Motorbikes are fuel-efficient, easy to pack, and significant to maneuver through traffic. But it’s impossible to enjoy those fantastic benefits without a quality battery. From starting the bike to empowering various electronics on the dashboard and other places that need electrical power are dependent on the battery. However, not all batteries are the same. You need a battery that suits your motorcycle most and offers the best performance. But, what’s the best motorcycle battery?
We prefer Yuasa YTZ10S for value, power and endurance; otherwise, CB YTX30L or Weize YTX14 for versatility and budget-friendliness when in need of the best replacement for your motorcycle battery.
Best Motorcycle Battery
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ThrottleX MX30L Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
If you are looking for some of the best motorcycle batteries for Harley Davidson, then this ThrottleX MX30L motorcycle battery would be the perfect addition. The AGM motorcycle battery is durable and maintenance-free.
It comes with a heat-sealed and non-spillable cover to ensure that you get the best out of the motorcycle battery.Â
What we like
- AGM motorcycle battery that is maintenance-free and durable
- Heat-sealed and non-spillable cover
What we don’t like
- The battery may not last very long
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CB YTX12-BS iGel Motorcycle Chrome Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
As the best gel motorcycle battery, this unit boasts smart technology that includes LED screen for battery status. The motorcycle battery makes use of gel electrolytes that are maintenance-free, and quite efficient.
What we like
- Gel electrolytes that are maintenance-free
- LED screen for battery status
What we don’t like
- The LCD may not be very efficient after sometime
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ThrottleX HDX20L Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The Harley Davidson Replacement Motorcycle Battery comes fully charged and ready to install. The battery features the absorbed glass mat and therefore is maintenance-free.
And make it easier to transport, the motorcycle battery weighs only 16 pounds.Â
What we like
- Comes fully charged and ready to install
- Maintenance-free battery
What we don’t like
- The dimensions may not fit in a variety of spaces
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CB YTX30L-BS Chrome Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
What makes this unit the best battery for Harley Davidson is its versatile fit. You can use it in a variety of applications such as jet skis, ATV’s and motorcycles. And with absorbed glass mat technology, the battery is spill-proof and maintenance-free.
What we like
- A versatile fit battery
- Spill-proof and maintenance-free
What we don’t like
- May have weak cranking amps
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Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The advanced lead-calcium technology is among the factors that make this battery among the best. The 270 cold-cranking amps provide sufficient power to start your motorbike even in icy conditions. It is pretty much like any other best AGM motorcycle battery.
What we like
- Low maintenance battery
- 270 cold-cranking amps
What we don’t like
- May not hold a charge after sometime
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ThrottleX HDX30L Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The best motorcycle battery for Harley Davidson is maintenance-free and robust. The unit comes ready to install and fully charged. You can install the battery and test drive.
What we like
- Maintenance-free and Powerful
- Comes fully charged and ready to install
What we don’t like
- There are some complaints that the battery does not last
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Shorai LFX09A2 Battery – Best Lithium Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
This radium motorcycle battery features in various lithium motorcycle battery reviews based on its quality. It is ultra-light and has zero sulfation. And unlike the others in the market, this medium motorcycle battery can hold an unloaded charge for up to one year.
What we like
- The battery is ultra-light and low maintenance
- Can maintain unloaded charge for up to a year
What we don’t like
- It may not be consistent after a period
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Deka ETX20L PowerSports Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
If you are an individual searching for the best battery for Harley Davidson, then you are in luck with this Deka ETX20L Power Sports battery. The maintenance-free and sealed battery is easy to handle.
What we like
- Maintenance-free battery
- Fully charged and ready to install
What we don’t like
- May not have a long lifespan
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Yuasa YTZ10S Factory Activated Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
One of the things that we would like to highlight in this Yuasa motorcycle battery review is its high performance and maintenance-free capability.
The battery has an impressive 190 cold-cranking amps that any motorcycle rider will find useful.
What we like
- High performance and maintenance-free
- Up to 190 cold-cranking amps
What we don’t like
- May not do too well in terms of longevity
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Weize YTX14 BS Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The Weize YTX14 BS motorcycle battery is among the few cheap motorcycle batteries with the quality for everyday motorcycle riding. This is sealed AGM motorcycle battery and is maintenance-free. It is easy to use and comes ready to install.
What we like
- Sealed AGM battery and therefore maintenance-free
- Versatile battery for various applications
What we don’t like
- It may be a bit hard for some people to install
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Interstate Motorcycle Battery (AGM)
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
Among the various Interstate motorcycle battery reviews, reliability and low maintenance is among the features that users highlight. The AGM deep cycle battery is among the few replacements that you can get for your motorcycle, without any issues.
What we like
- Low maintenance and reliable
- It is easy to handle
What we don’t like
- The size and connections may not be fittingÂ
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Shorai LFX14A4-BS12 Lithium Motorcycle Battery
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The brand may be among the best on the market, but that’s the same apply for this battery? Is it the best lithium-ion motorcycle battery? Well, pretty much!. The lithium-ion battery is exceptionally lightweight and maintenance-free.
The better starting performance ensures that your motorcycle engine is always cranking, regardless of the weather conditions.Â
What we like
- Extremely lightweight and maintenance-free
- Better starting performance and high voltage
What we don’t like
- The terminal size is non-standardÂ
Science of the Motorcycle Batteries
One of the main questions that novices will ask is why motorcycle batteries are necessary. In most parts, motorcycle batteries help with cranking, lighting, and supply of power to the ignition system. A good quality motorcycle battery absorbs any fluctuations to work as a voltage stabilizer. It also provides power to the security system after turning off the ignition.
But how do the motorcycle batteries work?
Motorcycle batteries work through the conversion of chemical energy to electricity. A single cell will have electrodes or a plate submerged in an electrolyte. When charging or discharging, the positive or negative atoms react with the material on the plates and the electrolyte to produce electrons. These electrons transfer throughout the completed circuit, and that’s how an electrical current comes about.
In traditional batteries, the metal plate is a lead alloy, and the electrolyte is sulphuric acid. When discharging, the acid converts to water, and the reverse is true when charging. During this process, the water disintegrates into hydrogen and oxygen, and it’s necessary to release it to the environment through venting.Â
Lead-acid batteries are the latest arrivals on the market, and they are maintenance-free. And even though they have an emergency venting in case of overcharging, they do not necessarily need the venting.Â
You can pretty much come across, and the term absorbed glass mat technology when going through various motorcycle batteries. To prevent spillage, the technology utilizes a very thin fiberglass mat that goes between the tin plates. It absorbs the acid and prevents spillage.
Any oxygen produced in the absorbed glass mat technology remains inside to form water when combined with an active material.Â
Best Motorcycle Battery Brands
Among the most reliable and best motorcycle battery brands include YUASA. The brand is quite common in most Japanese motorcycles, and they are maintenance-free. If you have a Japanese brand of motorcycle or a sports bike, then YUASA is among the best choices.
An unrivaled commitment to quality is what elevates MotoBatt over other brands on the market. Unlike the other non-OEM, the price of MotoBatt is on the high side, and you can pretty much say that it is for a good reason. The main focus for the brand is race gel and AGM motorcycle batteries. With their wide varieties of cells on the market, you will find the perfect battery model to power your motorcycle.
ThrottleX is working to find a foothold on the market, and their batteries are quite decent in terms of quality. And despite being a new company, their products are making the top dogs jittery. That can only mean ThrottleX is doing something exceptionally well. They are a brand worth giving a shot.Â
The experience of ACDelco is on another level. They manufacture a wide variety of batteries but include moped batteries, car and truck batteries as well as motorcycle batteries. ACDelco knows everything when it comes to making efficient motorcycle batteries, and therefore reliable.
If you are looking for the best-sealed batteries on a budget, then Chrome Battery is the go-to brand. The unbelievable prices pretty much cover for any shortcomings in the form of mixed results that several customers may highlight.
Motorcycle Battery Types
Lead-acid batteries are the traditional types, and they require reduced maintenance. You must keep an eye on them, and we keep an upright position at all times. Lead-Acid batteries can sometimes leak acid and destroy the surrounding objects.
Sealed batteries do not require topping off – the same case for lead-acid batteries. You will need to keep this type of battery in an upright position to prevent spillage and associated problems. And as long as there is no spillage, maintenance for sealed batteries is minimal.Â
AGM and Gel Batteries are the newest on the market and do not need maintenance. You can operate the batteries on any orientation apart from upside down. They are convenient and easy to use.
Guide for Buying the Best Motorcycle Battery
The brand of the motorcycle battery is a critical consideration as it can determine the quality, maintenance needs, and the overall durability of the battery. Among the top brands include YUASA, MotoBatt, ACDelco and Chrome Battery, among others.
You must purchase a motorcycle battery that perfectly fits in the designated aperture. You should not have to make modifications so that the battery can fit. If you have a famous motorcycle brand, and then finding the perfect battery fit is not difficult. Always measure the height, width, and length before you can go full Throttle into purchasing a particular battery unit.
Battery terminal posts can sometimes be different across brands, and you may need to change to the new one. The most popular is the inset screw type and exposed lead posts.
When choosing between the two, the screw types are more convenient and easy-to-use. Specific challenges for apparent when changing between The screw type and the exposed lead. For example, you may need to rearrange the wires inside the battery box.Â
AGM and gel batteries are the most efficient and convenient for motorcycles. They are maintenance-free, and you can operate them on any orientation apart from upside down.
The sealed batteries and lead-acid batteries are other good options, but they are not entirely maintenance-free. You will have to keep an eye out on them.Â
The amp output in terms of amp-hours determines how long the battery is going to last. For a motorcycle battery, the longer the amp hours, the better it is for you. A 12-amp hour battery means that the battery is going to produce 1 amp after every hour. However, determining the most appropriate amp output for your motorcycle depends on several factors.
The effectiveness of the alternator is charging the battery and how much power your motorbike pulls off will tell you which among them is most appropriate. If you have a stock motorcycle, it is always better to go with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
How Long Do Motorcycle Batteries Last?
According to the manufacturers, a motorcycle battery should last about 48 months. Unfortunately, for most of us, we are lucky to get half of that period. In the majority of cases, premature death is usually a result of poor maintenance.Â
A sealed AGM motorcycle battery can go up to five years, but with the right maintenance and buying from the right brand.
Conditions such as the cold weather will reduce the lifespan of the battery considerably. Surprisingly, the frequently used motorbike will have a battery that lasts longer than the one used less often. A unit that sits for a long time without usage diminishes faster and dies quickly.Â
The electrical accessories on the motorbike will also determine how long it lasts. For example, are you using a navigation system, radio adds a phone charger? Sometimes, the battery may not keep up with the demand for power from these accessories.Â
How Can I Make My Motorcycle Battery Last Longer?
Various factors can make a motorcycle battery dead, and among them is having numerous accessories. Do you have a navigation system, radio, and extra lights?
To ensure that the battery lasts longer, you may need to get rid of some of the accessories. Do not forget the key in the ignition as it will drain the battery to zero, and that is not always good. Don’t charge the battery too quickly, and avoid using the kill to switch it off. Use the ignition.
Always charge the battery whenever necessary, which can be through riding or using the right battery charger for motorcycle. Ineffective battery charging will significantly affect its life, and you may be going back to the stores sooner than later. Make sure to charge the motorcycle battery at least once every month.
Should I Keep My Motorcycle on a Battery Tender?
The battery tender is a kind of motorcycle battery box that you hook your motorcycle battery, too, during storage. It prevents the motorcycle battery from discharging to a critical level that may affect its lifespan. The battery tender adds a bit of charge to the battery when it gets low, and thereby stretching its lifespan.Â
Some users say that you should plug the battery tender after every ride to prolong the battery.Â
Which is Better AGM or Gel Battery?
The choice between AGM and gel battery depends on the use and needs. AGM batteries are perfect with high and low discharge rates. The life expectancy of AGM batteries is better than gel batteries. However, the battery mustn’t discharge more than 60%.Â
However, the gel battery gains the upper hand when there is a need for slow deep discharge. They may be costly, but the batteries are most appropriate in high temperatures. On the downside, you must charge the gel batteries properly, or they may experience premature death in the long run.Â
Motorcycle Lead-Acid vs. Lithium-Ion Battery – Which is Better?
The lead-acid batteries were the first in the market and powered everything from scooters to motorcycles. Unfortunately, the lithium-ion batteries are overtaking them based on several reasons.
There have been issues with lithium-ion batteries catching fire due to mishandling. Regardless, lithium-ion batteries have many advantages compared to lead acid batteries — for example, the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is many times that of lead-acid batteries. In typical cases, the lead-acid batteries can go for about 200 to 300 cycles. with effective maintenance, and they may go up to 1000 Cycles.
In contrast, the lithium-ion batteries can manage between 2000 and 3000 Cycles, and which is pretty much quite decent. The lithium ion battery can manage 5000 Cycles, with some TLC.Â
The self-discharge rate of lithium-ion batteries is quite low, with about 10% every year. The batteries are super light and quite safe. Chances of exposure to sulfuric acid and lead is almost zero.Â
But on the downside, lithium-ion batteries will need deeper pockets to afford them. With a low budget, anyone will do with lead-acid batteries pretty well, as long as you take the necessary precautions and maintain it effectively.
Does Riding a Motorcycle Charge the Battery?
Depending on the model and how old the motorcycle is, riding the bike can effectively charge the battery. But in some cases, you may also need to use a charger to keep the battery full and in good condition.Â
How Many Amps Motorcycle Battery Needs for Charge?
As a rule of thumb, never charge the motorcycle battery more than 10% of motorcycle battery voltage rating or amp rating. For example, you should not go more than two amps for are 20 amp rated battery over one hour.Â
Motorcycle Run with Dead Battery? How Do You Charge a Dead Motorcycle Battery?
If you are in a hurry to get somewhere and the motorcycle battery is flat, you can get a good Samaritan who can open up the hold of their motor vehicle at the crank your motorcycle. Apart from the jumper cables, you can also try a portable power pack to provide enough juice for the bike.Â
But if not in a hurry, you can always hook up the dead battery to a charger, and keep yourself busy as it charges.Â
When Should You Replace Motorcycle Battery?
If the motorcycle engine cannot crank at all, then your motorcycle battery may be the problem. A battery will need a replacement when it struggles to start, and cannot keep a consistent power. To be on the safe side, replace the battery after every three to five years to avoid a situation that would be embarrassing in the middle of the journey.
How to Care For a Motorcycle Battery?
Among the care basics of a motorcycle, the battery includes avoiding a motorcycle battery overcharge. Ideally, you should not charge more than 10% of the ampere rating.
You can always use a motorcycle battery tester to determine the level of the charge, and how much you need to add. Maintain the battery according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and avoid overdrawing the power by attaching so many accessories.Â
How Much is the Best Motorcycle Battery? Where to Buy Motorcycle Battery?
The price of the motorcycle battery depends on several factors such as the type, brand, and the model. An AGM battery is more expensive than the lead ion battery.Â
Concluding Remarks
The best motorcycle battery provides sufficient power to keep the motorcycle going, and you can have as much fun as possible. Without the right battery, the motorcycle ride will never be enjoyable, and that’s not what you want.
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