that’s become indispensable on my rides.

What really sold me on it was the smart brake function. It gets noticeably brighter when you brake, which is a great safety feature, especially when you’re riding in traffic. It gives me extra peace of mind knowing that I’m more visible to drivers, particularly in busy areas.

The magnetic mount is another feature I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I do. It makes attaching and detaching the light a breeze—no tools required. I can easily pop it on and off depending on the ride, which is super convenient if I’m switching bikes or just need to take it off at the end of a ride.

In terms of brightness, the 100-lumen light does a great job. It's bright enough to be seen, but it also has this really unique spread that grabs attention. It’s not just a beam of light; it’s designed to be seen from multiple angles, which I really appreciate when I’m riding at night or in low-visibility areas.

The CNC aluminum housing gives it a premium, durable feel. It’s definitely more solid than the plastic tail lights I’ve used in the past, and you can tell it’s built to withstand some wear and tear.

Finally, I love that it fits both the saddle and seatpost, giving you flexibility in where you mount it. Whether you prefer it closer to the seat or a little lower on the seatpost, it adapts to your setup without any issues.

All in all, the Gaciron Loop-100 has really impressed me. If you’re looking for a tail light that combines practicality, visibility, and durability, I’d highly recommend checking it out. It’s been a great addition to my setup, and I think it will be for yours too. You can find it on Gaciron’s site here: https://www.gaciron-shop.com/produc....103.104&score=1&ssp=&spm=..search.search_1.1