Kalkhoff and 50 cycles

Carlt

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 13, 2017
12
6
35
Worthing
First ever post! I have a kalkhoff Tasman 2 yr old bike with only 275 miles on it. Haven't heard any clacking noises from the impulse 2.0 motor. Can I assume the motor is ok?
On a separate note, I bought from 50 cycles in Shoreham and have received nothing but good service and advice on the times I've popped in. Despite the negative press in these forums I can only say I am pleased so far with their service. I appreciate of course that the true test is when you have a problem.
Would appreciate views on my 2 year old 275 mile impulse motor.
Cheers
 

Carlt

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 13, 2017
12
6
35
Worthing
Ha ha. Just starting to use bike daily now. Am wondering if it's worth selling in anticipation of a problem which might happen. Did the motor problem affect all impulse drives?
 

tillson

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 29, 2008
5,252
3,197
In fairness, you haven't really used the bike. Based on what I have read here and the experience of my friend who has had 5 motors, I would say that the probability of motor failure will be high once you start using the bike.

Customer service usually is good when you aren't reporting a problem and is best judged on how they deal with a complaint.

The trouble with selling the bike is that no one will believe the 250 miles and they will be nervous about the motor failing out of warranty, which it is highly likely to do. Might be best to hang on to it and buy a new motor when the present one fails. That way you will have the rolling 2 year guarantee.
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,926
8,535
61
West Sx RH
Ha ha. Just starting to use bike daily now. Am wondering if it's worth selling in anticipation of a problem which might happen. Did the motor problem affect all impulse drives?
Your current use is very light so would agree with Crockers that you may not see an issue, also it may be dependant on how hard you push on the pedals. The failures seem to come with more miles on the drive what we don't know is how hard the rider rides the bike.
 

tillson

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 29, 2008
5,252
3,197
The failures seem to come with more miles on the drive what we don't know is how hard the rider rides the bike.
That's actually a good point. The friend of mine who is on his fifth motor is a very fit cyclist. He does a lot of mountain biking and can put a lot of power through the pedals. An interesting graph would be the rider's fitness plotted against rate of failure. Sadly it would be virtually impossible to compile such data, even with the manufacturer's cooperation.
 

Carlt

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 13, 2017
12
6
35
Worthing
Thanks all. Some good points. As I'm out of warranty I will stick with bike and load on some miles. If motor goes will just have to swallow a new motor which I believe is £600?
I have had the latest software updates so don't know if that will prevent motor failure? Hope it does make a difference because it's actually a nice bike to ride.
 

tillson

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 29, 2008
5,252
3,197
Thanks all. Some good points. As I'm out of warranty I will stick with bike and load on some miles. If motor goes will just have to swallow a new motor which I believe is £600?
I have had the latest software updates so don't know if that will prevent motor failure? Hope it does make a difference because it's actually a nice bike to ride.
My friend's 5th motor cost £395, I think. That was a deal to reflect the ongoing problems. The motor now has the rolling 2 year warranty, so not a bad outcome.