Every Light Bee owner ends up modifying it. That's half the appeal. But the order you upgrade in matters — some parts transform the bike, others just drain the wallet. This list is ranked by improvement per euro spent.
1. Rear shock (€400–1,200)
The stock DNM RCP-2S is the Light Bee's weakest component. It's underdamped for anyone over 70 kg and fades on long descents. A Vonkat TENfive (~€700), BOS Stoy (~€950), or EXT Arma (~€1,175) transforms rear-end traction more than any other single change. If you buy one upgrade this year, buy this one.
2. Chain drive conversion (€100)
The stock primary belt is quiet but fragile — roost a rock into it and you're walking home. A Warp 9 or Heavy Hitter 420 chain conversion (~€100) is cheap insurance that also handles power upgrades better. The single most common first mod for a reason.
3. Controller upgrade (€1,100–1,250)
The EBMX X-9000 plug-and-play controller roughly doubles usable power and adds proper tuning software. It's the biggest performance jump available without touching the motor. Pair it with a temperature sensor and respect the 80°C ceiling. Only worth it after the suspension can handle the speed.
4. Sprocket change (€40–70)
A 58-tooth rear sprocket (stock is 48T) trades top speed for hill-climbing torque — the right trade for tight trails. Costs almost nothing, takes 30 minutes, completely changes the bike's character in technical terrain.
5. Proper tyres (€50–110 each)
The stock Kenda knobbies are adequate on dry hardpack and nowhere else. A Shinko 241 (trials-style, huge grip at low pressure) or Dunlop MX33 (proper motocross tyre) is the cheapest cornering-confidence upgrade that exists.
6. Brake pads — sintered (€18–45)
Stock organic pads fade fast at e-moto speeds. Sintered pads (Galfer, ~€35) bite harder when hot and last twice as long. If you upgrade the controller, upgrade the pads the same week.
7. Footpegs (€50–120)
Stock pegs are narrow and the pins wear smooth. Warp 9 or KKE billet pegs (~€50–110) give a wider platform and real grip in the wet. Your boots will thank you on every ride.
8. Handlebar + stem (€90–180)
The stock bar is narrow for aggressive riding. A 3-inch-rise fat bar with a direct-mount stem (Warp 9, ProTaper, Heavy Hitter) opens up the cockpit for standing riding. Fit is personal — but almost everyone over 175 cm benefits.
9. Skid plate (€130–250)
The stock bash guard is a suggestion. An SXS (~€135) or Heavy Hitter (~€200–250) skid plate actually protects the motor casing and controller from rock strikes. Mandatory for rocky terrain, skippable for flow trails.
10. Fork upgrade or conversion (€130–1,900)
Last because it's either cheap-ish (Heavy Hitter MX fork conversion kit, ~€130 plus donor forks) or expensive (EXT Ferro, ~€1,900). The stock DNM fork is decent once serviced with quality oil — do that first, upgrade later if you're racing.
The order matters
Suspension before power. Brakes and tyres before both. The fastest Light Bee on the trail is rarely the one with the most watts — it's the one whose owner can use all of them.
Every part above is in the e-moto.bike shop with live prices and links: /parts. Compare them side-by-side before you spend.