Core loss has a major effect on heat generation in synchronous motors with surface-mounted permanent magnets (SPMs). It is essential to perform heat transfer analysis considering core loss in SPM because core loss is seriously affected by torque and speed of motors. In the present study, mechanical loss, core loss and coil loss are evaluated by measuring input and output energies under various driving conditions. For a better understanding heat transfer paths in synchronous motors, we developed a lumped thermal system analysis model. Subsequently, heat transfer analysis has been performed based on acquired energy loss, temperature data and thermal resistance with three types of SPM. It is shown that the torque constants decrease by Max. 10% as speed increase. At the rated torque, the core loss is Max. 10.9 times greater than the coil loss and the hysteresis loss of magnets is dominant in total loss.