Specialised Levo SL Gen2: Gamechanger reloaded - more power and more potential

The Specialized Levo SL has taken its time to be unveiled. The second evolutionary stage of the light e-bike has been long awaited. Was this due to the supply chains affected by coronavirus and the war in Ukraine, or the fireworks of innovation from the competition?

It is clear that the German motor manufacturers TQ and Fazua with their units now clearly outshine the SL-1.1 motor developed exclusively by Mahle for the Specialized Turbo Levo SL: much quieter, smaller and even more powerful. This was also shown by our comparison test of various light engines.

Thanks to the new abundance of lightweight and slim motors, the market for light e-bikes is currently exploding. And that three years after its market launch, the "old" Turbo Levo SL looksquite old.

Specialized did not accept this without resistance. As a result, the Specialized Levo SL 2023 was redesigned from the ground up. No component was left untouched. The result is a downhill-orientated light trail bike of the highest quality.

>> All data and notes on the Specialized S-Works Levo SL can be found right here. <<

The facts about the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Gen2

• New SL 1.2 engine with 33% more power and 43% more torque (manufacturer's specification)
• 320 watts of power and 50 Newton metres of torque (manufacturer's specification)
• Battery: 320 watt hours permanently installed, 160 watt hours additional battery optional
• Motor weight 1.9 kilos / battery weight 1.8 kilos (measured in the EMTB lab)
• New full carbon frame with revised kinematics
• Suspension travel: 160 mm front, 150 mm rear (size S1: 150/144mm)
• Six sizes according to S-sizing with almost the same overhang height
• Weight: 17.8 kilos (EMTB measurement, S-Works, size S4)
• Four equipment variants between 7900 and 15,000 euros

The new motor: Specialized SL 1.2 - quieter, more powerful, more economical

The new engine is called SL 1.2 and at first glance looks almost like the old one. The dimensions are identical. A slightly differently shaped housing can only be recognised at second glance. Quite as elegant as the Bavarian competition from Fazua and TQ the SL 1.2 does not nestle into the frame of the bikes.

Click here for the detailed review of the Specialized SL 1.2 drivetrain, including a lab test and comparison with its predecessor

The background noise of the Specialised SL 1.2

As soon as you set off on the Specialized Levo SL, you notice the significantly quieter noise of the updated e-bike motor in direct comparison. The sometimes unpleasantly high-pitched whine is gone. The drive noise of the motor is perceptible, but quite discreet. Somewhere between Fazua and Shimano EP8 RS. According to the manufacturer's press release, this was achieved by "an updated gearbox design and a new two-part motor housing with an integrated honeycomb structure for better noise dissipation". Specialised claims that the noise level has been reduced by 30-40%. However, the HPR 50 from TQ is and remains the undisputed whisper king among e-drives. The new SL 1.2 is still a long way from achieving this.

The motor power of the Specialised SL 1.2

According to Specialized, the new SL 1.2 is significantly more torquey (+43%) and powerful (+33%). That doesn't mean much at first, because the old SL 1.1 was a performance dwarf with 35 Newton metres and 240 watts of power. The new unit now delivers 50 Newton metres of torque and 320 watts of power. In our first driving test, it certainly seemed more powerful than its predecessor. However, we did not feel a difference in class, as suggested by the communicated figures. To the strength of a Ride 60 from Fazuaor of the Shimano EP8 RSthe new Specialized motor does not come close. It now feels roughly on a par with the TQ, which also has similar performance specifications with 50 Nm and 300 W. The SL 1.2 is therefore still more of a discreet supporter and the push is still more fully present in high cadences. There is no strong pull when pedalling slowly. The new motor does not offer uphill flow for lazy pedallers either.

The weight

The newcomer weighed in at 1.91 kilos in the EMTB test lab. That is almost exactly the same weight as its predecessor. At 1.89 kilos, the HPR 50 is only marginally lower, while Fazua's Ride 60 weighs a good 2 kilos, around 100 grams more. However, the design of the SL 1.2 (visible from the outside) is larger than that of its Bavarian competitors. The SL 1.2 fits somewhat less elegantly into the frames of the bikes.

The controls of the new e-bike motor from Specialised

Specialized has not redeveloped the display and remote unit for the new drive unit. Nevertheless, it has to be said quite clearly: the Americans continue to set the benchmark among lightweight drives. The compact unit on the handlebars is simple, easy to reach and easy to operate. The LCD display "Mastermind TCU" is also very slim and integrated into the top tube - and offers a whole host of functions. Users can customise the screen via an app and adjust countless screen settings.

The motor efficiency of the Specialized Turbo Levo SL

The very intrusive noise of the old SL 1.1 engine resulted from the high gear ratio inside and the enormous speeds at which the transmission moved. This made the SL 1.1 loud in our comparative tests - and also in everyday use - but efficient and very temperature-stable. The new SL 1.2 also works with the high internal speeds and therefore differs fundamentally from the TQ HPR 50, which runs at extremely low speeds and is therefore also very quiet. However, this makes it susceptible to high temperatures and not as efficient. In our tests, the TQ overheated quite quickly at full load and also draws a relatively large amount of power. In initial range tests, we achieved the same values with the more powerful Specialized SL 1.2 as with its predecessor. As the battery has remained the same, the efficiency seems to have increased slightly. The fact that it has also become significantly quieter with an identical weight is, in our view, a considerable leap forward in development.

The SL battery

The battery in the new Specialized Turbo Levo SL also remains the same: 320 watt hours firmly integrated in the down tube. There is also an optional range extender with 160 watt hours, which fits compactly in the bottle cage. This makes the Specialized system one of the minimalists in the light segment.

The weight of the new Specialized Levo SL 2023 - light, not lean

On our test bike in size S4, the scales stopped at 17.8 kilos. This is a very good value, considering that the top value in our last high-end comparison test at 18 kilos lay (Simplon with TQ motor and permanently installed battery). The Specialized Turbo Levo SL doesn't shy away from the equipment side: solid Code Ultimate Stealth brakes with large brake discs, butcher/eliminator Grid Trail tyres weighing approx. 1000 grams and the new Sram Transmission AXS drivetrain are stable functional parts that can withstand tough use. Of course, there are now lighter Minimal Assist bikes on the market. Scott and Red deer offer down-country bikes weighing 15.5 kilos. However, the range of use here is limited to light trails. The equipment is extremely lightweight and cannot cope with heavy riders or rough terrain.

The frame - longer, more variable, more enduro-heavy

The first Specialized Turbo Levo SL was - from today's perspective - rather conservative in terms of geometry. And it had weak points in the rear triangle and seat tube angle. The somewhat slack, real seat tube angle put tall riders quite far over the rear wheel. The kinematics were not very progressive and not very stable at the SAG point. The old Turbo Levo SL acknowledged steep climbs with the front wheel rising early, and it often reacted to overly hard landings with audible and noticeable bottom-outs. The new Levo SL does everything better here and adds additional features that (can) shift the range of use towards enduro: The seat tube is now set much steeper and the kinematics have been significantly revised. A longer rocker made of polished aluminium controls the shock differently and massively improves the rear-end performance.

In addition, the Levo SL - like its big brother, the Turbo Levo - can now also be quickly and easily adjusted to three positions, flatter or steeper, via the headset shell. The adjustment range totalling two degrees is very clear and makes a noticeable difference. And a swivel joint in the Horst link allows either 27.5 or 29 inches on the rear wheel without changing the geometry. It is always delivered with a small rear wheel, as Specialized considers this size rear wheel to be the best compromise between liveliness, stability and freedom of movement. A flip chip on the shock raises/lowers the bottom bracket by five millimetres. The seat tube is straighter overall, meaning that dropper posts with a lot of travel can now be lowered completely even in the smaller sizes. The asymmetrical reinforcement on the shock has been removed and the main frame has been significantly stretched. Overall, the new Levo SL looks more potent and more solid than its predecessor.

The geometry of the Specialized Levo SL offers more options thanks to S-sizing

Significantly more modern and progressive - this is how the geometry change of the Turbo Levo SL can be summarised. Longer reach (470 mm in size S4), slacker head angle, steeper seat angle. The chainstays remain very short at 432 millimetres and the wheelbase (1238 mm in size S4) also takes on more compact trail bike dimensions. Striking difference: With the size S6, Specialized now also offers a really long bike (525 mm reach, 1301 mm wheelbase), which thanks to the moderate seat tube doesn't just fit giants. The frame is available in six sizes (S1 - S6), all of which have short seat tube lengths and almost the same standover height according to the S-sizing principle. This means that riders of the same size can choose the Levo SL in different lengths - depending on their preferred terrain and riding ability, without having to compromise on saddle adjustability and freedom of movement.

Good, better, top of the class? How the new Specialized Levo SL 2023 rides

The new Specialized Turbo Levo SL 2023 not only looks more massive than its predecessor, it also rides like it: the second generation of Specialized's minimal-assist bike has significantly more enduro genes. With a very slack 63 mm steering angle (slack setting), it sits firmly and securely. The much better rear suspension is particularly noticeable: it is completely neutral and sensitive, doesn't sag a bit on climbs and now absorbs hard impacts without any noticeable bottoming out. Compared to its predecessor, this is a huge improvement that gives the bike much more potential and performance on trail tours and in rough terrain. Together with the steeper seat tube and the more powerful motor, the new Turbo Levo SL now climbs very well even with taller riders.

Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice directional stability and smoothness for sluggish handling. Instead, the Turbo Levo SL is a great combination of lively and safe. At 432 millimetres, the rear triangle is very short compared to many other bikes on the market. This means that the new Levo SL is easy on the rear wheel and offers good pop when you push off the ground for jumps. This makes it much more agile and fun to ride, than the Kenevo SLwithout losing too much ground in the pure downhill classification. Specialized has thus created a sensationally good E-trail bike that is likely to give the competition plenty of headaches. The motor in the SL 1.2 version is a clear step forward and therefore close to the competition. However, it does not set top marks for power or noise development. Overall, the second-generation Turbo Levo SL is not a game changer that takes the topic of light e-bikes to a whole new level. But in terms of riding performance, it is once again a class leader.

Prices and features: How much does the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Gen2 cost?

E-bikes are getting more and more expensive. Specialized is also one of the most expensive manufacturers on the market. The new Specialized Turbo Levo SL in the top version S-Works LTD costs a hefty 15,000 euros. For this you get the complete, sensor-controlled Rockshox Flight Attendant suspension, the new Sram XX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain and Roval Traverse SL carbon wheels.

The Levo SL S-Works is available for 14,000 euros with Fox Factory suspension and otherwise identical equipment. Both top models come with a range extender for the money.

The Specialised Turbo Levo SL Pro for 11,500 euros has the same Factory suspension elements as the S-Works and comes with the Sram Eagle XO Transmission drivetrain. The price also includes (slightly heavier) Roval Traverse carbon wheels. The seat post is a mechanically activated Bikeyoke Revive.

The entry-level model Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp costs 7900 euros and has to make do with Fox Rythm suspension. It has a classic Sram GX drivetrain with cable control. The shock extension here is made of aluminium, on all other models it is made of carbon. Tuning fans can treat themselves to the S-Works frame kit for € 7000 and build it up themselves. S-Works and Comp are each available in two colours.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL: Conclusion of the EMTB editors

A significantly improved drive unit makes the Specialized Turbo Levo SL fully competitive again. The SL 1.2 motor can't outperform the new light drives from TQ and Fazua, as it doesn't set new benchmarks in terms of power or noise levels. However, the bike's riding characteristics are all the more impressive. On the trail, the new Light-E-MTB from the Americans is one of our absolute favourites with its balanced riding characteristics and strong suspension.

Technical data and notes on the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL

Manufacturer information

• Price: 14,000 euros
• Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S1, S2, S3, S4 (tested size, 42 cm), S5, S6 / Carbon

Measured values²

• Weight²: 17.7 kg
• Reach altitude¹: 1031 (+30)hm
• Average speed: 10.1 km/h
• Centre of gravity height: 525 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 194 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 511 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Specialised SL 1.2
• Max. Torque³: 50 Nm
• Battery³ / weight² / incl. additional battery: Specialized, 320 Wh permanently integrated / 1820 g / 160 Wh
• Gear system: Sram XX Transmission (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 32; 10-52
• Display: TCU Mastermind LCD
• Permissible total weight³: 127 kg (109 kg payload)
• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Float X Factory
• Front/rear suspension travel: 160/150 mm
• Telescopic seatpost: Sram Reverb AXS, 170 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code Ultimate Stealth / 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Roval Traverse SL Carbon
• Tyres: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9, 29 x 2.3" / Eliminator Grid Trail T7, 27.5 x 2.3"

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.7 points - very good

Test summary by Christian Schleker, test author EMTB:

The first Levo SL was a real game changer three years ago. The new edition cannot repeat this wow effect in the face of strong competition. But with the Turbo Levo SL, Specialized has once again created an outstanding E-trail bike - agile and lively, but also confident on the downhill. It has class-leading potential. The SL 1.2 version of the motor is a clear step forwards and therefore close to the competition. However, it does not set top marks for power or noise levels.

¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

³ Manufacturer's specification

⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below inadequate.