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Photon Gen 2 Mid-Drive Motor: Ultimate Power, Reliability & Smart Engineering for E-Bikes
- Cathy Swanepoel
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 11
At CYC Motor, we’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of e-bike performance. With the launch of the Photon Gen 2, we’ve taken everything we learned from the first generation and engineered a system that’s more powerful, more reliable, and easier to maintain—all while keeping the flexibility and open ecosystem that our community loves.
Discover the Photon Gen 2
Whether you're a seasoned e-bike builder or new to mid-drive conversions, the Photon Gen 2 brings game-changing upgrades that make it the most advanced and user-friendly system we’ve ever built. Let’s dive into the details.
The Heart of the System: The Motor
The heart of any mid-drive system is its motor, and the Photon Gen 2 introduces a completely redesigned inrunner motor, replacing the Gen 1’s outrunner design. Why the change?
Higher Efficiency & Better Cooling – The Gen 1’s outrunner motor excelled in compactness but faced challenges with heat dissipation. The Gen 2’s inrunner design, combined with custom flat-wire windings, increases coil density for greater efficiency and torque output.
Thermal Management Reinvented – We’ve fully potted the motor core with thermally conductive epoxy, ensuring even heat distribution and quieter operation. This means better cooling under heavy loads—perfect for off-road riders and heavy cargo bikes.
Optimised Gear Reduction – A refined gear ratio ensures smoother power delivery while maximising torque where it matters most.
Reinventing the Clutch
One of the most common pain points with Gen 1 was the sprag clutch—especially for heavier riders and aggressive off-road use. For Gen 2, we didn’t just tweak it; we reinvented it.
Tripled Torque Capacity – The clutch has grown from 12x20mm to a massive 20x28mm, dramatically increasing durability.
Stronger 1st Stage Shaft – A keyway and adapter sleeve reinforce the shaft, ensuring it can handle the increased forces from the higher reduction ratio.
Built for Reliability – Whether you’re climbing steep hills or hammering through trails, the new clutch is engineered to last.
Simplified Maintenance
The Photon Gen 1 was a solid performer, but servicing it required patience and specialized tools. With the Photon Gen 2, we’ve radically simplified maintenance.
Tool-Free Access – The entire drive unit can now be opened with just four M5 bolts—no more wrestling with glued-in controllers.
Quick Chainring Removal – The redesigned chainring adapter uses radial screws, preventing over-tightening and making disassembly a breeze.
Modular Repairs – The controller, torque sensor, motor, and 1st stage assembly are now easily replaceable—no specialised tools required.
Customisation Options
We know riders love customisation, so we’ve ensured backward compatibility with Gen 1 chainrings while expanding options:
Standard 36T–50T chainrings maintain a perfect 52mm chainline for most mountain bikes.
New 32T & 34T options (coming Q3) feature a 7mm offset for better compatibility with compact setups.
Advanced Electronics & Wiring Improvements
The Photon Gen 2 isn’t just about raw power—it’s smarter, cleaner, and more reliable thanks to major upgrades in electronics and wiring.
CANBUS Communication
Gen 2 introduces CANBUS for superior performance and stability:
Higher Data Rates: Real-time performance data is faster and more accurate.
Superior Noise Resistance: More stable than UART, minimizing electrical interference.
Open Ecosystem: No proprietary lock-ins—supports up to 72V battery packs for ultimate flexibility.
Wiring Enhancements
Small details make a big difference:
Asymmetrical Connectors: Prevent misalignment for hassle-free installation.
Redesigned Harness: Cleaner, more robust connections reduce electrical issues and improve durability.
New Display Options
The Photon Gen 2 introduces two new display options.
SW102t – A refined version of the classic, now with a color screen and updated UI.
Intuition Display (New!) – A 2.1” HD LCD with:
- Heart rate monitoring
- "Find My Bike" anti-theft feature
- Training mode
- 36V–72V compatibility
Final Thoughts: Built by Riders, for Riders
The Photon Gen 2 isn’t just a list of spec upgrades—it’s a direct response to real-world feedback from our incredible community. Every improvement, from the reinforced sprag clutch to the open CANBUS system, was designed to make your ride more powerful, reliable, and enjoyable.
We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.
Ready to upgrade? Check out the Photon Gen 2 on our website and join the next evolution of mid-drive e-bikes. Pre-order now at www.cycmotor.com.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!