Sur-Ron Light Bee Power Upgrade: TC500 or TC1000, TM25 or TM40?

POWER UPGRADE

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The Sur-Ron Light Bee is addictive from the first twist of the throttle. But anyone who rides one for more than a season knows the moment: the climb where power fades, the jump that needs more punch, the straight where a 125cc petrol bike simply pulls away. The stock electronics keep the Light Bee on a leash - on purpose, because a factory setup has to be safe for everyone. It can be removed in one afternoon. TORP offers two controllers (TC500 and TC1000) and two motors (TM25 and TM40) - here is exactly how they differ and what to choose.

Why the stock Light Bee stops being enough

The factory system limits peak current, cuts power when hot and smooths throttle response so much that metering torque off-road becomes guesswork. The result: weak corner exits, hesitant climbs and wheelies you have to yank up instead of riding up on the throttle. The first tuning step is always the controller - it decides how much current reaches the motor. The second step is a motor that puts that power to the wheel without overheating.

TORP TC500 controller - who is it for?

The most popular entry into real tuning. Reversible installation, the kit includes the harness, cover and tools, and setup is done from the app (iOS/Android).

Specifications:

• FOC control, 20-90 V
• max power 25 kW (approx. 17 kW with the stock motor)
• max battery current 400 A, max phase current 500 A
• efficiency up to 99%, Bluetooth, full protection package
• multiple regen modes, weight approx. 1 kg

Who it is for: riders who want a clearly stronger Light Bee for trails, woods and stunt practice, without swapping battery or motor at the start. The biggest felt power jump for the most sensible budget.

TORP TC1000 controller - who is it for?

A leap to another level. Same install philosophy and app, but double the current limits - the TC1000 2.X kit is the foundation of a full build.

Specifications:

• FOC control, 20-90 V
• max power 50 kW
• max battery current 700 A, max phase current 1000 A
• efficiency up to 99%, Bluetooth, IP67
• works with the stock display and BMS, weight 1.3 kg

Who it is for: maximum builds - track, hard stunt, drag. Buy once and you have headroom for a stronger battery and the TM40 motor. On the stock motor you will not use its potential.

TORP TM25 motor - who is it for?

The TORP TM25 is the first step into big motors and the natural partner of the TC500.

Specifications:

• 72 V
• continuous power 13 kW, peak power 25 kW
• rated speed 6000, max 10,000 rpm
• Hall sensor + encoder, air cooled

Who it is for: a huge jump over the stock unit, which overheats and cuts power at high currents. Clearly cheaper than the TM40 - if you are not building a max machine, the TM25 is plenty with reserve.

TORP TM40 motor - who is it for?

Specifications:

• 72 V
• continuous power 17 kW, peak power 42 kW
• rated speed 6000, max 10,000 rpm
• Hall sensor + encoder, 95% efficiency
• IP67, weight 9.8 kg

Who it is for: the target motor for the TC1000 and full settings. High continuous power means a long climb or a whole track session never ends in thermal cutback. The TC1000 + TM40 combo turns the Light Bee into a machine that embarrasses petrol crossers.

How to combine them? Quick cheat sheet

• Budget power jump: TC500 + stock motor (approx. 17 kW) - plenty for woods and learning.
• Sweet spot: TC500 + TM25 - a strong, reliable machine with no overheating.
• Maximum build: TC1000 + TM40 - full 42 kW peak and headroom for a stronger battery.

Recommended products

• TC500 2.X TORP controller (Light Bee kit)
• TC1000 2.X TORP controller (Light Bee kit)
• TORP TM25 motor
• TORP TM40 motor
• TORP Full-Color display (live power and temperatures, map switching from the bars)
• TORP thumb throttle for regenerative braking

FAQ

Where should I start tuning my Light Bee?

With the controller. The TC500 gives the biggest felt change for the budget. Planning a big build - go straight for the TC1000 and avoid paying twice.

Do I have to replace the motor after the controller?

Not immediately. The TC500 with the stock motor gives approx. 17 kW. The TM25/TM40 makes sense once you ride aggressively at high power and the stock unit starts overheating.

What is the difference between TM25 and TM40?

TM25: 13 kW continuous / 25 kW peak. TM40: 17 kW / 42 kW, IP67. TM25 = partner for the TC500, TM40 = the full potential of the TC1000.

Is the installation reversible?

Yes - TORP kits install without irreversible changes. You can return to stock at any time.

Can I monitor parameters while riding?

Yes - the TORP Full-Color display shows power and temperatures live, and you switch maps from the handlebar.

Summary

The stock Light Bee is a base. The TC500 unlocks its character, the TC1000 extracts the full potential, the TM25 delivers a strong motor at a sensible price, and the TM40 guarantees the power is always there. Everything in stock at 96powerparts.com - order today and ride a different bike this weekend.