Kalkhoff vs KTM

Vasilis_Pap

Pedelecer
Aug 6, 2015
99
32
46
Is there a different motor that bosch uses for the 250w and 350w? I am led to believe that there aren't. If that is correct then even the 250w motor can produce the same power but it's just restricted.
 
Is there a different motor that bosch uses for the 250w and 350w? I am led to believe that there aren't. If that is correct then even the 250w motor can produce the same power but it's just restricted.
The 250w and 350w are the same motors and they produce the same power... its just that when its in an sPedelec the speed limit is increased from 25kph to 45kph, which means the useable nominal power essentially increases from 250w to 350w even though the motor is the same and the power being produced is the same.
 

Vasilis_Pap

Pedelecer
Aug 6, 2015
99
32
46
Exactly. Which is why someone mentioned that essentially s-pedelecs could be just software enabled.
 
Exactly. Which is why someone mentioned that essentially s-pedelecs could be just software enabled.
yes, but thats what I'm saying.

Have a look at an sPedelec, and look at a normal eBike. There is differences other than just the cut off speed. The brands have to build the bikes with the extra speed and load in mind.

The difference between a normal eBike and an sPedelec isn't just cut off speed.
 

Vasilis_Pap

Pedelecer
Aug 6, 2015
99
32
46
Sorry my experience is limited in separate parts that make up a bike. All I have realised recently was that there are tyres that are available for 50km/h.

What else is different? Quality of brakes? Stronger frame? Uprated suspension? (Thinking in car terms)

For example looking at the sduro trekking RC and equivalent s-pedelec haibike sells it appears that only the front suspension is different. Brakes are the same and tyres maybe different. Other than that, can't find anything else
 
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anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
5,786
The European Union
Lights: brake light now required and number plate light (required or soon to be). Front light must be approved type. Supernova have a hi-beam/lo-beam dipping light version for OEMs.
Rear view mirror: approved moped type (b+m has one on catalogue)
Tyres: approved type
France only (?): moped certified electric horn
And of course number plate holder

Brakes, suspension and frame are the same. They already have to be able to cope with speeds in excess of 60 kph on a normal bike...
 
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anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
5,786
The European Union
Oh yes sorry, forgot the brake levers which have to have the ball ends for protecting pedestrians.
 

anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
5,786
The European Union
I would have thought that 10 extra kg wouldn't affect the performance of higher end suspension forks? Well at least with lighter riders.

I can feel a difference with a 3.5 kg weight in the center of my rear wheel in my steel frame. But surely a central motor bike does not have the same impact on handling (it is one of the selling points after all - no extra unsprung weight).

I rode my friends front hub Decathlon bike which is FS. The front fork was sure working for its living at top speed downhill +55 kph, a low end Suntour IIRC. How long it would take that treatment on an everyday commute is another story.

KTM has always had the best components (WP inverted on my 125 Duke a real pleasure) but I don't think 45 kph speed requires a special fork, that is just marketing. Any higher end Suntour can handle 45 kph, my rigid steel fork has been handling 60+ regularly since June.
 

anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
5,786
The European Union
Found the list for Germany:
  • Rear view mirror
  • self-collapsing kickstand
  • license plate
  • minimum tyre profile of 1mm
  • Tyres with "ECE" license
  • two independent brakes
  • brake levers with spherical heads
  • Extra lateral reflectors
  • fixed pedal reflectors
  • fixed lighting system
 

Kudoscycles

Official Trade Member
Apr 15, 2011
5,566
5,048
www.kudoscycles.com
Whilst this forum tries to stay true to its roots as a home to discuss true Pedelecs and Russell seems keen for that to happen,it is obvious to all that illegals are becoming an increasingly element in all sectors,not just the private land bit.
It just seems that the inactivity of trading standards and the police has made illegals seem ok to use.
I am sure none of us would contemplating driving our cars without tax,insurance,registration,number plates etc but because the motor vehicle is bike shaped it seems ok but the offences are the same, added on riding without helmet.
The number of times on this forum you read 'oh don't worry about it the police will never catch you' But this misses the point that the biggest compensation settlements in courts are often medical claims resulting from road accidents,run into a pedestrian with an illegal bike and no insurance ,the quantum could be ruinous.
There is a member asking about how to buy a 750 watt BBS,the UK sellers site says off road use only. It would be easy to produce a Chinese manufactured S-class bike selling for less than £1500.00 and I must say that I am tempted to do so. 50 cycles seem to be getting bolder selling their S-class bikes into the UK,even though we all know that there is no way of legally using these bikes on our roads,it does seem that it's ok to sell them and I am out of step on this forum,I should be selling S-class to compete with Kalkhoff.
But,I am not convinced that the retailer is insulated from legal action and it does not seem good business practice to put bike owners into a possible legal nightmare,especially without making it very clear of the implications of using these illegals on roads and cycle tracks in the UK.
I applaud KTM attitude to refusing to sell these S-class into the UK,even though we have a lot of demand from customers.
The recent hoverboard fatality and the police aftermath reaction could be an indicator of what could happen if we had a similar accident with an S-class involved.
KudosDave
 

Mike45

Pedelecer
Dec 1, 2015
71
18
Torbay
Mmm, you really need to try these bikes to see which 'you' prefer. The KTM brand has real heritage (50 plus years) and they are very well built bikes, I get very very few issues on these bikes. Kalkoff bikes are not far from me here in Kingston, not knowing where you are but you could make the trip and compare. I also stock Haibike with the Yamaha motor and the Bosch CX motor really does 'pull' as does the Bosch Performance Line series of motors.
Well, this thread has, like so many, before been well and truly hijacked! I have now bought a bike, not so much on the various merits and demerits of Kalkhoff vs KTM but simply because one of the agents did not bother to telephone me with the answers to questions that I had asked. In my experience British businesses, in general, leave a lot to be desired and it would seem that electric bicycle sellers are no different to others.
In the end it seemed to me that the pluses and minuses of the two bikes on my short list largely balanced themselves out. I took one prevailing piece of advice and had a test ride on one of the bikes and tried several steep hills. The bike and I managed them, not without a lot of effort, and so I went ahead without bothering to see the competitor bike (marketed by the uncommunicative vendor).

..................and the winner is Kalkhoff.
 

LEBC Tom

Pedelecer
Sep 11, 2013
249
118
Hampton Wick, KT1 4DA
Well, this thread has, like so many, before been well and truly hijacked! I have now bought a bike, not so much on the various merits and demerits of Kalkhoff vs KTM but simply because one of the agents did not bother to telephone me with the answers to questions that I had asked. In my experience British businesses, in general, leave a lot to be desired and it would seem that electric bicycle sellers are no different to others.
In the end it seemed to me that the pluses and minuses of the two bikes on my short list largely balanced themselves out. I took one prevailing piece of advice and had a test ride on one of the bikes and tried several steep hills. The bike and I managed them, not without a lot of effort, and so I went ahead without bothering to see the competitor bike (marketed by the uncommunicative vendor).

..................and the winner is Kalkhoff.
Well at least you tried your bike. Who was the uncommunicative vendor?
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,913
6,514
well the only difference i can see is the motor software thats different thats it.

all the other parts are the same inc the rear brake disc why i changed mine to 203 front and rear:)
 

paul20v

Pedelecer
Nov 18, 2015
150
81
Damian Harris Cycles, Cardiff
Well theres a shock
I was after a KTM and he was my closest
Too say that there useless is an understatement
There information skills are zero and there communications rate the same it was just like they didnt care or want too even sell a bike ,
So i travelled further too Onbike in Worcester and couldnt have had better coms and service , really happy allround .
 
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