The Sur-Ron Light Bee is the bike that created the lightweight electric dirt bike category. Out of the box it’s fun, but once you start upgrading, it transforms into a high-performance machine built for serious riders. At Darwin EV, we recommend a simple, proven path: Controller → Battery → Motor → Supporting Upgrades (brakes, suspension, wheels).
Why this order matters? Each step unlocks new performance capabilities and avoids wasted money or compatibility issues. Here's how to do it right.
Controller Upgrade (Best Starting Point)
The controller is the foundation of every Sur-Ron Light Bee upgrade. Even with the stock battery, a controller instantly improves performance, tunability, and a noticeable bump in power. For many riders, a controller upgrade alone is worth it. Here's what you can expect:
- Custom throttle response
- Adjustable torque and regen braking
- Noticeable increase in power
Recommended Controllers:
- EBMX X-9000 V3 Controller – robust, feature-packed, and ready for future upgrades.
- TORP TC1000 Controller – high-performance with smooth control and advanced app.
- TORP TC500 Controller – lighter-duty, ideal if tunability is your main goal.
Battery Upgrade (Serious Power Boost)
Although the controller sets the stage, the battery is where the real power is unlocked. A high-performance pack supports higher current and voltage, extending range and delivering up to three times the output of stock setups. This is the point where your Sur-Ron Light Bee becomes a serious machine. Expect:
- Higher current and voltage
- Extended range
- Up to 3X more power
Recommended Batteries:
- Nexbat 72V 50Ah Standard Battery (Samsung 50S) – balanced range and reliability.
- Nexbat 72V 50Ah Pro Battery (Molicel P50B) – higher-output cells for aggressive riding.
- Nexbat 81V 45Ah Standard / Pro Batteries – for riders looking for more top-end speed and headroom.
Motor Upgrade (Thermal Capacity + More Power)
Once you’re running a high-output controller and battery, the motor is the next bottleneck. A motor upgrade provides thermal headroom, durability, and the ability to hold higher power without overheating. This is the full-send stage if you want to push your bike to it's limits. You can expect:
- Thermal capacity
- Durability under heavy loads
- Ability to sustain high power without overheating
Recommended Motors:
- TORP TM25 / TM40 / TM40 Pro – proven on the Light Bee platform
- EBMX XLB-60 Core / Race / Liquid-Cooled – strong pairing with the X-9000 controller
Supporting Upgrades (Brakes, Suspension, Wheels)
Power is only half the equation. More power demands better control. To ride faster, safer, and with more confidence, upgrade your brakes, suspension, and wheels to match performance gains.
Recommended Brakes, Suspension, Wheels:
- Brakes: Lewis brakes + Lewis rotors deliver consistent, powerful stopping.
- Suspension: Premium MTB forks like Fox 40, Öhlins DH38, and Marzocchi Bomber keep weight down, while e-moto solutions like EXT Ferro Fork + Arma Shock or SIRRIS are built for durability under real abuse.
- Wheels: Darwin EV's complete custom wheel sets for street, supermoto, or off-road hold up under serious torque.
Summary: Darwin EV's Proven Path For Sur-Ron Light Bee Upgrades
- Controller – instant gains, tunability, foundation for future upgrades
- Battery – unlocks serious power and range; transforms the bike
- Motor – durability and headroom for sustained hard riding
- Brakes, Suspension, Wheels – keep the bike safe, controlled, and reliable at higher speeds
Follow this order and you’ll get the most out of your Sur-Ron Light Bee without wasting money on the wrong parts.