BLACK TEA MOTORBIKES BONFIRE Series Electric Motorcycle User Manual

BONFIRE Series Electric Motorcycle
User Manual

BONFIRE
Version 2.1

BONFIRE Series Electric Motorcycle

Hello & Welcome!

You are now the proud owner of a Black Tea Bonfire.
Welcome to our rider community. We are very flattered that you have chosen Black Tea Motorbikes for your upcoming adventures. It is now our duty to do our best to provide you with product information, service and spare parts, and offer you a hassle-free experience.

Our mission is to make adventure accessible to everyone, everywhere. That’s why our goal is to create compelling motorcycles for any kind of adventure you have in mind.  For easy service and personalization, we build our bikes as simple as possible and allow any kind of (legal) modification.
This manual is intended to be your resource and guide for general maintenance, safety  precautions, service issues – from what you can do yourself to what you need to leave  to professional mechanics – tuning, warranty issues, handling and troubleshooting. We ask that you use this document to ensure that every ride remains a safe ride.

Black Tea Motorbikes

Introduction

Safety regulations
We want you and the people around you to get through everyday life safely. That’s why we ask you to keep a few things in mind when you’re out and about with your Bonfire.
Follow the rules of the road. To minimize the risk of serious injury, always wear protective equipment, including a helmet. Always carry the following documents with you when riding your Bonfire: ID card, insurance papers, license plate and operating permit.
You’re probably really looking forward to riding your bike, but please follow the steps below to make sure you don’t cause damage to the vehicle or injure others. During shipping, the bike may have been damaged. We cannot guarantee the bike’s roadworthiness as it may have been strapped down for up to several weeks before you received it.

• Read and understand this manual
• Go through the chapter “Regular inspection and maintenance”.
• Go through the “Before each trip” checklist.

Make sure you have the latest version of the manual by visiting https://www.blackteamotorbikes.com/pages/service.

Unboxing

If you receive a fully assembled motorcycle, you will only need to install the mirrors and reflectors before your first ride. If you receive your Bonfire in a box on a pallet, you  will have to unpack it and do the final assembly yourself.
We encourage everyone to watch our how-to videos to learn how to assemble, ride and maintain your bike. Visit our site https://www.blackteamotorbikes.com/pages/service or scan the QR code here to learn how to remove the cardboard and assemble your Bonfire.

https://youtu.be/vg5PcEDEFho

General Information

Security & Warranty

Warranty
The standard warranty is covered by the attached Terms and Conditions. It expires in the event of damage caused by actions that contradict these operating instructions.
Usage
Black Tea Motorbikes motorcycles have been homologated to the highest standards for road use by TÜV Süd in Munich. It is therefore prohibited to remove any equipment  or tamper with the wiring outside of an authorized service center. The Bonfire is not designed for off-road use or racing.
Important: Although the Bonfire has a fuel cap, the tank is not intended to be filled with any type of liquid. In particular, please do not fill the tank with gasoline. The  Bonfire is an all-electric motorcycle.
Driving
When you ride the Bonfire for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind. The bike has an electric motor with instant torque and a primary drive without gears,  which means that you have all the power available at all times through the throttle. It is very sensitive, and it is highly recommended to ride in the first driving mode to get  used to this type of vehicle.
Important: You have three keys. The larger key is for the steering wheel lock. The small key is for the battery box and the radio key starts the vehicle and also turns on the  alarm system.
There is no clutch; instead, the rear brake is located on the left side of the handlebar. This can feel very unnatural for experienced combustion motorcyclists.
Remember that electric vehicles are quiet. Be aware of people or other cyclists who may be near the lanes you are using.

– Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
– Always check local laws and regulations where you plan to ride

Motorcycle-Overview

1. Seat
2. Bracket for passenger
3. Tail and brake light
4. Rear turn signals
5. License plate holder
6. Electric hub motor
7. EPA label position (USA)
8. Side stand
9. Footrests| 10. Battery box
11. Position of the nameplate
12. FIN position
13. Steering wheel lock
14. Front turn signals
15. Headlight
16. Display
17. Mirror
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Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The VIN/chassis number is a 17-digit number stamped on the head tube of the frame. Do not change or remove this number as it is the legal identifier for your motorcycle.  You can also find the VIN on the legally required nameplate.
Battery serial number
The battery serial number is located on the battery. The serial number is not visible when the battery is in the motorcycle.
Engine serial number
The serial number of the motor is laser engraved on the left side of the motor housing and is visible.
Serial number of the controller
The serial number of the control unit is located on the top of the housing and becomes
visible when one of the side covers is removed.
Nameplate
The European and US nameplates are located on the right side of the down tube. The stickers must not be altered or removed.
Overview of the controls on the handlebar

1. High beam
2. Low beam
3. Turn signal
4. Horn| 5. setting key
6. selection key
7. MIL & USB| 8. kill switch
9. starter
10. driving mode switch
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Battery box overview

1. Battery safety lock
2. First battery compartment
3. Second battery compartment
4.  Connection to the vehicle
5. Battery box door lock

Display overview

Radio key overview

Note: If the batteries are connected in the vehicle, you can find your Bonfire X with the Panic Button (B).

Vehicle operation

Prepare your Bonfire

1. Make sure that both batteries are equally fully charged. It is best to switch off both batteries so that no sparks occur when plugging them in.
2. First place a battery and connect it to the motorcycle.
3. Now also place the second battery and connect it to the motorcycle.
4. Move the battery lock down & turn on both batteries.
5. To close the battery box, you need to push the door slightly against the seal, then you can close the lock by turning it to the left.
6. Make sure that the steering wheel lock and all other locks are unlocked.

Start your Bonfire

1. Press the Unlock button once to disable the alarm system (C)
2. Press the Bolt Button twice (D)
3. Now the display and the lights should be on.
4. Fold up the side stand and sit on your bike.
5. Make sure the kill switch is turned on and press the starter.
6. If your riding mode is shown on the display, the bike is now active and you can start riding. If you still cannot start your bike, you may need to raise the side stand.
7. To prevent injuries, there is an additional safety feature. When you stop after riding, “Active” is shown on the display to remind you that the bike is still on.

Finish your ride

1. Unfold the side stand and make sure the Bonfire is stable.
2. To turn off your motorcycle, press the unlock button (C) once. Now the lights and the display should go off.
3. If you leave the batteries in the vehicle, you can switch on the alarm system. Press the lock button (A) once.
4. We generally recommend that you always remove the batteries to protect them from theft. In this case, you do not need to turn on the alarm, but you can remove the  batteries by pressing lightly against the side door of the battery box and turning the lock to the right.
5. Now slide the battery lock up, disconnect the batteries from the vehicle and pull them out carefully
6. Lock your Bonfire, see chapter 1.6.3

Good to know

Brakes
Please note that unlike a normal gasoline motorcycle, both the rear and front brakes are on the handlebars and there is no foot brake. The combined rear and front brakes are on the left side of the handlebars and the front brake is on the right side of the handlebars.
Driving mode switch
You can change the driving mode with the 1,2,3 key. There are 3 different performance modes to choose from when driving. Never ride beyond your comfort level and always ride according to your personal riding abilities. We always recommend new riders to start with the first mode to get used to the bike and the differences between an  electric and a combustion engine.
Power mode 1 – Eco
This mode is always recommended when you ride a Bonfire for the first time. It has a limited top speed of 65 km/h and smooth acceleration.
Power mode 2 – Normal
With a top speed of 80 km/h and good acceleration, this mode is perfect for country roads.
Performance mode 3 – Sport
There are no power restrictions here. This mode is perfect when you need all the power available. 100 km/h top speed and very good acceleration.
Regenerative braking
When the throttle is released, your bike starts regenerative braking. This allows the bike to stop without using the brakes and recharges the battery.
Important: Regenerative braking can be unreliable, especially when the battery is fully charged. Therefore, always use the regenerative braking function with caution.
Side stand
The side stand can be conveniently folded out even when you are sitting on your bike and activates a switch that cuts the power to the motor for safety reasons. As long as the side stand is folded out, the bike does not move.
Mirror
You can easily adjust the alignment of the mirrors. The joint works with a counter-rotating screw system. Place the mirrors in the thread on the handlebars & turn them  clockwise. Align the mirrors and then tighten the nut.
Battery connection
If you have a Bonfire X both batteries must be connected in the vehicle so that the Bonfire X can start. Both batteries must also have the same state of charge so that the  charge indicator on the display is correct. If one battery is significantly more discharged, then the vehicle can already go out at a displayed charge level of 40%.
Important: Always charge both batteries at the same time using the two chargers provided. If you have a Bonfire S or Bonfire E, it is enough to connect only one battery.  With a second battery you can double your range.

Display
On the display you can read the SOC (state of charge), your riding mode, speed, odometer and time. It’s best to check out our “Battery 101” for more information regarding  reading the display.
Display operation
The lower left button is the select button and the upper left button is the adjust button.
Setting the time
Please note that the time is stopped as soon as you turn off the Bonfire. With the bike turned off, press and hold the adjust button, then turn on the Bonfire. The display will  turn on and the minutes will start flashing. Release the adjust button and then press it briefly to increase the minutes by one. To select the hours, click the Select button. Then  press the adjust button to make changes to the hours. When you’re done, click the select button again and the dashboard will return to normal operation.
Info: If you received your Bonfire from April 2023, then the clock will continue to run even if the Bonfire is turned off. Only the batteries need to stay on.
Clear odometer
With the display on, simply hold down the adjust button for 3 seconds. This will clear the trip odometer.
USB port
In front of the display, you have the possibility to install a USB port as an extra to charge your smartphone. First turn on your Bonfire, then turn on the USB port and  connect your smartphone with a charging cable.
MIL: Engine control light
The engine control light (orange LED next to the ignition lock) should light up for 2 seconds when the vehicle is started and then go out again if there are no faults in the  electrical drive train. Please note that after a fault has occurred, the engine control light will remain on for up to three further trips and only then go out again.
The following problems will cause the check engine light to illuminate: undervoltage, overheating engine, overheating controller, or electrical throttle fault.

Emergency operation
You can recognize emergency operation by the fact that the engine control lamp lights up and the vehicle drives significantly slower, i.e. with reduced torque.
Battery undervoltage
If the voltage is outside the normal range of the battery, e.g. in the case of an empty battery, the power is limited in order not to damage the battery or other components of  the drive train.
Overheating of the controller
If the controller gets too hot, performance is gradually reduced. If the temperature reaches 100 °C, the bike will stop running until the temperature drops below 80 °C. It is  best to take a short break to allow the controller to cool down.
Engine overheating
If the engine gets too hot, the power will be gradually reduced. When the temperature reaches 150°C, the motorcycle will stop running until the temperature drops below 130°C.
It is best to take a short break to allow the engine to cool down.
Battery overtemperature and battery under temperature
The battery does not tolerate extremely warm or cold temperatures. To avoid damage to the battery, it is recommended to leave the bike inside when the outside temperature  is below 2°C or above 35°C.

Regular inspection and maintenance

Before and after each trip
The condition of the vehicle is the responsibility of the owner, i.e. you. Check your Bonfire before each ride to avoid dangerous situations and accidents caused by the vehicle.
The safety of your Bonfire depends on proper maintenance, regular inspection, adjustment, and lubrication. On the following pages you will find the corresponding maintenance procedures and tables.
Maintenance table and maintenance intervals

Maintenance| Each ride| 10 Hours| 20 Hours| 6 Months
---|---|---|---|---
Check the angle of your mirrors| x| | |
Check that the lights and turn signals are working properly.| x| | |
Check if the horn is working properly.| x| | |
Check that the taillight and brake light are working.| x| | |
Check the  torque  of  fork,  axle,  handlebar,  and suspension| x| | |
Check tire pressure| x| | |
Carefully check the tires for damage| | x| |
Check rims for damage| | x| |
Check spoke tension| | x| |
Check brake discs| | x| |
Check brake pads| | | x|
Check brake fluids| | | | x
Check brake hoses for damage| | | | x
Check front wheel bearing| | | | x
Check the screws on the brake discs| | | x|
Check footrests| | | x|
Check battery box| | | | x
Check frame and swing| | | | x
Check wiring harness| | | | x
Check battery connections| | | | x

Wheels and tires
The wheels should be inflated to a pressure of 230 kPa.
Check your spokes regularly. You must make sure that there are no loose spokes in the wheel.

• Check that the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
• Check that the tire tread is at least 3 mm deep.
• Check for bent spokes
• Check that all spokes have the correct tension.
• Check that the brake discs are straight.
• Check that the front wheel axle is properly tightened.
• Check that the rear axle is properly tightened.
• Check if the axle of the rear wheel is adjusted correctly.

Brakes
Inspect the front and rear brake calipers to make sure they or the brake mounts are not damaged. Check the front and rear brake pads to make sure they are not worn. Look  through the window into the brake fluid reservoir to see if there is enough brake fluid left.
Do a brake test to make sure the front and rear brakes are working properly.

Removing and charging the battery

Removing the battery
For safety reasons, you cannot ride the bike while charging. Make sure the bike is secure before removing the battery. Use your key to open the battery box. If your bike is on  a level surface, the door should remain open. Please turn off the battery. You will find the on/off switch on top of the battery. Now disconnect the battery from the bike.  Slide the battery lock upwards. Use the handle of the battery to take it out of the bike.
Important: Always be careful when handling the battery. If it is dropped, visually inspect it and contact a Black Tea Motorbikes representative if it is damaged.

Charging the Battery
Plug the charger into the wall socket and then connect the battery. You should be able to hear the charger while it is charging. The charger light will change from green to red  once the battery is connected. When the battery is finished charging, the light will turn green. We recommend keeping the batteries on while charging.
Important: It’s best to check out our “Battery 101” for more information.

Reinstalling the battery
Make sure that the battery switch is in the “OFF” position. Now put the battery back into the bike. Connect it. Slide the lock down and turn the battery on. Close and lock  the battery box. Don’t worry if you ever forget to disconnect the battery and the connectors spark on contact. That’s okay but can wear out the connector over time.

Important: Make sure that the plugs are connected correctly, otherwise the cables and the plugs can be damaged.

Ownership and Operation

Maintenance and cleaning
It is important to keep your Bonfire in good condition to prolong its life. Clean the bike after riding and follow the “Regular Inspection” checklist. You must always be careful  when cleaning the Bonfire. The bike’s electrical components can be damaged if not cleaned properly. Make sure the bike is stationary and turned off before washing.
Never use a pressure washer or water hose to clean the motorcycle. It is recommended to use compressed air and a bucket of water along with a cloth and brush.

Scan the QR code to see a video about how to properly clean your Bonfire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s16IyskVMg

Important: The vehicle must be checked continuously for rust formation. The vehicle owner himself is responsible for rust prevention.

Storage

We recommend that you ride the bike at least once a month, as some components of the bike need to be used to keep them in the best condition. Store the bike in a closed  room and protect it from sunlight to avoid unnecessary aging or discoloration.
Never store your Bonfire with an empty battery. If the bike is stored for an extended period of time, charge it to at least 50% to extend the life of the battery.
Never store your Bonfire below 10° C. If you cannot store the bike at higher temperatures, remove the battery and bring it to your home.
Important: Store the Bonfire well ventilated in dry air. High humidity will cause rust damage.

Alarm & Steering Lock
You have the possibility to use the alarm system if you leave the batteries connected to the vehicle. In this case press the lock button (A) of your key once. If someone moves  your vehicle, the alarm will go off and lock the rear wheel. To disable the alarm, press the Unlock button (C) once.
It is recommended to use an additional external lock, which is recommended for motorcycles. When you park your Bonfire on the road, always turn it off, remove the batteries, lock your handlebar and take your key with you.
The steering lock is located under the triple clamp between the forks. Lock the steering lock by turning the handlebars all the way to the left, inserting the key into the steering  lock on the right side and turning the key. You will feel the handlebars lock in this position, preventing you from riding your Bonfire.

Accident
In the event of an accident, please inspect your Bonfire for visual or structural damage. If you notice any damage that affects the handling of the vehicle, stop driving to avoid  further damage to the vehicle, yourself, or the surrounding area.
If your Bonfire needs repair, please contact us at [email protected].
To check, please go through the procedures in Chapter 3 “Periodic Inspection and Maintenance”. In case of a broken or damaged part, visit www.blackteamotorbikes.com to order replacement parts. If you cannot find what you need or have any questions, please contact Black Tea Motorbikes directly.

Troubleshooting

If your bike is not working properly or you suspect a defect, you can go to https://www.blackteamotorbikes.com/pages/my-bonfire or simply scan the QR code here.

https://www.blackteamotorbikes.com/pages/my-bonfire

We update the page regularly to inform you about possible defects and give you solutions if your bike is not working properly.

Tools
To properly maintain your Bonfire and keep it in good condition, we recommend that you always use quality tools and treat the motorcycle with care. If you are unable or  unwilling to perform maintenance yourself, please contact someone who has the appropriate experience.
For the Bonfire, Black Tea Motorbikes recommends the purchase and use of the following tools.

• Hexagon wrench set, 4 -10 mm
• Wrench set 8 – 24 mm
• Torx set
• Screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Amperemeter
• Tire iron
• Spoke wrench
• Bleeding kit for brake fluids

 General vehicle overview

General vehicle specifications

Electronics specifications

of each cell. Overcharge protection (cut-off at 4.25 V +/- 50 mV). Protection against over discharge
Battery connection| QS8-S connectors with resistors
Battery life cycle| Designed for 800 charging cycles
Motor controller type| Electronic sine wave controller (BLDC)
Controller features| Enhanced regenerative braking; hardware over-current and over-voltage protection; LED fault indication; heat and current reduction and battery undervoltage protection shutdown; aluminum housing for maximum heat dissipation;
Controller protection| IP 66
Motor type| PSM (50H) 3000W hub motor| PSM (50H) 5 kW hub
Maximum torque| 190 Nm| 150 Nm| 150 Nm
Nominal power| 3 kW at 450 rpm| 3 kW at 500 rpm| 5 kW at 900 rpm
Peak performance| 5 kW at 500 rpm| 4 kW at 600 rpm| 8 kW at 960 rpm
Engine environmental protection| IP 54
Motor temperature protection| Thermal probe (sensor to prevent overheating)
Wiring| Fully insulated and wrapped wiring harness with waterproof connectors for motor vehicles

Brakes Specifications

Wheels and tires specifications

Contact and support
If you have any problems or questions about Bonfire, email us at [email protected].
For general questions and information, you can contact us at [email protected].

Black Tea Motorbikes GmbH
Gollierstr. 70
80339 Munich, Germany
This manual is updated regularly.
Please make sure you have the latest version at
https://www.blackteamotorbikes.com/pages/service.

References

• Bonfire by Black Tea Motorbikes
• Bonfire - Elektro-Motorrad Service
• Is everything alright with my Bonfire?
• Bonfire - Electric Motorcycle Service

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