Best Motorcycle Battery – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Motorcycle batteries are often overlooked until that day when the engine fails to start because the battery is dead. Although an engine is considered the heart of the motorcycle, the battery also remains equally important. The best motorcycle battery can last you for many years.

One thing we can agree on is that finding the best motorcycle battery is not an easy walk in a park. Lots of considerations are involved, and choosing the wrong one can amount into endless regrets in your long-distance excursions.

But, let’s first have a look at the table below which gives a glimpse of the batteries before the main review.

Having spent considerable time assessing the motorcycle batteries and having owned a motorcycle myself, I assure you a comprehension guide of buying the best motorcycle battery.

ThrottleX HDX20L – Best Motorcycle Battery for Harley

Harley Davidson is a popular and reputable brand in the market that I assume majority of motorcycle lovers wish to own. However, for its optimal performance, you need a high-performing motorcycle battery that can last you for years to come.

Applicability

Well, HDX20L could be the best battery you’ve been looking if you own the Harley Davidson. It’s a high-quality product by Throttle X, specifically designed to replace your old battery. But it can also work on other types of motorcycles.

This battery is compatible with lots of Harley Davidson models from 1991 to 2016. The most important thing is to ascertain the specific technical requirements of your motorcycle and purchase accordingly. For instance, check the width, height and the length of the old battery or the compartment. Also important is to check the volts required, which is usually 12 volts, and the CCA specified by the user manual.

Features

Most important features include the 310 cold cranking amps (CCA) which ensure that the battery empowers the motorcycle even in cold temperatures. It reflects the maximum power output produced by the battery.
Note that, unlike the conventional lead-acid batteries, this one employs the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) – a modern technology that solves leak and spillage problems. The AGM has a porous microfiber separator that absorbs the acid and make sure it doesn’t get shaken and leaked.

Usability

It is a maintenance-free battery, meaning you don’t have to spend time topping up the acid or the water after evaporation.

The battery comes sealed and fully-charged. It’s ready to install right out of the box. If you are going to leave the battery unattended for a long time, I will recommend getting the battery tender to ensure that it is ready by the time you decide to use it again. Unattended batteries tend to gradually lose power and longevity.

Throttle X is giving you a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase. This is coupled with the 18-month free replacement warranty, which I feel it’s somehow too short.

Antigravity – Lithium-Ion Battery with built-in Jump-Starting

You should be checking out a Antigravity ReStart battery for your motorcycle if you’re looking for a lithium battery that comes with an insurance policy. Now, Antigravity is making a super wide variety of batteries in a number of different group sizes. These are going to fit just about every single motorcycle, either on the pavement or in the dirt.

Features

At this time, if you’ve done any research on motorcycle batteries, you probably understand some of the benefits of lithium batteries. We’re talking super lightweight, and the potential possibility of having a much smaller footprint, due to the density increase over a standard lead-acid battery.

Antigravity has been produced a product that nobody else has really caught up to just yet. So, the whole idea behind the ReStart, is a battery that has a circuit built into this, and it prevents voltage from hitting a certain point in terms of the drop.

If you look at the top, there’s a button. So, Antigravity has a circuit inside it that will not allow the voltage to drop below the point where it won’t restart your motorcycle. That means that, if you happen to leave your ignition on or you leave your lights on, you’re not going to smoke your battery. All you’ll do is simply come back out to your bike, realize that it’s already been turned off because the battery has cut power to the rest of your system, you’ll hit that little button, and away you go, you’re ready to drive again.

Limitations

The not so obvious benefit here is that lithium batteries, for all of their strong suits, are particularly voltage sensitive. If you run one of these down past about 11 volts or so, that battery is more or less trash. However, the ReStart battery keeps that from happening. Once the battery voltage hit 12.6 volts it puts itself to sleep.

Yuasa YTX20L-BS Battery

Yuasa is also a big name in the industry with powerful flagships of motorcycle batteries. The Yuasa YTX20L battery is one of the powerful batteries I fell in love with. What caught my attention?

Features

Well, not only was I caught by the fact that it is a reputable brand, but also the considerable features such as the 270 CCA.

The 270 cold cranking amps surely lacks behind compared with the preceding Throttle X model I reviewed. Nonetheless, it is still powerful enough to improve the motorcycles that take long to start or suffer in unfavorable climatic conditions.

The battery commands 18-amp hour. What that means is that the battery produces 1 amp at 12 volts for 18 hours. It refers to the output of amps the battery can produce for a certain number of hours. The number of amp hours depends on the total amps the motorcycle can drain from the battery.

Usability

Also noteworthy with this Yuasa battery is that it is maintenance proof. You don’t have to worry about topping it with distilled water.   It comes with a sealed and spill-proof design, which I find convenient and also reasonable considering the AGM technology the battery has. The acid is absorbed, so it won’t leak no matter the position you put the battery.

The YUASA YTX-20L noticeably performs better than the standard lead-acid batteries. It contains the advanced lead-calcium technology that holds gravity 3 times more than the standard ones.
The only thing you need to do upon arrival is to fill the provided acid then seal the battery. Unsealing the battery many times can tamper with its longevity and may lead to damages. While it is maintenance free, you have to recharge it occasionally when the need arises. Ideally, it takes 5 to 10 hours to fully charge.
Should it give you problems post-purchase, the manufacturer provides you a one year warranty.  Reiterating again, please make sure you check the physical dimensions before making a purchase to ascertain compatibility. 

YTX14-BS – Best Price Motorcycle Battery

The Chrome YTX14-BS Motorcycle Battery is yet another advanced motorcycle battery that can revive your malfunctioning standard lead-acid battery. Like the preceding products I reviewed above, it is maintenance free. No need to worry about refilling the acid or water.

Features

The battery comes fully charged from the factory. It’s ready to install with no additional setup required. Chrome Battery has used the advanced lead-calcium alloy and the AGM technology to ensure a smooth and good performance.

There are no leaks, no spills in the battery because the highest quality craftsmanship has been used.

This battery is one of the lightweight modern AGM motorcycle batteries weighing 9.7 pounds. It reduces the burden on your bike and improves the speed because the heavy lead-acid batteries are not good particularly for sporty motorcycles.

Usability

The other important feature I found enticing is the higher 200 cold cranking amps in this 12-volt battery. The battery terminals are well positioned to install it with ease. Extreme vibration resistance is also ensured by Chrome Battery. This improves performance because vibration tampers with the conductivity. Again, the battery has a low self-discharge rate if you leave it unattended.  With the patented sealed post, your battery is safe from corrosion. This enhances the longevity of the battery.

The manufacturer is offering a 60-day money back guarantee as well as the 18 months of warranty. If you have issues with your purchase, you can return the battery for a full refund or replace it. On top of that, the seller is offering fast and free shipping.

Shorai Extreme Rate – Best Lightweight Motorcycle Battery

Shorai batteries produce really an upgraded battery for all types of power sports applications. Motorcycle, ATV, personal watercraft. And really the benefit of the lithium-ion technology versus lead-acid technology is it’s longer lasting, lower maintenance, lower weight and up to 80% lighter compared to a lead-acid battery. It produces higher cranking power, so really it is an upgrade in technology that you typically need to invest in.

Overview

I know myself, I can be really bad with my battery tender and after about a month of sitting, it will be tough. Especially, if it’s cold. But with this battery, you can let it sit up to six months before you really have to think about tending.

Because it’s a lithium ion battery, not a lead acid, de-sulfation typically doesn’t happen. And that’s a chemical reaction inside the battery that deteriorates it. So, what you need to make sure that you do is buy the correct battery tender that does not have a de-sulfation mode. I strongly recommend using the original battery charger Shorai SHO-BMS01.

Usability

Because of small size, the battery comes with dual-sided sticky foam shims, that allow you to beef up the battery box, so it’s not going to slide in a battery compartment.
There’s no acid in these batteries that you’re need to have to add, it’s closed. So there’s no drainage, there’s no port, there’s no acid level to maintain. Unlike lead-acid batteries, if your bike is tipped over, the acid will damage your bike, paint, and wiring. So, with this battery, you don’t have to worry about that venting. You don’t have to worry about that acid. Really, what you have to worry about is connecting to the terminals!

Pirate YTX20L-BS

Pirate Battery is also offering a high-quality motorcycle battery featuring a wide range of features. It has a scary pirate symbol on the design, but that’s a unique design given a plethora of motorcycle batteries. YTX20L Motorcycle Battery has all it takes to be the best battery on the market. I evaluate its features and found it competitive on the market.

Features

Weighing 13.88 pounds, it is relatively heavier than the preceding Chrome Battery at 9.7 pounds. Nonetheless, it is a portable battery when compared with conventional lead-acid batteries.

This battery is armed with 18Ah, 216 watts, and 12 volts. These are powerful enough to fit in any powerful motorcycle. Coupled with that is the higher CCA of 270. If your motorcycle starts after a long time, this could be the best CCA to energize it. Old motorcycles are notorious for delayed start-time. That said, higher cold cranking amps should be your priority.

Usability

Of most importance is the AGM technology that prevents corrosion and leaks from your battery.  Unlike conventional lead-acid batteries, you do not have to worry about the right position to put this battery.  The cover comes sealed while the technology absorbs the electrolyte solution. Thanks to the advanced lead-calcium alloy construction for the high-performance operation of the battery.

Also important is the maintenance-free design. No replenishment of water or acid needed with the battery. If you leave it for a long time, it will have minimal self-discharge rate. In a year it might lose about 10% of the total battery compared to the 0.5% to 1% of power lost daily by the self-discharging lead-acid battery.
Even though it is maintenance free, you may have to recharge it to avoid risking engine-start failure. I recommend this battery charger. If you have numerous gadgets on your motorcycle, expect a battery that can be drained quickly. These can include the installed GPS.
To protect us against regret-purchases, the manufacturer is offering a 60-day money back guarantee as well as the 18-month warranty. No questions asked when you request your full refund on account of an unsatisfactory product.

YTX7A-BS iGel – Best Gel Motorcycle Battery

Here’s my last product which is a unique gel battery. I have been reviewing the AGM batteries, so now I took a turn to introduce yet another innovative modern technology of gel batteries. In simple terms, the acid in this battery is not liquid but gel.

Comparing the viscosity of the two, gel battery is resistant to leakage of acid, so your battery and the motorcycle components are safe.

Advantages

Whoever thought that a mere battery can show how much voltage you have? This Chrome Pro Motorcycle Battery has the most advanced digital display to show you the voltage you have so you can recharge the battery. It is coupled with the integrated intelligent chip.

Like the previous batteries, this gel battery is also maintenance-free. It comes fully charged, thus ready to be installed without further setup required. The rigid bridge welding in this battery plays a good role in absorbing vibration. This ensures that the battery remains optimal for its performance.

Limitations

But, what I found disappointing is the 90 cold cranking amps and 6Ah. These figures are not competitive when compared to the other models I reviewed. Nonetheless, the battery is in its own league of performance. Modern batteries should not have a problem with the low cold cranking amps.
Like any other battery, it is prone to diminishing power if put for a long time. To avoid the inconveniences the next time you want to install in your motorcycle, I recommend the battery tender. It’s an automatic battery charger.

Warranty

If you are unhappy with the purchase, the manufacturer is offering a 60-day money back guarantee. Buying online poses numerous challenges because you don’t get to see the actual product. Most are disappointed when the products are shipped. At least you are protected with this battery.

Moreover, the company is offering an exceptional 18-month warranty. I personally prefer a battery that offers at least 3 years of warranty that corresponds with the recommended time to change the motorcycle.

When making a purchase, take note of the physical dimensions to avoid buying a large or too-small battery for your motorcycle battery compartment.

Best Motorcycle Battery – Buyer’s Guide

Now that I am done with the reviews, let’s go through a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. I know how daunting it can be to pick the best motorcycle battery when you do not really know which foremost features you should consider.

In this buyer’s guide, I will go through the important features to consider before buying and also consider some educational terminologies to help you care and understand the motorcycle batteries. Some of the important factors to consider before making a purchase include the cost, power rating and other technical specifications as I will highlight below.

Important Features to Consider Before Buying Motorcycle Batteries

Physical Dimensions

Motorcycle batteries do not have universal compatibility. They differ in weight and sizes. Lead-acid batteries, in particular, are big in sizes and heavy in weight. If you want to replace a conventional lead-acid battery, you need to devise a plan on how to prevent rattling of a lithium-ion battery. Some brands come with foam-spacers to accommodate the small batteries in large apertures.
Before making a purchase, take note of the exact physical dimensions of your old battery and measure in relation to the new battery. On Amazon, both the dimensions and the weight are highlighted. It helps you to compare. A large battery can impede the performance of your motorcycle and a small battery may perform poorly.

Power Rating

Most of the motorcycle batteries I reviewed come with the 12-volt power. Each motorcycle has a specific voltage and amp requirements. Consult with your owner’s manual to see the maximum power output required by your bike. Small motorcycles may use the 6-volt battery. Such is rarely the powerful motorcycles designed for long distances.

Affordability

the price variance of motorcycle batteries is dependent upon the power output and some features. But, typically, aftermarket battery prices are subjective. Two batteries may have the same power output and identical features but differ significantly with prices. The best thing is to navigate the catalogs and find affordable batteries. Fortunately, I have done that for you in my reviews. The least priced costs under $30.
 Important: Do not be tempted to base your purchases solely on the price because it can be deceiving. Instead, consider other indispensable features such as power output and other features. The brands such as Yuasa and Throttle X are reputable in the industry; that’s why they cost more. 

Self-Discharge rate

Standard lead-acid batteries can self-discharge and lose about 1% of battery power per day if you put it unused. Its longevity decreases in this way. The modern AGM and gel batteries are efficient and lose about 10% yearly of the battery power. That said, when making a purchase, make sure you purchase the modern technology to avoid the ridiculous discharge rates of the conventional lead-acid batteries. If given no choice but to choose the lead-acid battery, be prepared to buy the trickle charge that helps in avoiding a dead battery as a result of self-discharge rates. Likewise, you must avoid overcharging an unused battery as it can lead to damage. A rechargeable battery is the best in this case.

Warranty

Anything can happen to your battery. If you have purchased from the manufacturer with a minimal period of warranty, you might be neglected later on when you have serious problems where you need to replace the battery. To ensure that the customer gets the best value for money, reputable brands provide extensive warranties. In my reviews, the least warranty is a one year warranty and the extensive is 18 months. You can still find warranties over 3 years that correspond with the recommended time to replace your motorcycle. Also worth considering is the money back guarantee. The brands can offer 30-days, 60-days or 90-days money back guarantee should you feel dissatisfied by the product.

Maintenance

Everyone knows how inconvenient it is with the traditional lead-acid batteries where you have to top up the water or the acid. As a result of the chemical reaction in the battery, the electrolyte solution can evaporate. Such batteries have the evaporation hose. Should the solution run out while you continue using the battery, the battery might be damaged. It can even amount to permanent damage. This requires a periodical replenishment of distilled or deionized water.  Do not use tap water because its minerals can affect the operation of the battery. 

Nowadays, we have delved into an era of maintenance-free batteries. Motorcycle riders seldom have time to continue checking the level of the solution in the battery. It is thus important to opt for maintenance free motorcycle batteries. The gel, lithium and AGM batteries often come with sealed covers that are waterproof. AGM absorbs the acid so that it won’t leak. Gel batteries contain a viscous gel acid and a sealed cover. All these features are good for a maintenance-free design.

Once the battery leaks, the acid will not only corrode the terminal post but also affect the other components of the motorcycle. Surely you know how destructive the acid solution is. With a sealed and leak-proof motorcycle battery, you are safe.

Brand Names

Purchasing from reputable brand names is also an important consideration. Such brands are renowned for their highest quality of batteries as well as the customer service. But note that reputable brands can be expensive. But, I do not insinuate that other entry brands are not worth your time As long as the features are convincing and there are some reviews about the products, you can give them a benefit of the doubt.

Factors Affecting the Battery’s Performance

To avoid purchasing the motorcycle batteries recurringly, I feel there is a need to know the factors that can affect your battery’s performance. Here we go:

Heat

If the temperature rises, so does the self-discharge rate. Normally, the temperatures should not exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit but that will affect the battery badly. If you store the battery at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will discharge twice as much as the one you store at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.   Avoid exposure to higher temperatures as that can destroy your battery and send you back to the store. 

Vibration

Vibration can also affect the life of your battery. Make sure the battery is mounted properly and it does not shake when you ride your motorcycle. Look for products that have an extreme vibration resistance. Vibration can be propelled by small batteries fitted in large battery compartments. Solve that by using the foam spacers.

Sulfation

The moment the battery discharges excessively, the lead plates can be turned into lead sulfate crystals. This is a problem that needs to be prevented by ensuring that the electrolyte levels are always checked or the trickle charger is being used.

Types of Motorcycle Batteries

When shopping for the motorcycle batteries, it is important to distinguish between the types. Most people are aware of the conventional lead-acid batteries as they are popular in almost all moving machinery. The advancement in technology gave birth to numerous innovations. Today we have lithium batteries, gel, and AGM batteries.

Lead-acid

These batteries are inexpensive and reliable but are heavy. For sports motorcycles, the choice of lead-acid batteries will not benefit you. On the other hand, lithium batteries are the new entrants but are performing better than lead-acid batteries.

AGM

AGM batteries, on the other hand, feature the absorbed glass mat that absorbs the electrolytes. AGM is relatively better than the gel batteries.

Gel

Gel batteries typically contain the silica-like gels. Both of these batteries come sealed and maintenance free. That being said, it doesn’t matter which position you put them because they will not leak any acid.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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