Can I clear error codes with the BESST tool?

Yes. Both the UART tool (BBS series) and BESST CAN tool (M series) can clear stored error codes from the controller memory. Clearing codes does not fix the underlying fault — codes will return if the fault is still present. Clear codes only after the underlying fault has been diagnosed and resolved.

Is the Bafang BESST tool safe to use without professional training?

Reading data is completely safe. Writing configuration changes carries some risk — setting an incorrect current limit or speed limit can damage the motor or make the bike non-compliant with local regulations. Follow community guides and back up your original settings before making any changes.

Bafang BESST Tool: How to Read and Clear Error Codes

What Is the BESST Tool?

The Bafang BESST (Bafang Electric System Service Tool) is the official diagnostic and configuration interface for Bafang motors. Unlike Bosch and Yamaha, which restrict diagnostic tools to authorised dealers, Bafangs relatively open ecosystem means DIY riders can access full motor diagnostics without dealer involvement. This is one of the significant advantages of the Bafang platform.

There are two categories of Bafang diagnostic tools based on motor protocol:

UART tools (BBS01, BBS02, BBSHD) — Cheap cables (EUR 10 to EUR 20) plus free software. Fully accessible to any rider.
CAN bus tools (M500, M600, M420) — Requires the official BESST CAN device (USD 150) or compatible open-source CAN hardware (from USD 15) plus OpenBafangTool software.

UART Setup for BBS Motors

Hardware

A UART programming cable connects between the motor programming port (a separate 4-pin connector on BBS motors, typically near the main harness connector) and a USB port on your computer. Generic CP2102 or CH340 based USB-UART cables labelled "Bafang programming cable" are widely available and work correctly.

Software

The Bafang Configuration Tool (Windows) or the open-source BAC-OCR alternative reads all motor parameters, shows live sensor data, reads error logs, and allows parameter changes. Configuration changes are written directly to the controller non-volatile memory.

What You Can Read

Stored error codes and their occurrence count
Live motor temperature, voltage, current
Live speed sensor, PAS sensor, and throttle values
Total odometer and operating hours
All programmable parameters (current limits, PAS settings, speed limits)

OpenBafangTool for CAN Motors

The OpenBafangTool project provides open-source diagnostic software for M500/M600/M420 CAN bus motors. It requires a Canable or similar CAN-USB adapter (from USD 15) rather than the official BESST CAN device. It provides read access to error codes, live sensor data, and some configuration parameters — functionality continues to expand with each release. This makes M-series diagnosis accessible without the USD 150 official tool.

Bafang BESST Tool: Diagnostic & Configuration Guide