NEW SHIMANO EP8 - Long Term Review Ebike Motors 

Tengo una BH híbrida, motor Shimano E8000 y batería de 720, La utilizo para hacer carretera, con trayectos de 80 a 100 km el día que salgo. La compré en junio de 2019 y me iba bien. Solo hice 2000 km. En el 2020, recorrí 5002 km. Pero en los meses de calor al poner el modo "boost" para subir mejor las cuestas al sobrarme energía; de repente error W010. Con modo pista podía seguir con normalidad. De septiembre a noviembre no me pasó. Era disfrutar. A mediados de noviembre la llevé a la tienda que la merqué y se la llevaron a revisar a Vitoria (donde está la fábrica BH). Me la devolvieron revisada. La primera salida de 80 km sin usar el "boost" me fue muy bien. La segunda fue de 70 km y con desniveles más fuertes y, horror! A pesar de ser en febrero, a la mínima, error E010. Cada vez que colocaba el "boost" E010... Y dicen que la revisaron. No quiero pensar que me pasará en la canícula estival. Ya me he puesto en contacto con la tienda y, creo, tendré que ir al defensor del consumidor. ¿Alguien me puede aconsejar?

Que bien!!! Dale las gracias a tu mujer,ahora sí q es genial, vosotros dos si q habéis hecho el equipo perfecto!!! Gracias por los subtítulos!!!

I have been riding the EP8 for 6 weeks, probably covered similar km. I detuned the settings, Eco to 27NM, Trail to 63NM and never use boost. I've actually gone back to the E8000 the last 6 weeks and loving it just as much. Range, I found the bikes (EP8 / E8000) to be pretty much identical riding round Finale and Pietra on the EWS trails. Noise? I noticed it at first, now not at all.

Sam no sabes lo mucho que te agradezco a ti y a tu mujer el haber subtitulado los vídeos, creo que aportas mucha información y muy valiosa , muchas gracias , un fuerte abrazo

Sam, I rewatched the video after riding my first EP8 bike (Commencal Meta Power TR). I hate to say that you're spot on as other reviewers were. I get why you wouldn't purchase the motor in 2021 and I agree. I canceled my Meta Power order after the test ride and bought a Trek Rail 7. For those interested: The EP8 has a "natural" feel to it, translated -it feels underpowered especially when compared to the Bosch. Not saying it's bad but its just not for me. I found myself looking down to 'verify' I was in Boost because I didn't feel the power surging. I want the motor to have power and feel it. My other ebike is a Commencal MaxMax, and yes the E7000 motor 'feels' more powerful than the EP8. If the EP8 gave massive amount more range for what it is I might consider it, but it doesn't and actually is coming up short compared to Bosch on some tests I've seen. I'm sure the EP8 is a good motor that may people will love.

The charging port cover works perfectly if you snap the front in first and then push the back down. A little counterintuitive.

For the plug, a little bit of tri-flow or similar lubricant in the "hinge" part really makes it operate better. I was having issues getting it to work smoothly until I did this. Just a dab, so you do not attract dust.

This review is what sets you apart from the rest of the reviewers . You describe so well the subtleties of what it feels like to ride all the different bikes that you comment on. I believe that other reviewers cannot express these subtleties because they don't know HOW to pay attention to what's happening when they are riding . meaning , they don't listen carefully , or feel the different pressure changes on the legs that occur from varying power settings and terrain , etc. It's an art to listen to ones body and how it's reacts to varying experiences and then put it into words .

Muchas gracias a la señora Sam's bikes por los subtitulos en español!! Hurray! Lol Sam loved the effort on the Spanish. Cheers from Peru, keep content coming.

Awesome review Sam and so refreshing to have honesty and integrity when sharing your opinion!

I have the 2023 version in my Norco Bigfoot VLT1 eFatbike, and I love it! Very natural feeling, relatively quiet, great range, looks good, etc 😀

Very clear and honest analisys about a so big brand, because not every behaviour you’ve mentioned are so positive at the moment, I mean at the impossibility to switch the profile where you are riding .... respect 💪🏼

So far, I can climb anything in trail mode on the EP8. Havent used boost much at all, for trailriding the Shimano seems to work really well. I'm a bicyclist and am fine with pedaling hard as part of the ride. No rattle or clunking on mine either. Just isnt there. I wonder about the "fastness" between various motors. 85NM is 85NM ,right? Most spend a lot of time in middle power mode, because it tends to be all you need, use more power use more battery. I dunno, Im new on e bikes.

Count me in for a new Decoy next year with EP8 V2. Will stick with a 2019 Decoy for now and get some carbon wheels and coil shock. Thanks for the review.

Respect for being completely honest Sam, seen a lot of reviews where people seem to beat around the bush on the EP8.

Liking the honesty in the review

Thanks for the info mate. Looking at one and natural feel is on the top of my list, so perfect for me.

Quality Sam as always 👌👌

Wow! I’m learning so much about Ebike! I love how much information you give! and...GUAPO!!!!!

Muchas gracias por los subtítulos en español, muy buena idea, y como no muy buen video por la explicación sobre el motor.

Have just got the new Vitus with the Ep8 and for anyone interested, the noise from the motor on downhill sounds like 1 lose cable inside the frame.

You got to gently push in the power cover before pushing down it goes in the frame.

Great review once again! Well the cover obviously depends on bike manufacturers, because I got on my Husqvarna realy good quality rubber knob... keep up the great work 💪

you can change the names in P1 (eco, normal, fast) and for P2 the standart (eco, trail, boost) so you know by the names which profile you use....

I think The same Sam, point by point, and I agree with you on the range delusion. I still suppose that The combo “Brose- mission control” is The best platform to push and e bike with a huge smile on The face. Waiting for The new specialized toy in the next future! ;)

As usual, you give very objective review, thanks!

¡¡ Muy bien por los subtitulos !!

My engine failed after 10weeks some 250km. Its in limp mode w one bar of assistance- not helpful at all. Back to bike shop.

Great video, Sam. Thanks for your unbiased reviews. Much appreciated.

Thanks for the spanish subtitles!!!

Ottimo Sam, ringrazia tua moglie per la traduzione anche in spagnolo , 👍🏻 molto gradita.

Thank you for your new video and subtitling support. Could I ask you a question about what would your choice be between three bicycles?

If i leave specialized the only bike i can see replacing my Kenevo is the Bullit. I dont want the rattle of the EP8 though

Hey Sam. Good review. The run on/runover can be adjusted by the manufacturer software package is my understanding. It might be that some dealers have access to this but that I'm not sure. So a manufacturer can set the run on to suit their bike. Also, the power connector is decided again by the manufacturer so they can fit what they want. EG Liteville have a much more robust connector and weather resistant system on their bikes. Ref your choice for racing, I get that, though to finish first, you first have to finish.. the Shimano is the most reliable. See you at the Italian rounds?

Gracias por los subtítulos...yo encantado con mi ep8

Gracias por la traducción en Español,,

One of the best channels ... ty

Keep on making this kind of reviews... Thx

Gracias por los subtítulos saludos desde Colombia

Hi Sam! Thank you for sharing your knowledge in this video! I need a little help choosing a new ebike, what do you think about the Canyon Spectral On CF6 and the Giant Reign E+3? Those are in stock right now in Germany. I'll appreciate your comments.

My brother and i do full boos rides at max speed for about 2 hrs 2 x a week. Vitus e.sommet

Any intel on how many of these EP8 motors are failing and being replaced under warranty? Im seeing a lot of threads and chatter online about people having to warranty very low mileage EP8 motors

If you had to choose the Meta or SL which would it be I know there 2 different bikes but for an overall package for trail riding and some dh riding with a bit of a workout which would you choose.... Great video

Great info shared! Thank you!

Thank you for this in-depth review! Do you know if the EP8 motor is limited to 25 km/h when it's sold outside the EU? Here in the US, the limit for a Class 3 ebike is 45 km/h, so I'd hate to have all that power locked away.

Keep up the good stuff, thanks!

Gracias por los subtitulos!!, suscrito!

Hey Sam, I’ve mentioned this already some time ago in the comments, but don’t you think that Shimano’s going to pull out a rabbit just like Bosch did?!? I really got a big hunch that they will add an additional 10 NM or so in a couple of weeks/ months through an update and suddenly from one day to another they will be market leader !! And then you will have your perfect weapon for the race!! 🙏🏻 arigato Shimano!

Nice and honest review Sam

Funny Rocky Mountain motor isn't considered as an alternative amongst the best motors out there... super natural, powerful, reliable, and ranges about the same...

Gracias por los sudtitulos

Plug is as bad as it can be. Rattle on carbon frame is unbearable. Profile changing is a pain and you never know where you are. Power consumpion is too high compared to Bosch CX. NO emtb!! My Santa Cruz seems weak :(

Sam since you are on Spain I was wondering if you have planned any reviews on the 3 models of BH bikes, Atom X, ILynx and the Xtep?

Lo que no cuentan a los futuros compradores es que el motor EP8 esta diseñado para tener una duración muy limitada (en torno a los 8000 km, con suerte) y que no se pueda reparar. De este modo, tiene a los consumidores cautivos, que, si hacen un uso intenso, se ven obligados a cambiar de motor cada 2 o 3 años. A unos 1000 euros cada motor. Como al comprar un bicicleta con esta motor, se aseguran que el cliente comprara 2 o 3 motores, a los largo de la vida de la bicicleta, ofertan a las marcas este motor a un precio muy, muy barato. El beneficio lo aportaran posteriormente el cliente cautivo. El hecho que este motor mantenga los anclajes del EP8000, significa, que mantienen una unica linea de produccion, siendo conscientes que mas temprano que tarde, esos motores van a tener que ser sustituidos. Otro aspecto a destacar es que los motores eléctricos son, por su arquitectura, relativamente resistentes y duraderos. Es mas difícil hacer un motor que solo dure 8000 km, que uno que dure mas. Normalmente pueden duran cientos de miles de km, con solo el mantenimiento de los rodamientos. Por ello, ees mas que probablemente que este motor tenga obsolescencia programada, a través de los componentes electrónicos.

Thanks for the review Sam. Do you see the chance to ride different motors in the same frame? Or better, update from an older motors to a new models using the same frame?

Gracias por los subtítulos en español🚵🤘🤘

Gracias por los subtitulos

Cada vez hablas mejor español 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😜

Hi, I'm easy getting +2000 climbing with the EP8. Just ride more on ECO ;-)

Have you heard of anyone making a range extender for the EP8?

Hi Sam great review as always . Liking the hoodie can you purchase these online ? Cheers

In terms of drag did you notice any difference in-between specialized 1.1 , ep8 and the one from Forestal?

thaks for your oppinion. professionell video. i ride the kenevo with brose. pedals are to deep to the ground. this i dont like. and a brake with 220mm is necessary!!!

Is there a way to look up the metrics through the app, like distance traveled and all that?

Would like to see battery percentage

Good stuff and I could use some new shoes. Nothing in stock 😂

Buen video, una consulta con el error E010, después de revisar configuraciones, actualizaciones y demás componentes eléctricos, tiene reparación, si es necesario comprar monitor donde conseguir uno si ya no hay garantía, alguna ayuda sobre esto

Haven't notice the rattle on my Bullit, (you actually have to listen for it) to busy concentrating coming down hill and that's a carbon frame. Do like the motor and the extra range, the found the customisation really annoying though, may be I'm a bit of a Luddite! I agree the noise is less annoying.

Is the plastic connection to the motor the same for all bikes with an EP8 motor?

I see a lot of reviews and people suggest there are many motors better than the EP8. Why do you feel big name manufacturers such as Santa Cruz, Canyon and Yeti are using EP8 over others?

Sam I love the EP8 now which Vick should I choose Canyon spectral On or Merida E160

I think there is a vid on second hand bikes and selling your bike.

Interesting review. Cheers

Gracias por los subtítulos, me subscribí. Un saludo

I broke motor axis in two parts in 3 days by driving in the city. PS Norco VLT A1 2022

As you say, there's a lot of internal drag on the E8000. :(

The range info was very interesting. Out of curiosity, how much do you weigh? I imagine rider weight has a big impact on the range of an e-bike.

I dunno - i ride mostly in Boost mode and still HRs are in zone4-5😃

Un saludo desde Andalucia

My Emtb has a Shimano e8000 battery can I change it with ep8 Shimano?

You should tell us what’s your settings on your profile

Cheers Samjam another corker

That explains what happened to the e8000's adjustment options. You used to be able to infinitely adjust each mode. Now Shimano only gives you options. I won't buy another Shimano in protest. They can ............

Great video! What about reliability?

63km is enough. On my meta i go maximum 30km / 1000alt, 90kg. I hope it gets better in the warm summer months

Hi Sam! I wonder - why did you go with the SX and not the 29? Have you tried the Meta Power 29 already or are you just a 27 guy ;) ? I am really curious about that Öhlins Edition though but "afraid" that the 29 just might be too bulky and heavy ... Also the SC Bullit is really intriguing - Have you had the chance to try it? Or ofc the new Meta Power TR? Too many choices! KR and great content

Good review

Sam have you got a date to test the Kelly’s Theo’s yet.

EWS-E ? This race is open? 👍👏👏👏

Why don’t these bike designers take into consideration the actual act of riding a bike? Why not have a physical dial? The screen could be on the inside with a rotating dial on the out side. Large, around three inches with notches around it the allows you to scroll through things easily on the move with gloves on!

One pair of shoes... which size?!

For meeeeee....

Disprove of e-bikes and the motor manufacturers requiring you to download a app(requiring you to purchase a smartphone(don't own one...Thank G-D)). The apps, which many are oblivious to, for some reason grants the companies access to your internet history, email, photos, videos, and messages. Not exactly a secure app. Give me a motor with a simple control device, that does not need a phone.

Hi, Schwalbe isn't spell schwol-bee, it is not an insect. It is pronounced like the german translation of the bird swallow: Schwalbe with ending *be* like be*nefit ore be*neath. Try it ;-)

The video only starts at 1:50

Holy crap, do your homework on the Brose motors. Destroy themselves. Warranty extensions etc etc

E010 fault =new motor ☹️☹️☹️☹️

Obviously sponsored by Shimano no comparison to Bosh Cx

people race on e bikes? thats just pay to win LMAO