Sur-Ron Light Bee Power Upgrade: TC500 or TC1000, TM25 or TM40?
Two TORP controllers (TC500, TC1000) and two motors (TM25, TM40) for the Light Bee. Full specs, real differences and a straight answer: which one is for you.
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TORP TM40 motor — Sur-Ron Light Bee | 42 kW peak, 93 Nm, the torque version, requires a TC1000 controller
TORP TM40 motor — Sur-Ron Light Bee | 42 kW peak, 93 Nm, the torque version, requires a TC1000 controller
- TORP TM40 mid-drive motor for the Sur-Ron Light Bee: 42 kW peak, 17 kW continuous, 93 Nm of torque, IP67, 2-year manufacturer warranty. This is the torque version — lower KV than the TM40 Pro, so it pulls harder off-road at the cost of top speed. Requires
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The TM40 replaces the stock Light Bee motor, which is the weakest link in the whole drivetrain. But buying the motor alone changes nothing. On a stock battery the limit is the pack BMS, not the motor or the controller — you will see roughly 7–8.5 kW whatever you fit. The TM40 only shows what it can do as part of a set: a custom 72 V battery plus a TC1000 controller.
We are saying this before you spend the money. If you are not planning a battery swap, this motor is not for you — write to us and we will suggest a cheaper path that actually delivers something. We are the official TORP distributor in Poland; warranty and service are handled here.
Real power by configuration
| Configuration | Power | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Stock battery + stock controller | ~4.8 kW | The starting point |
| Stock battery + TC500 or TC1000 | ~7–8.5 kW | The pack BMS is the limit — the motor changes nothing here |
| Custom 72 V battery + TC1000 + stock motor | 17 kW | Controller and battery only, no TM40 |
| Custom 72 V battery + TC1000 + TM25 | 27 kW | A cheaper motor, a cheaper path |
| Custom 72 V battery + TC1000 + TM40 | 33 kW | This is the real result of this build |
| The motor ceiling on its own | 42 kW peak | Only at 1000 A phase current |
42 kW is the motor ceiling, not a number you will see on your bike. In the practical configuration — custom 72 V battery plus TC1000 — TORP quotes 33 kW. We publish both, because the gap between them is the single most common reason people are disappointed after a purchase like this.
What you get
93 Nm of torque
More than the Pro version (86 Nm). At 500 A: 52 Nm against the Pro's 48 Nm. This is a motor for terrain and corner exits, not for top speed.
42 kW peak, 17 kW continuous
Maximum phase current 1000 A, maximum 10,000 rpm, efficiency up to 95%.
IP67 and a PT1000 temperature sensor
Air cooling, magnet temperature up to 150 °C. IPM design, 5 pole pairs.
2-year manufacturer warranty
TORP warranty plus your statutory EU rights through us. We service it in Poland.
Three things to know before you buy
1. The TM40 does not work with the TC500. It requires a TC1000. If you run a TC500, this motor is not for you.
2. On a stock battery it makes no sense. The stock pack BMS caps the whole system at ~7–8.5 kW — a motor at this price changes nothing there.
3. You choose the sensor when ordering. Encoder for TORP controllers, Hall sensor for other brands. The wrong choice means a build that will not run — write to us if you are unsure.
The item is the motor. Controller, battery, harness, chain, sprocket and belt are separate.
2. On a stock battery it makes no sense. The stock pack BMS caps the whole system at ~7–8.5 kW — a motor at this price changes nothing there.
3. You choose the sensor when ordering. Encoder for TORP controllers, Hall sensor for other brands. The wrong choice means a build that will not run — write to us if you are unsure.
The item is the motor. Controller, battery, harness, chain, sprocket and belt are separate.
Specification
| Peak power | 42 kW |
| Continuous power | 17 kW |
| Maximum torque | 93 Nm |
| Torque at 500 A | 52 Nm |
| Max phase current | 1,000 A |
| KV | 84 rpm/V |
| Max rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Nominal voltage | 72 V |
| Motor type | IPM, mid-drive, 5 pole pairs |
| Resistance per phase | 2.7 mΩ |
| Dimensions | 115 × 165 mm, magnet length 65 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Position sensor | 1024-point encoder (selectable) or Hall sensor |
| Temperature sensor | PT1000, magnet up to 150 °C |
| Cooling / efficiency | Air / up to 95% |
| Protection class | IP67 |
| Required controller | TC1000 — does not work with the TC500 |
| Fits | Sur-Ron Light Bee |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
TORP does not publish a public datasheet for the TM40 — the manufacturer page is password-protected. The figures above come from authorised TORP dealers; the 42 kW peak is confirmed by two independent sources. If any single number decides your purchase, write to us first and we will confirm it with the manufacturer.
42 kW peak93 NmIP67Requires TC10002-year warrantyOfficial TORP distributor
TM40 or TM40 Pro — how they differ
- Torque: the TM40 makes 93 Nm, the Pro 86 Nm. Off-road and on corner exits the TM40 wins.
- Peak power: the Pro makes 50 kW, the TM40 42 kW. On straights and for top speed the Pro wins.
- KV and rpm: the TM40 runs KV 84 and 10,000 rpm, the Pro KV 97 and 11,000 rpm. Lower KV means more torque per amp; higher KV means more speed.
- Conclusion: "Pro" does not mean "better". It is a different tune. Riding terrain, hills and technical trails — take the TM40. Chasing top speed on long straights — take the Pro.
Frequently asked
Will the TM40 work with my TC500 controller?
No. The TM40 requires a TC1000. The TC500 tops out at 500 A phase current and does not support this motor.
How much power will I actually get?
With a custom 72 V battery and a TC1000 — 33 kW. The 42 kW figure is the motor ceiling at 1000 A phase current. On a stock battery you will get around 7–8.5 kW and no motor changes that, because the pack BMS is the limit.
Can I fit the TM40 and keep the stock battery?
You can fit it, but it defeats the purpose. The stock BMS caps the whole system at ~7–8.5 kW. Without a battery swap you will not see a difference worth the price.
Encoder or Hall sensor?
Encoder if you run a TORP controller. Hall sensor if your controller is another brand. You choose when ordering — write to us if you are unsure and we will advise.
What else do I need to replace?
At this torque the stock chain, sprocket and belt become the weak link. We recommend a reinforced drive belt and a motor bash plate. Check the brakes too — 93 Nm changes how the bike accelerates.
Does the TM40 fit an Ultra Bee or a Talaria?
This motor is made for the Sur-Ron Light Bee. For other models write to us — we will point you at the right part rather than sell you something that does not fit.
What is the warranty?
A 2-year TORP manufacturer warranty plus your statutory EU rights. We are the official TORP distributor in Poland — claims and service are handled here.
The motor will not run without this
93 Nm is not a number on a flyer — it is how the bike leaves a corner
Official TORP distributor in Poland. 2-year warranty, service on site, shipped from our own warehouse.
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