Stealth Bomber Review

Stealth Bomber Electric Bike Review 1
Stealth Bomber
Stealth Bomber 4500 Watt Motor
Stealth Bomber Chain Pedals
Stealth Bomber Cycle Analyst Lcd
Stealth Bomber Rear Suspension
Stealth Bomber Optional Headlights
Stealth Bomber Lcd Gear Shifter Handles
Stealth Bomber Double Crown Fork Suspension
Stealth Bomber Electric Bike Review 1
Stealth Bomber
Stealth Bomber 4500 Watt Motor
Stealth Bomber Chain Pedals
Stealth Bomber Cycle Analyst Lcd
Stealth Bomber Rear Suspension
Stealth Bomber Optional Headlights
Stealth Bomber Lcd Gear Shifter Handles
Stealth Bomber Double Crown Fork Suspension

Summary

  • Ultra-powerful high torque motor, sturdy frame and long travel front and rear suspension
  • Weighs 116 pounds, can reach 50 miles per hour in Performance Mode and offers a 9 speed internal gear box for pedaling
  • Frame and rear suspension come with a lifetime warranty, battery and accessories get one year
Warning, in some configurations this electric bike is classified as a moped or motorcycle and may not be ridden on cycling trails or paths. It may require licensing, insurance and lights when used on public roads.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Stealth

Model:

Bomber

Price:

$9,900 USD

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Trail

Electric Bike Class:

Moped or Motorcycle (Class 4)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

Lifetime Frame, 1 Year Battery and Components

Availability:

United States, Australia

Model Year:

20132014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

116 lbs (52.61 kg)

Frame Material:

One Piece Monocoque with Aircraft Certified CrMo Alloy

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Jet Black, Space Blue, Army Green, Camo Grey, Ultra Orange, Devil Red, Snow White, Bumble Bee

Frame Fork Details:

Dual Crown Long Travel Suspension with Quick Adjust 180 mm Travel (Optional 200 mm Travel Upgrade)

Frame Rear Details:

Single Pivot Coil Over Mono-Shock with Quick Adjust 250 mm Travel

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 9x1 Internally Geared Bottom Bracket

Shifter Details:

Grip Twist on Left Bar

Pedals:

Aluminum Alloy Platform

Handlebar:

Low Rise

Brake Details:

Magura MT2 Hydraulic Disc with 203 mm Rotors (Optional MT4 or MT8 Upgrade)

Saddle:

MTB Padded

Tire Brand:

Duro Razorback All-Condition Studded for Trail Use, Crazy Bob for Road Use

Wheel Sizes:

24 in (60.96cm)

Other:

Thru Axles, Removable Battery, Noise at 50 mph is 65 dB

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Gearless Direct Drive Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

4500 watts (Limited to 750 Watts in USA Mode)

Battery Voltage:

72 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

20 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

1440 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium Phosphate

Charge Time:

4 hours (Fast Charger Capable of Using 110 or 120 Volt Power Source)

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Display Type:

Backlit Grayscale LCD by Cycle Analyst

Readouts:

Speed, Odometer, Battery Level, Voltage, Wattage

Display Accessories:

Motor Brake Regen Button on Left Bar

Drive Mode:

Twist Throttle

Top Speed:

50 mph (80 kph)(Up to 20 mph in USA Mode)


Written Review

The Stealth Bomber is the highest end, most powerful electric bike in the Stealth lineup. And it’s quite possibly the most powerful and rugged commercially available ebike anywhere. Weighing in at 116lbs it’s not the easiest thing to transport (and that includes pedaling if you run the battery all the way down). It offers so much torque in fact that hill climbing, burnouts and even wheelies are possible with little effort. Now I should say, this statement depends somewhat on your weight but for those under 200lbs it’s not an issue. With impressive front and rear suspension and braking systems that can be upgraded, an enormous 1.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack and 4 hour fast charge system that can run on 110 or 240 volts, this thing is in a class of its own.

I love that Stealth offers a lifetime warranty on their frames and rear suspension. The battery only gets a year (along with the other components) but that’s not bad considering the abuse these things are sure to encounter off road. The LCD computer on this bike is from Cycle Analyst and offers more advanced information about battery condition (specifically, battery performance and capaicity) than most ebike computers. It is also backlit for night riding and Stealth offers some optional headlights for the bike that work really well (shown on the bike in the video review). Cycle Analyst computers are not cheap, and that adds to the overall price of this bike, but they are high quality and they offer readouts on everything from volts at rest or when riding, current flow into and out of the battery and relative to time, speed in m/hr or k/hr, energy limit in amps or volts to control speed and power (hence the USA mode or Competition mode).

Driving this monster is a 4,500 watt rear hub motor (that’s more than 10x what normal electric bikes use). Because it’s gearless, the motor is actually able to regenerate electricity when set to regen-mode which also acts as a soft brake, slowing the bike down and minimizing wear on the disc brakes. Note that the brakes themselves do not include a regeneration switch, instead there’s a red button positioned near the left handle bar. It’s a neat system that stays out of the way, is easy to use and works quite well given the overall weight and force of the bike. The motor itself runs pretty quiet considering the size (decibels at 50 miles per hour is 65dB), provides a ton of torque and accelerates fairly smoothly using the twist throttle. Compared with the lower-end Fighter electric bike from Stealth, the bomber is touchier and provides more torque. The built in Cycle Analyst computer monitors the system and is designed to keep the motor from overheating.

The battery powering all of this performance is a 1.5 kilowatt-hour Lithium Iron Phosphate pack. This technology offers less energy density than some other Lithium-ion chemistries (meaning it’s heavier for the same amount of juice) but is known for being very stable and long lasting. Considering the high charge and discharge rate and potential vibration and impacts one might endure off road or in competition this is a great thing. It means longer life and fewer chances of a fire between your legs. Capacity and chemistry aside, the battery is removable (if you’ve got a hex wrench handy) and is actually pretty easy to take out. It’s not something you’d want to do regularly however and I love that the bike has a keyed on-switch, making it harder to steal or vandalize. It’s more like a motorcycle than a bike in this sense.

The Bomber is an impressive machine that demands respect. While it’s not as powerful as many gasoline powered cycles, it’s a lot quieter, can be pedaled (and thus ridden through parks, on sidewalks and hiking trails) and offers amazing torque. Consider the last bits of the video review, we were riding on sidewalks and through a park and nobody was really alarmed. Sure, we were pushing the limits, but we weren’t making a lot of noise. It’s awesome that there’s a company out there building custom ebikes that really push the envelope and garner attention. These bikes are high quality, customizable and well supported (having been selling bikes since 2008). While they aren’t for everyone and they are clearly focused on performance vs. commuting they certainly deliver… for a price.

During my tests of the bike, riding off road and through some neighborhood streets, the long travel full suspension felt really great. The simplicity of operation combined with a few advanced features on the LCD computer (ability to switch from USA mode to Performance mode for more power) made me feel in control. The tests were fun and considering we simply rode from the shop to the trails it was also very easy but keep in mind the weight and that that means for transporting a Stealth Bomber of your own. You might need to buy a special motorcycle rack for your car… and a hitch if you don’t have one! If you love the idea of an electric motocross bike that you can pedal and mod, this is an awesome choice. And if you don’t really care about pedaling and prefer the symmetry of pegs then check out the Stealth Hurricane.

Pros:

  • Super powerful and well balanced with batteries mounted inside the mid-frame area
  • Stable and reliable Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology will last well
  • Full suspension for comfortable off road riding and jumping (upgradable front fork options)
  • Uses Cycle Analyst LCD computer system with lots of options and readouts, provides two modes of operation helping it to qualify as a legal ebike (can switch modes on the fly)
  • Regeneration button helps to recharge the bike and slow it down without wearing out the brake pads, it’s easy to reach and use when riding but stays out of the way when you really need to bear down on the handles for jumps or rough terrain
  • Offered in a wide range of colors including black, blue, green, grey, orange, red, white and yellow
  • Stock pedals are higher quality, made of metal with wide grippy surface
  • Hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power with very little effort and hand fatigue (several upgrade options)
  • Optional front headlight is sturdy and bright
  • Option to choose between studded or slick tires depending on riding needs
  • Gears are internal keeping them clean, letting them be shifted at rest and allowing the chain to stay tight vs. a cassette
  • Solid lifetime warranty on the frame and rear suspension, one year on battery and other components

Cons:

  • Much heavier than normal electric bikes at 116 pounds (53 kilograms) making it harder to transport and maneuver
  • No pedal assist mode, have to twist the throttle to activate the motor
  • While the battery is removable, it requires tools and is really built to stay in the bike
  • Wider downtube/midsection of the bicycle is easier to bump with your knees when riding, takes a bit of getting used to
  • Much more expensive an average ebike but offers a good range of options and higher quality parts including the Cycle Analyst computer

Resources:

More Stealth Reviews

Stealth Fighter Review

  • MSRP: $7,900
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013, 2014

A powerful, sturdy and fast electric bicycle that performs like a motocross dirt bike. Weighs 75lbs and offers 3,000 watts of power with top speed of 37mph (or 20mph…...

Comments (11) YouTube Comments

christian
10 years ago

Hello, I am very interested about the Bomber Bike for my company. I wonder if its allowed to drive this bike in Singapore and if you could deliver this bike in this country. Let me know as well the price for the fastest version. Best Regards.

  Reply
Court Rye
10 years ago

Hi Christian, I’m not sure whether the Stealth ebikes would be allowed in Singapore or not? Great question… Might be worth checking with your local police to see if you need special licenses to ride. This is a very powerful electric bike capable of high top speeds so definitely wear a helmet if you do end up with one. The Stealth products are made in Australia so I’d suggest reaching out to them for more information vs. trying to go with an importer from the US then back to Asia Pacific.

  Reply
9 years ago

tre joli

  Reply
John Desantis
9 years ago

Will the stealth bomber be OK with my weight I weigh 320 pounds will the bike be OK or will I cause a malfunction thanks John

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

Hi John, my guess is that it would be alright as long as you don’t force it to climb steep inclines for extended periods (it may automatically shut down to avoid overheating). As far as the mechanical integrity of the axles, spokes, swing arm and frame… I cannot say for sure but most electric bikes suggest 250 lbs max and since this one is designed for jumping I bet it could take even more force and abuse. I don’t want to make myself liable if you get hurt and something breaks so your best bet is to reach out to Stealth directly and then make your own decision. I personally feel that it’s one of the more robust builds around and would feel better about riding on it above the stated limit vs. some of the other models :)

  Reply
8 years ago

How would you compare this to a bolt M-1 or the Daynac beast D? Obviously very different rides, I am deciding for California use. I think the Beast D will be illegal next year though.

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

I’ve heard that without a class sticker many ebikes will become targets of the new legislation (including kits). Not sure how much enforcement will actually happen but it’s cool that you’re staying aware. It depends a lot on where you ride, the Stealth Bomber is basically a motorcycle in both appearance and power but I can’t really speak for the Bolt M-1. The Daymak Beast is cool but also stands out. Have you seen the Hi-Power Cycles electric bikes? They have some awesome models that look similar to the Stealth bikes but cost less.

  Reply
8 years ago

I think I’m going to go with the beast. Hopefully it can handle the hill trails and beach riding. I don’t really want to go fast just need the power for the hills/sand etc. Thanks for your quick reply! Took me a while to look back at it and make a decision.

Gunther G
7 years ago

I see the range listed as 50 miles. Nonsense!!! My bike is not a Bomber, but has a total of 1.5 kw, so I know what I’m talking about. The range of the Bomber with 1.5 kw hours of battery being hotrodded I estimate would be 25 miles maximum. If it were ridden at an easy 20-25 mph with that big motor, you might get 32 miles, absolute maximum. I notice this web site a pattern of CONSISTENTLY overstating range, taking the manufacturers range numbers at face value.

I also noticed one of you doing a high speed wheelie on a public street. If I were a cop I’d write you up and start asking questions about why you don’t have a license plate on a motorcycle. Also, when you both passed a man with a dog on the bike path, neither of you had the courtesy/sense to ring a bell, toot a horn, or announce “passing on your left.” What would you do if the walker and or the dog, stepped into your path? What would happen if you seriously injured that older gentlemen and ended up in court? How would you explain that you weren’t riding two bikes, but essentially two electric motorcycles on a bike path?

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Hi Gunther, both great points. I have updated the min/max range and apologize for setting a bad example. I was following a rep from the company and have reflected back many times that we should not have been riding in the park and possibly not on that trail as I do not know whether they permit off highway vehicle use there. I was excited, new to the space, and this was one of my early reviews where I had not learned as much about the legality of use. It’s not an excuse for breaking rules or acting inappropriately. I appreciate your feedback.

  Reply

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