ONYX Hub Motors (How They Work and Their Limits)

This post covers QS aftermarket hub motor options for the ONYX platform, including both 72V ONYX and 80V ONYX builds.

It focuses on:

• Selecting the correct QS motor configuration
• Understanding specifications, fitment, and compatibility
• Key differences between QS 205, 260, and 273 motors
• Performance expectations across 72V and 80V systems
• Matching motors with appropriate controllers and batteries
• Identifying common motor and hall sensor-related faults

The post begins with a quick upgrade overview, then expands into detailed specifications, configuration data, and platform-specific considerations.

ONYX Motor Upgrade Cheat Sheet

ONYX bikes commonly use QS hub motors. These are the three most practical upgrade paths.

Typical configurations:

• QS 205 V3Ti, 150 mm dropout, 8 AWG
• QS 260 V4, 155 mm dropout, 6 AWG
• QS 260 V4, 200 mm dropout, 6 AWG
• QS 273 V4, 200 mm dropout, 6 AWG

Buy the correct version the first time and avoid older revisions.

QS Motor Evolution

QS Motor Version History

QS 205 Motor

QS 260 Motor

QS 273 Motor

CTY2 205 V3Ti Motor

The CTY2 version of the 205 V3Ti motor features three 8mm phase wire service ports, along with hall sensor and temperature sensor service ports. It is roughly 60% as powerful as the RCR V3Ti motor.

Magnet Height and Torque

Magnet height directly affects torque output and heat tolerance.

The “h” designation refers to magnet height in millimeters. Taller magnets create stronger magnetic fields, increasing torque and thermal capacity, but also increase weight and cost.

Motor Size Scaling: Torque, Current, and Thermal Capacity

QS motors follow a direct scaling relationship where physical size increases torque capability, current handling, and thermal performance together. These characteristics scale with stator size and overall motor mass.

• QS 205 V3Ti (150 mm)
  Smaller stator and lower thermal mass. Heats up faster under sustained load and reaches thermal limits sooner. Lower continuous current capability compared to larger motors.

• QS 260 V4 (155 mm)
  Larger stator and increased thermal mass. Supports higher continuous phase current with improved heat dissipation. Sustains load longer before reaching thermal limits.

• QS 273 V4 (200 mm)
  Largest stator and highest thermal mass. Designed for very high phase current and sustained power. Absorbs and dissipates heat more effectively than the 205 and 260, allowing significantly higher continuous performance.

As motor size increases:

• Torque output increases
• Allowable continuous current increases
• Thermal capacity improves (slower heat saturation and better dissipation)

This scaling also requires:

• wider dropouts
• thicker axles
• larger phase wires

These are linked characteristics, not independent changes, and together define the motor’s real performance limits.

Winding Recommendation

Use 4T windings for most ONYX builds.

Higher RPM windings:

• Increase motor heat
• Reduce low-speed torque
• Shorten motor lifespan

QS 205 Motor Winding List

Correct Motor Configurations

ONYX Motor Specifications

ONYX RCR Stock QS 205 Motor

• Voltage: 48V to 144V
• Maximum Temprature: 180°C (356°F)
• Amperage: 150a at 72v
• Magnet Height: 50mm
• Torque: 182nm
• Motor Weight: 31lbs
• Recomended Rim Width: 1.6", 1.8"
• Recomended Tire Width: 2.75", 3.0"
• Drop-out: 150mm
• Disc brake PCD3 / Disc M8 80mm x 58mm
• Pole Pairs: 16
• Efficency: 85% to 92%
• IP Rating: IP65
• Thermic Probe: KTY83-122
• Phase Wire: 10 AWG
• Hall Angle: 120 Degree
• Dual Halls As Spare With Waterproof Connectors
• Phase Harness Insulation Wire Color: Black or Orange

ONYX RCR QS 205 55H Wider Magnet Motor

• Voltage: 48V to 144V
• Maximum Temperature: 180°C (356°F)
• Amperage: 175a at 72v
• Torque: 200nm
• Magnet Height: 55mm
• Motor Weight: 41lbs
• Recomended Rim Width: 1.6", 1.8"
• Recomended Rim Height: 17", 18"
• Recomended Tire Width: 2.75", 3.0", 3.5"
• Drop-out: 155mm, 175mm, 200mm
• Disc brake PCD3 / Disc M8 80mm x 58mm
• Pole Pairs: 16
• Efficency: 85% to 92%
• IP Rating: IP66
• Thermic Probe: KTY83-122
• Phase Wire: 8 AWG
• Hall Angle: 120 Degree
• Dual Halls As Spare With Waterproof Connectors

ONYX RCR QS 260 Motor

• Voltage: 48V to 144V
• Maximum Temperature: 180°C (356°F)
• Amperage: 260a at 72v
• Torque: 220nm
• Magnet Height: 40mm
• Motor Weight: 39lbs
• Recomended Rim Width: 1.8", 2.1", 2.5"
• Recomended Rim Height: 17", 18"
• Recomended Tire Width: 3.0", 3.5", 4.0"
• Drop-out: 155mm, 175mm, 200mm
• Disc brake PCD3 / Disc M8 80mm x 58mm
• Pole Pairs: 16
• Efficency: 85% to 92%
• IP Rating: IP66
• Thermic Probe: KTY83-122
• Phase Wire: 6 AWG
• Hall Angle: 120 Degree
• Dual Halls As Spare With Waterproof Connectors

ONYX RCR QS 273 Motor

• Voltage: 48V to 144V
• Max No-load RPM: 1339 RPM, 1400 RPM
• Maximum Temperature: 180°C (356°F)
• Amperage: 300a at 72v
• Torque: 200nm, 210nm, 266nm, 300nm
• Magnet Height: 40mm, 45mm, 50mm
• Motor Weight: 48lbs
• Recomended Rim Width: 1.8", 2.1", 2.5"
• Recomended Rim Height: 17", 18"
• Recomended Tire Width: 3.0", 3.5", 4.0"
• Recomended Spoke Diameter: 3.2mm, 4.2mm
• Drop-out: 175mm, 200mm
• Disc brake PCD3 / Disc M8 80mm x 58mm
• Pole Pairs: 16
• Efficency: 85% to 92%
• IP Rating: IP54, IP66
• Thermic Probe: KTY83-122
• Phase Wire: 6 AWG
• Hall Angle: 120 Degree
• Dual Halls As Spare With Waterproof Connectors

72V ONYX Motor Considerations

The QS 205 V3Ti is the stock motor on the 72V ONYX RCR, fitting the original 150 mm dropout while keeping unsprung weight relatively low. It provides a balanced combination of torque and efficiency for general street use, but its smaller stator and lower thermal mass mean it heats up more quickly under sustained high load compared to larger motors.

The QS 260 V4 increases stator width and thermal mass, allowing higher continuous phase current and improved heat dissipation under sustained load. Compared to the 205, it delivers a clear step up in torque output while also offering improved thermal stability due to its larger size, but typically requires 155 mm dropout spacing, along with potential frame spreading or custom spacers and torque arm solutions.

The QS 273 V4 uses a substantially larger stator and axle assembly, supporting very high phase current and sustained power levels well beyond the 205 and 260. Its significantly increased size provides the best thermal capacity of the three, allowing it to absorb and dissipate heat more effectively during prolonged high-power operation. It is intended for extreme high-power builds, commonly requiring 200 mm dropout spacing, reinforced torque arms, and introduces significantly higher unsprung mass that impacts handling.

Why the 150 mm QS 273 Is Not Recommended

Early 150 mm QS 273 motors gained popularity around 2020 but offer minimal real advantage over modern QS 205 and QS 260 motors on the RCR platform.

Real performance gains begin with the 155 mm V4 QS 260.

When evaluating motors, check for clones by inspecting:

• Copper winding quality
• Stator machining
• Winding consistency

80V ONYX Motor Upgrades

The QS 260 V4 200mm and QS 273 V4 200mm are the most relevant aftermarket motors for the ONYX 80V platform.

Rumors indicate ONYX Motors is developing a larger motor similar to the QS 260 V4, but designed specifically for the 200 mm 80V swingarm.

An official ONYX motor would likely offer:

• Factory compatibility
• Manufacturer warranty
• Validated performance
• Community tuning data
• Long-term parts support

If your current motor is healthy, waiting for the official motor may be the most practical path.

QS 260 vs QS 273 on the ONYX 80V

QS 273 V4 200mm on the ONYX 80V

The QS 273 V4 200mm 6 AWG installs directly on the ONYX 80V when paired with a 3.5-inch mag rim.

With the stock battery and controller:

• Installation is straightforward
• Performance gain is roughly 5–10%
• Torque delivery becomes smoother
• Thermal capacity improves

When the QS 273 Really Comes Alive

The QS 273 is capable of significantly more performance than the stock system can deliver.

To unlock its potential:

• Upgrade the controller (example: FarDriver ND961000)
• Use a higher-output battery (example: AMORGE RS50 or EVE 50PL)
• Tune the controller correctly

With these upgrades, the motor can produce dramatically higher torque and acceleration.

72V Rear Swing Arm Compatibility

ONYX has discussed releasing a wider swingarm to support higher loads and larger tires.

Tire Compatibility

Rim Compatibility

Ordering Direct From QS Or SiAECOSYS

If you are ordering a replacement or upgrade motor directly, order from a real source and send the exact configuration up front. The safest options are ONYX Motors, QS MOTOR, or SiAECOSYS.

Use the official QS product pages and send the seller the exact motor link along with the full build details. Do not just ask for a “QS motor for ONYX.” That is how people get sold the wrong dropout, wrong winding, wrong rim setup, or an older revision.

Purchase Contacts

QS MOTOR

• Email: sales@qsmotor.com
• WhatsApp: +86-0576-88551619

SiAECOSYS

• Email: info@siaecosys.com
• WhatsApp: +86-0576-88551619

What To Send With The Order

Send all of this in the first message:

• bike model: 72V RCR, 80V, or CTY2
• motor model: 205 V3Ti, 260 V4, or 273 V4
• dropout width:
  • 205 V3Ti = 150mm
  • 260 V4 = 155mm
  • 273 V4 = 200mm
• wire size:
  • 205 V3Ti = 8 AWG
  • 260 V4 = 6 AWG
  • 273 V4 = 6 AWG
• magnet version:
  • 205 V3Ti = 50H
  • 260 V4 = 40H
  • 273 V4 = 50H
• rim size:
  • 205 V3Ti = 17" x 1.8"
  • 260 V4 = 18" x 2.15"
  • 273 V4 = 18" x 2.15"
• winding: 4T
• whether you want:
  • motor only
  • motor with rim and spokes
  • complete laced wheel assembly

Rim And Spoke Notes

QS can supply the motor with a rim and spokes. For ONYX builds, use a 17" or 18" rim with a 3-cross or 4-cross lace pattern. Do not use a straight radial lace pattern.

With the stock swingarm, typical rim widths are:

• 1.8"
• 2.1"
• 2.5"

Winding Recommendation

Use 4T for the 205, 260, and 273.

Higher-RPM windings such as 3T or 3.5T raise motor speed, but they also reduce low-speed torque and increase heat. For ONYX builds, 4T is the balanced choice.

Avoiding Bad Orders

Most bad motor orders are not fake motors. They are real motors ordered in the wrong configuration.

Before paying, confirm all of the following in writing:

• exact motor version
• dropout width
• winding
• magnet height
• wire gauge
• rim size
• spoke pattern
• whether the order includes spokes and rim
• shipping method
• official product page link

If any of those details are missing, the order is not specific enough.

QS Motor Reference Images

Final Advice

Choose modern QS motor revisions, match them to the correct dropout and wiring configuration, and pair them with appropriate batteries and controllers.

A properly matched motor setup will keep your ONYX reliable, powerful, and ready to ride.