Let’s talk Bosch Gen 5. Not the whole motor, just the fresh new software update they rolled out. If you're rocking a Bosch-powered rig or thinking about snagging one, you're gonna wanna tune in for this.
Bosch just gave your motor a little trail magic with firmware upgrades that actually change the ride feel. Here's the breakdown—no tech jargon, just trail-talk.
Peak Power Party: 600W → 750W, 85Nm → 100Nm
Bosch just boosted the Performance Line CX motor from 600 watts to 750 watts, and torque from 85Nm to 100Nm. That’s a 25% power jump and an 18% torque gain—no joke.
And the wild part?
You don’t need to buy a new motor. If you’re running Gen 5 (which launched around last September), you can unlock the upgrade straight through the Flow app. No wrenches, no stress.
New Mode Alert: EMTB+ Is the Goldilocks Zone
Somewhere between EMTB and Turbo, Bosch cooked up a new mode called EMTB+. Think of it like EMTB, but it’s been doing squats and yoga—stronger, smoother, and more responsive.
What makes it rad:
- It senses when you're on loose, techy climbs.
- It gives you power just right—not too jumpy like Race mode, but more kick than regular EMTB.
- It's got traction control vibes, dialing back rear wheel slip when things get sketchy.
Basically, it’s EMTB mode’s cooler, smarter sibling who always brings snacks.
Race Mode: Full Send, Little Effort
Bosch also dropped a new Race motor, trimmed down by 100g with fancy bits like magnesium casings, titanium internals, and ceramic bearings. But the wild part isn’t the weight—it’s the Race Mode itself.
This thing:
- Delivers full 750W and 100Nm with barely any pedal pressure.
- Has an “overrun” feature that pushes you a full 2 meters after a pedal stroke—perfect for those punchy uphill starts.
But heads up—it’s rowdy. If you’re not careful, it’ll light up your rear wheel like it’s trying out for a drift competition. Use sparingly unless you want to ride a bucking bronco.
New Kiox 400 Display: Bright, Clean, Fully Geeked Out
If you’re tired of guessing your power output or squinting at your bars, the new Kiox 400C display is sweet:
- Flush top-tube mount = sleek.
- Color display with 1000 nits brightness = readable in blazing sun.
- Shows battery %, ride mode, power output, and more.
- Works with a wireless bar remote = clean cockpit.
It replaces the old LED system controller, and yeah—it looks slick!
Other Goodies: ABS, Auto Shifting, TRP Integration
Bosch also teased some tech that’s still in the experimental zone:
- New ABS modes for better braking feel.
- Auto shift and co-shift through TRP, though some of us still prefer good ol’ manual control.
Honestly, I gave it a go, and I still dig using my thumbs and legs the old-fashioned way. Maybe I’m just sentimental.
How It Rides: EMTB+ vs. Race vs. Classic EMTB
So yeah, EMTB+ is way faster than old EMTB, but just chill enough not to send you off into the bushes. Race is fastest, but it’s also the wildest ride—more motocross, less flow.
One caveat: EMTB+ uses about 25% more battery, so if you're going deep into the backcountry, plan your juice wisely.
The Bottom Line: Should You Update?
Absolutely. If you’re running Bosch Gen 5, this free update is a no-brainer. It makes your ride stronger, smoother, and a whole lot more fun—whether you're climbing techy steeps or just looking for that perfect mid-ride boost.
Props to Bosch for keeping us trail rats happy without forcing us to drop coin on new gear.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m heading back out to see how many more climbs I can clean without busting a lung.
-Catch you out there,
