Recently, LRP released their new X12 Brushless motor. I decided to purchase one. Here are my impressions of the new features of this next generation mod.
Basics:
For starters, the X12 features a cool looking pewter finish can. It comes in windings from 3 through 8.5 Turns
Check the new cooling features of the can in the lower section….nice. Also, this motor is shorter in footprint as well.
The X12 comes with a endbell cover that can be taken off with just 1 screw to reveal a cool timing feature. Also, it has a removable sensor wire as the previous X11 motors did. This is a standard in brushless modifieds these days.
Inside this is what it looks like when you remove the cover.
One of the cool new features the X12 offers is a “Precisensor System”. Three super accurate timing inserts are included to help the driver adjust motor timing. Each timing insert is indicated by a dot pattern. This along with rotor and gearing are the most important details you must consider for your particular aplication. Higher timing results in higher rpms but worse efficentcy/torque. Lower is vise versa.
Inserts can be easily removed and inserted by hand. You can then rotate the endbell’s sensor unit to fit your particular insert. All you have to do is reattach the endbell cover with the single screw. Its really that simple. This can even be done while the motor is still in the car with the sensor wire unplugged.
The X12 features a bottom can design that secures from the top of the endbell. This is quite different from the X11 and other motors. This actually allows you to change the rotor while the majority of the motor is still bolted in the car. Of course you will still have to remove the pinion….so it doesn’t save that much time.
It also features a super thin aluminm can….presumably for better cooling. The X12 winding stack is also packed for better efficentcy and cooling. Also, you can see the O Ring on the rotor. This helps calm vibration during usage.
Unlike the X11, the X12 comes with a 12.5mm sintered rotor. 12mm and 13mm. The rotors can be changed for different power bands. Typically 12.25 and 12.5 are used for 2wd/truck off-road. 13mm is normally used for 4wd off road and touring cars. Also, the rotor is strengthened and accepts a larger sized bearing that the X11. This should lead to better efficency and less bearing problems from heat and vibration.
Heres a look inside the can. The new design requires a little patience when inserting the rotor. Its hard to work the end of the rotor into the bearing with strong magnetic force.
The X12’s endbell design comes with a new “V” design for soldering up.
Impressions:
Overall I was impressed with the design of the motor. Some huge improvements as mentioned. I was especially happy with the “V” solder design. The X11’s design was a pain to solder up. It came with these small holes that you could barely fit your wire into. I wound up running this 6.5 wind in my 4wd off-road car. I felt the power was good top end wise. However, a larger rotor would have resulted in a better torque power ban for 4wd off-road. The 13mm would be perfect. Still, it was decent. At the time of this article, the X12’s optional rotors were not available. I will be eagerly awaiting release of this, as I believe this will be the new standard to judge other motors by.
