Credit: Tim Seward, Michael Rosenblum, Nick Rivera, and Mike Nyugen
This Post Is Not Complete
Once I complete a refresh and testing with fellow ONYX owners, I’ll be finalizing this post. For now, it’s just a sneak peek inspired by questions from the ONYX community. I’m aiming to have the full post ready by early February 2025.
Fardriver Efficency
Claims that Fardriver controllers are more efficient? Let’s pump the brakes on that one-it’s just not true. Efficiency in an electric system isn’t some one-trick pony handled by the controller alone; it’s a team effort involving the motor, battery, and overall design. Instead, Fardriver controllers shine in a different lane: they’re your go-to for unlocking higher top speeds by dishing out more power.
The real selling point? Bang for your buck. The Fardriver is a high-quality, high-value upgrade to the stock ONYX RCR Kelly controller. At just $190, it’s a steal compared to the stock controller’s $305 price tag. With its higher discharge capacity and wallet-friendly price, the Fardriver is the perfect choice for speed enthusiasts looking to rev up their ride without breaking the bank. Speed, power, and savings-what’s not to love?
Electric Bike Systems Efficiency Video
Fardriver Prices
| Fardriver 72v | Fardriver 84v | Fardriver 96v |
|---|---|---|
| 72680 - $180.00 | 84680 - $255.00 | 96680 - $272.00 |
| 72530 - $201.00 | 84530 - $255.00 | 96530 - $272.00 |
ONYX RCR Popular Fardrivers
The Fardriver 530 and 680 controllers are the most sought-after for the ONYX RCR, with the 680 being the latest generation. The 530 features top-mounted screws, while the 680 has screws recessed into channels. Both controllers fit inside the ONYX RCR without requiring any modifications to the bike. Simply put, pairing the 680 with the Dedcell Fardriver harness is the fastest and easiest Fardriver setup.
Remember, you need a battery that can handle 100 to 150 amps constantly. Sure, it’s fun to chase big numbers, but let’s keep it simple and stick to the basics-no need to get bogged down in phase and peak numbers for now! Choose a 72V, 84V, or 96V Fardriver, with the 84V and 96V options either future-proofing your setup or letting you take full advantage of your existing 84V or 96V battery for higher top speeds.
Fardriver and Fardriver Harness
ONYX RCR DedCell Fardriver Harness Install
ONYX RCR DedCell Fardriver Upgrade Harness Document
Fardriver 530 / 680 Pictures
Fardriver 680
The 680 will fit inside the bike’s body where the stock Kelly controller is located and it will fit outside the bike, behind the main body rear panel, under the seat in front of the frame’s down tube.
Fardriver 530
The 530 will fit inside the bike’s body where the stock Kelly controller is located, but it will not fit outside the bike, behind the main body rear panel, under the seat in front of the frame’s down tube.
ONYX RCR Fardriver 530 / 680 Conversation
Here’s the fun breakdown: The DC line amps of FarDriver controllers follow a simple rule: the higher the voltage (96V, 84V, or 72V), the less amps are needed. So, a 96V battery at 250 line amps isn’t weaker than a 72V battery at 350 line amps-it’s just how voltage and amperage work together. What’s still up in the air is whether using a 96V FarDriver, like the 96530 or 96680, limits a 72V battery to 250 line amps. But, here’s the thing: 250 line amps is already a crazy amount of power! When we talk about a battery’s DC line amps, it’s mostly about the continuous output, with peak output being less important.
For most ONYX owners, you probably won’t notice much difference between the 530 and 680 versions. A higher voltage version of either means higher top speed, and a 96V version of the 530 or 680 is just future-proofing. Plus, 250 DC line amps is already plenty to get the job done. I’ll be checking soon whether the 96V versions of the 530 and 680 cap at 250 line amps or if they push past 250 line amps when paired with a 72V battery.
I like to think of the 530 as the version with the screws outside, while the 680 has those screws tucked in closer, which means you’ve got to get creative with the power and phase lugs-bending them at a 120 to 130-degree angle to make it all fit. It’s like the 530’s got a more relaxed vibe, and the 680’s got that “get in there and make it work” attitude!
There are some techy and physical differences between the 530 and the 680-one’s the newer gen, but honestly, it’s not worth getting into a debate over. Both get the job done, and we’re happy with either! Let’s just say we’re good with both. Let’s keep an eye out for those resellers trying to flood our brains with a bunch of flashy numbers and empty hype. Instead, let’s just focus on learning at our own pace and having fun figuring it all out together!
Fardriver Controller Specifications
Fardriver Controller 530 / 680 Voltages
- 72v 530 / 680 peak voltage: 88V
- 84v 530 / 680 peak voltage: 100V
- 96v 530 / 680 peak voltage: 115V
Fardriver Controller 680 DC Line Amps
- 72680 = 350 line amps
- 84680 = 330 line amps
- 96680 = 250 line amps
Fardriver Controller 530 DC Line Amps
- 72530 = 330 line amps
- 84530 = 330 line amps
- 96530 = 250 line amps