Evaluating Aftermarket ONYX RCR Motors

When evaluating a QS motor, it’s essential to determine whether it’s high, mid, or low spec, as QS Motors assigns these ratings internally after bench testing their performance. For instance, a mid-spec QS 260 can outperform a low-spec QS 273, while a high-spec QS 260 delivers even greater performance. Even motors built identically can vary significantly, which is why spec ratings matter. Lower-performing units are often rebranded and sold as NBP (NB Power) at a lower price.

Marketing labels like “4k,” “8k,” or “12k” for motors such as the QS 273 don’t accurately reflect their spec or quality. A “QS 273 8K” tag, for example, doesn’t indicate whether it’s high, mid, or low spec. Unfortunately, some vendors mislead buyers by selling low-spec QS 273 motors while advertising them as high-spec models. To ensure you receive a genuine high-spec motor at a fair price, it’s best to purchase directly from QS Motors or through the approved vendor, Watt Wheels, which also includes technical support.

If you’re on the hunt for spokes, be sure to check out the detailed “spokes” post-it’s packed with all the info you’ll need to find the right ones!

ONYX RCR Stock QS 205 Motor

  • High Spec
  • Voltage: 48V to 96V
  • Peak Temprature: 150°C = 302°F
  • Peak Amperage: 150a at 72v
  • Magnet Height: 50mm
  • Torque: 182nm
  • Motor Weight: 31lbs
  • Recomended Rim Width: 1.6"
  • Recomended Tire Width: 2.75"
  • 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

ONYX RCR QS 205 Wider Magnet Motor

  • High Spec
  • Voltage: 48V to 96V
  • Peak Temprature: 150°C = 302°F
  • Peak Amperage: 175a at 72v
  • Torque: 200nm
  • Magnet Height: 55mm
  • Motor Weight: 41lbs
  • Recomended Rim Width: 2.15"
  • Recomended Tire Width: 3"
  • Drop-out: 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

  • High Spec
  • Voltage: 48V to 96V
  • Peak Temprature: 200°C = 392°F
  • Peak Amperage: 290a at 72v
  • Torque: 220nm
  • Magnet Height: 40mm
  • Motor Weight: 39lbs
  • Recomended Rim Width: 2.15"
  • Recomended Tire Width: 3.5"
  • Drop-out: 155mm
  • 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

QS 260 Tire and Tube

Stock Swing Arm Compatiable Rim Size

  • QS 205 and QS 260 Compatible Rear Rim Size 17” to 18"
  • QS 205 and QS 260 Compatible Rear Rim Width: 1.6” to 2.15'

Stock Tire Size 17"

The stock tire size of 2.75" x 17" is equivalent to a 70/100 x 17" tire, with a width of 70mm (2.8") and a sidewall height of 70mm (2.8"). The other stock tire size of 3.00" x 17" is equivalent to an 80/100 x 17" tire, with a width of 80mm (3.1") and a sidewall height of 80mm (3.1").

  • 2.75" x 17" = 70/100-17" = 70mm wide (2.8") with a sidewall height of 72mm (2.8")
  • 3.00" x 17" 80/100-17" = 80mm wide (3.1") with a sidewall height of 80mm (3.1")

Stock Swing Arm Compatiable Tire Size 17" Rim

  • 90/80-17" = 90mm wide (3.5") with a sidewall height of 72mm (2.8")
  • 100/80-17" = 100mm wide (3.9") with a sidewall height of 80mm (3.1")

Stock Swing Arm Compatiable Tire Size 18" Rim

  • 18" Rim 80/90-18" = 80mm wide (3.1") with a sidewall height of 72mm (2.8")
  • 18" Rim 90/90-18" = 90mm wide (3.5") with a sidewall height of 81mm (3.2")

IP Rating Explained

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate the level of protection an enclosure provides against foreign objects and moisture. The first digit (0-6) measures protection from solids, with 6 being dustproof. The second digit (0-9) measures moisture protection, with 9 being resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

Ingress Protection Ratings

An IP rating consists of two numbers that show the level of protection an enclosure has against water and foreign objects. Refer to the table below to determine your motor’s protection level.

Solid Foreign Objects Water
0 - No protection 0 - No protection
1 - Protected against solid foreign objects of 50 mm and greater 1 - Protected against vertically falling drops
2 - Protected against solid foreign objects of 12,5 mm and greater 2 - Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure tilted up to 15°
3 - Protected against solid foreign objects of 2,5 mm and greater 3 - Protected against spraying water
4 - Protected against solid foreign objects of 1,0 mm and greater 4 - Protected against splashing water
5 - Dust-protected 5 - Protected against water jets
6 - Dust-tight 6 - Protected against powerful jets
7 - Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water
8 - Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water
9 - Protected against high pressure and temperature water jets