Red leopard BM-4065-1800KV
 

I decided to try one of these red leopard motors:

http://rc-fans88.com/details.asp?prodid=2211

I wanted another buggy motor because i plan to convert another buggy sometime and wanted a kv less than 2000. My options were either expensive (Neu, CC, Tekin) or various cheaper motors. I could have found a CC 2650kv at a reasonable price, but don't like the idea of running very small pinions (and would have clearance issues with the rear brace). I've been running a Neu (blue Tekno) 1512 3d (1700kv) in this buggy:

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/y...4756bSmall.jpg

I love the Neu and wish I had bought a few of these when they had them on closeout.

So, I tried out the red leopard today:

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/y...re005Small.jpg

Before installing it I turned the rotor by hand and it was very notchy = like the CC motors. I took off the front plate and couldn't even pull the rotor out, the magnets are so strong (I've had my Tekin T8 apart and it was much easier to remove the rotor). It had a 15mm bearing in the front.

In the buggy, I noticed no difference whatsoever from the performance I'm used to with the Neu. I normally gear the Neu for 40mph (18t pinion on 4s) and geared the red leopard the same (17t pinion on 4s). Neu temps have been around 130F and today the red leopard had the same temp after half a pack through it of pretty constant hard driving.

So, my first impression - a very good alternative to the pricier motors. At a fraction of the cost of the others, I have no doubt some of the materials/workmanship are of lower quality, so I don't expect it to last forever. But I'm happy after my first run with it. :yes:

Good news for those who dont want to spend a mint.

I'm considering one of these motors myself for a boat I'm building, looking to hear/read more info befor I purchase tho. Please keep us posted is a couple months how the motor is holding up.

I like the bug body w/the white spokes. Nice and clean and def a different look, Good job !

Thanks for the review Brian, these motors look promising. Keep us updated.

I wonder if the Castle bearings would be a direct replacement on these?

I love driving this buggy. Had it out again this evening for a while - same results: 75°F ambient and 128°F for the motor at the end of the run. I'll post here if anything changes, or if I have any problems with the motor.

Edit:
Forgot to say- thanks Jeff, I like the look, too (my kids also think the bug body looks cool)
and reno - not sure about the bearings - never had to open my CC motor :wink:

Tempting
http://www.nitrorcx.com/77p-lp4074-2000kv.html

Indeed - that's less than I paid and it's a larger motor.

i was looking at the same thing for my jammin crt x2 or my ofna lx-1e. i am tired of swapping a cc2200 motor between the two.

And I should just clarify for the record - this is a smooth canned motor, without heatsink, without a cooling fan, and with a body that has limited air-flow. In other words, I've done absolutely nothing to keep the motor temps down - and it doesn't look like I have to. :smile:

this is great news!

just ordered the 4074 to pair up with my second mmm should be a beast :)

just a quick question... what bullets come on these, and how long were the wires? they look very small in the stock pictures :)

3.5mm bullets on mine - and wires are only about 2" long

just canceled the order...

castle moving sale :D

ditto. i just ordered a 1518 and a 1520.

I have a 4074 2000kv in my RCM SC8Eon 5s.Its pretty fast and runs cool in med high grass.I also have the 4060 2900KV in my 10SC on 3s.Quality is ok the end bell screws on the 4060 were not screwed in all the way.I actually bought these before CC sale.Kinda bummed.

pics 4074-2000
 

My mr3680 died, so I got the 4074-2000.

the rotor has kind of an plastik coating, or glue, supposed to protect the kevlar/carbon-fibre

http://i53.tinypic.com/14ltrbr.jpg

Measurements of the rotor is 49mm, the magnets about 41mm, and has little axial clearance.

on the back, there's a little space:

http://i56.tinypic.com/6pq44p.jpg

overall quality looks good so far. didn't get hot on 5s, great.

good power, but different to the losi xcelorin 1700kv and the mr 3680-1600. Those have more torque at low revs.

good buy so far!