How long do Kalkhoff take to replace engines?

[Colin Tate]

My Kalkhoff needs its impulse II motor replaced. Has anyone been through this and, if so, how long did the process take?

I have to say that I'm going off Kalkhoff. My motor has a clicking sound with every rotation of the pedals and the local Kalkhoff servicers (who have been good) say they need to send it off. Kalkhoff haven't even collected the motor yet, despite the shop having it ready about 10 days ago. So by the time they do collect it, exam it, repair it or change it, I have a feeling I'll be without my bike for some time.

My engine is under 3 years old. I don't think that's long enough for an motor to last really but the 3 year warranty didn't kick in until bikes that were manufactured slightly later than mine.

I had been considering a new bike and was looking at another Kalkhoff but am beginning to re-think that idea.

 

[flecc]

I had been considering a new bike and was looking at another Kalkhoff but am beginning to re-think that idea.

The bikes are ok, but you need to avoid the troublesome Impulse units, particularly the Impulse 2, and possibly its successor, the Evo.

Kalkhoffs are also made with Bosch units and have used other motors that are generally ok.
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[Deleted member 4366]

Derby Cycles own Kalkhoff. I'm sure that they said that they will do FOC motor replacements beyond the guarantee period. See if it's in here somewhere:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/ongoing-reliability-of-kalkhoff-focus-impulse-2-motors.24290/

 

[Colin Tate]

The bikes are ok, but you need to avoid the troublesome Impulse units, particularly the Impulse 2, and possibly its successor, the Evo.

Kalkhoffs are also made with Bosch units and have used other motors that are generally ok.
.

BUT. Is Bosch better? Would be interested to know.

 

[Colin Tate]

Derby Cycles own Kalkhoff. I'm sure that they said that they will do FOC motor replacements beyond the guarantee period. See if it's in here somewhere:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/ongoing-reliability-of-kalkhoff-focus-impulse-2-motors.24290/

I couldn't see it. But it's a massively long threat ...

 

[Crockers]

BUT. Is Bosch better? Would be interested to know.

Definitely not worse. Impulse would be at the bottom of any list. Bosch near the top. As for the best - that's a wee bit subjective

 

[flecc]

BUT. Is Bosch better? Would be interested to know.

Definitely very much better than the Impulse 2 units, but they have had the odd faults. That's true across the board for crank motor units though, the best reliability now is with quality hub motors like the Bafang ones. That's the reverse of the situation well over a decade ago.
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[Colin Tate]

Definitely very much better than the Impulse 2 units, but they have had the odd faults. That's true across the board for crank motor units though, the best reliability now is with quality hub motors like the Bafang ones. That's the reverse of the situation well over a decade ago.
.

Oh I see. Which bikes have those motors?

 

[Trevormonty]

Definitely very much better than the Impulse 2 units, but they have had the odd faults. That's true across the board for crank motor units though, the best reliability now is with quality hub motors like the Bafang ones. That's the reverse of the situation well over a decade ago.
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Most of Bosch failures have been with MTB CX drive bearings from water ingress. More of issue on MTBs because they ride in mud and need to be washed regularly. New upgraded seal on later motors should help lot especially if maintained.

Shouldn't issue on bikes that do mainly road riding.

 

[flecc]

Oh I see. Which bikes have those motors?

Fortunately the majority of geared hub motor e-bikes on our UK market. Plenty of examples on the websites of Woosh, Kudos, Oxygen, Juicy etc. The Japanese Dapu hub motors on some Wisper models are also very good.
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