Bafang M560 Review: 750W Performance Mid-Drive Motor

The Bafang M560 delivers 750 watts nominal (peak up to 1000W) with a torque sensor and up to 130 Nm of torque in a 3.4 kg package. It is engineered for aggressive e-MTB riding where natural pedaling feel and decent thermal management matter more than raw peak torque or cost savings. If you are building a performance e-MTB and want a torque-sensor experience similar to high-end Bosch or Shimano systems without the weight penalty of a BBSHD, the M560 is a strong candidate. If you need a throttle, plan to spend under $700, or want to retrofit a non-standard frame (fat bike, 100 mm bottom bracket, press-fit BB), the M560 is not the right choice — consider the Bafang BBSHD instead.

Quick answer

The M560 is a mid-drive motor for riders who want torque-sensor responsiveness for technical trail and enduro riding without the weight of a BBSHD (3.4 kg vs. roughly 4.5 kg). It climbs steep terrain aggressively, reaches a top assisted speed around 28 mph, and uses steel gears for durability. The trade-offs are notable: no throttle option, a higher price (roughly $800–$1,000), proprietary mounting that complicates retrofits, and slightly less peak torque than the M600. Early units had controller firmware bugs, but those have been resolved in current production.

What this means for your decision: If you are building an e-MTB that will see aggressive trail riding and you prioritize natural pedaling feel over cost or throttle convenience, the M560 is a strong fit. If you need a throttle, plan to retrofit a non-standard frame, or want to spend under $700, stop here and consider the Bafang BBSHD instead. Buying the wrong motor can mean a wasted $200–$400 on incompatible brackets or a power delivery that doesn’t match your riding style.

Comparison framework

The table below lists two products that may appear alongside the M560 in search results. Neither is a direct competitor to a mid-drive motor kit — one is a small brushed motor for scooter builds, and the other is a complete electric bike. For a true apples-to-apples comparison, evaluate the M560 against other mid-drive motors such as the Bafang M600 or BBSHD.

Top Pick: Vevitts Small Brushed Permanent Magnet Electric Motor for E Scooter Drive Speed Control 24V 350W 3000RPM — a low-cost option for lightweight scooter projects, though it operates at a fraction of the M560’s power and has no torque sensor. This is not a mid-drive alternative; it serves a completely different build purpose.

Best-fit picks by use case

The M560 fits a specific rider profile. Use the verification step below before committing to a purchase.

Aggressive trail and enduro e-MTB

The M560’s torque sensor mimics the feel of a high-end Bosch or Shimano system, making it ideal for technical climbing and punchy acceleration out of corners. The 130 Nm peak torque pulls hard enough for steep grades, while the 3.4 kg weight keeps the bike nimble compared to a BBSHD-equipped build. Riders who regularly push full power on long climbs should avoid sustained operation in a high gear (small front sprocket combined with a small rear cog) to prevent overheating.

Verification step: Before ordering, measure your bike’s bottom bracket shell width (standard frames are 68 mm or 73 mm). Compare it to the M560’s required bracket dimensions listed in Bafang’s fitment guide. Also check that the downtube and seat tube clear the motor housing — a cardboard template from the manual can help. If your bottom bracket width is outside the supported range (e.g., 100 mm fat-bike shell), the M560 will not fit without expensive custom fabrication. If your frame has a press-fit BB (e.g., PF30 or BB90), the M560 is not a safe choice; the BBSHD with its adjustable bracket is more likely to fit.

Budget-conscious builds or throttle-needing riders

For riders who prioritize cost or want a throttle for occasional no-pedal starts, the Bafang BBSHD (around $500–$650) remains a better-value option. The BBSHD provides roughly 120–160 Nm peak torque and supports throttle, but it lacks the torque-sensor feel, weighs about 1 kg more, and uses nylon gears (which can wear faster under extreme loads). The M560’s steel gears add durability but raise cost. If your riding is mostly paved commuting or moderate trails, the BBSHD’s cadence sensor may be sufficient, and you gain throttle capability.

Trade-offs to know

• No throttle. The M560 is pedal-assist only. If you need to start from a stop without pedaling or want a cruise option, look at the BBSHD or BBS02.
• Proprietary mounting. The M560 uses a specific bracket system, so fitting it to a non-standard frame is more difficult than with a universal mid-drive like the BBSHD. Common mismatch: Assuming it works on fat bikes or bikes with 100 mm bottom brackets. Adapting it can misalign the chain line, causing rapid chain wear or chain drops. If your frame has a press-fit BB (e.g., PF30) or a wide shell, the M560 is not the safe choice — choose a BBSHD with its adjustable bracket instead.
• Price premium. At $800–$1,000, the M560 costs roughly 30–60% more than a BBSHD. You pay for the torque sensor, lower weight, and steel gears.
• Firmware history. Early units had controller bugs that caused erratic power delivery. Current stock ships with corrected firmware, but if you buy used or from a discount vendor, confirm the firmware version with the seller. A mismatched firmware can cause the motor to cut out under load — test it on a moderate hill before a full trail ride.
• Sustained load limitations. Running the motor at full power in a high gear (e.g., climbing a steep hill at low cadence) for extended minutes can trigger thermal limiting, which reduces power output gradually. Use appropriate gearing to keep cadence above 60 rpm on steep pitches. Ignoring this can leave you stuck mid-climb with a hot motor.

Related Articles

• Bafang M625 Motor Review: 750W Budget Mid-Drive for Fat Tire & Cargo E-Bike
• Bafang BBS02 Motor Review: 750W Affordable Mid-Drive Conversion Kit
• Tongsheng TSDZ8 Motor Review: 750W Torque-Sensing Mid-Drive for DIY Power Builds

Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams has spent over 8 years testing, repairing, and writing about electric bikes. He has personally ridden and reviewed 150+ e-bike models from brands like Lectric, Aventon, Rad Power, Super73, and dozens more.
Before founding EBIKE Delight, Ryan worked as a bicycle mechanic for 5 years at independent bike shops across California, where he specialized in e-bike conversions and electrical system diagnostics. He holds a Certificate in Electric Vehicle Technology from the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA).
Ryan’s work has been cited by Electric Bike Report, Electrek, and BikeRumor. When he is not testing the latest e-bike on California backroads, he is in his workshop tearing down batteries and controllers to understand what makes them tick — and what makes them fail.
Areas of Expertise
E-bike performance testing and real-world range verificationBattery diagnostics, charging best practices, and safetyBrand comparisons: Lectric, Aventon, Rad Power, Super73, and moreError code troubleshooting across major e-bike systemsE-bike laws, registration, and compliance by state
Ryan believes every rider deserves honest, hands-on information — not marketing hype.