Top 10 Motorcycle Battery Replacements

Big bikes and motorcycles can offer an exciting world of fun, thrill, and high-adrenaline adventures on the road. The ability to maneuver just about any path, uncharted territories, dirt roads, hike trails, and most types of terrain makes motorcycles a popular ride not just for everyday use but also for adventure seekers looking for more challenging roads to traverse and undiscovered places to explore. Just like any vehicle, maintenance is a must, and neglect on this part could lead to troubles on the road.

The motorcycle battery is one of the things that could get you stuck in the middle of nowhere if you fail to check it regularly or replace it on time. So when it’s up for a replacement, there are a couple of things you need to know first about motorcycle batteries to ensure you’re not only getting the right one for your motorcycle but also for smooth and stress-free motorcycle maintenance.

Best Motorcycle Batteries at a Glance

1. Best Overall – Shorai Lithium Battery
2. Best Value – Yuasa’s YUAM320BS Motorcycle Battery
3. Best High-Output Battery – Odyssey’s PC680 Motorcycle Battery
4. Honorable Mention – KMG Battery YT12A-BS Sealed Maintenance-Free Battery 
5. Honorable Mention – Banshee YT12B-BS Sealed SMF SLA AGM Battery
6. Power Source 01-344 WPZ14S Sealed Battery
7. Battery Tender Supersmart 
8. Deka Power Sports ETX20L Battery
9. Weize YTX14 BS ATV High-Performance Motorcycle Battery
10. CB YTX12-BS iGel Motorcycle Chrome Battery

It’s easy to think that shopping for motorcycle batteries is as quick and straightforward as buying replacement batteries for your flashlight. Unfortunately, it’s not. There are several critical variables that require due attention prior to buying to ensure you’re getting the right one. Otherwise, you’ll end up having an underpowered motorcycle, or you’ll have to replace batteries more often than you should.

In the past, motorbike riders were used to buying a single type of battery, commonly called wet batteries, which require periodic liquid maintenance to keep the cells flooded at all times. A dried-up cell would mean battery troubles ahead. However, technological innovations opened the way to maintenance-free batteries, while premium brands have also come up with long-lasting batteries that last for more years than the conventional ones.

There are also different types of motorcycle batteries nowadays. Each type has unique advantages over the rest, while other types offer better solutions for certain conditions. As motorcycles are added with more advanced features for security, protection, entertainment, aesthetics, and more power, battery requirements are also becoming more demanding. That’s why more advanced battery types are also the best bet for big bikes and high-powered motorcycles.

While there are a few factors to consider prior to purchase, we’ve come up with a list of our top picks of battery brands that are suitable for most types of motorcycles.

What Are the Benefits of Motorcycle Batteries?

The primary function of batteries in motorcycles is to start the motorbikes. It provides the necessary power to ignite a spark and set the engine in motion. If the battery goes dead, the motorcycle won’t start, and a hard-starting motorcycle can be an indication that the battery needs replacement.

Aside from starting the engine, the battery provides extra current when the engine operates at low rpm where the alternator output is lower than the current draw during slow traffic. It also gives the necessary electric currents for the lighting system to operate, which is important during daytime and nighttime travels.

Moreover, the battery acts as a buffer between the electrical components and the charging system and protects the sensitive parts of the motorcycle from voltage spikes and prevents damage. So, there’s more that batteries can do aside from starting the engine. Considering its essential roles, it is vital to choose the best motorcycle battery for optimum motorcycle performance.

What Are the Different Types of Motorcycle Batteries?

As motorcycles continuously evolve over time, so have motorbike batteries. While the conventional type remains functional and popular, newer types have better offers that will definitely make a world of difference in driving. Shopping for an aftermarket replacement battery should be a breeze. However, the broad range of choices can be pretty overwhelming, making shopping more stressful than initially thought. A good way to take the stress away is to have a better understanding of the different types of motorcycle battery replacements.

Lead-Acid Battery

The traditional wet battery you’ve known for years is the flooded lead-acid battery, which remains reliable to date and tested for more than a century. This battery type has a few plates suspended in an electrolyte solution of water and sulfuric acid and requires periodic filling of distilled water to keep the plates flooded.

The main advantage of wet batteries is cost. They are generally the most affordable around while maintaining reliability. On the downside, leaked batteries can be hazardous, and you could be dealing with a sulfuric acid spill.

Absorbed Glass Mat or AGM Battery

In contrast to lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries have dry cells, thus completely eliminating the leak problems associated with wet batteries. It is called an absorbed glass mat because the negative and positive plates are separated by a glass mat with absorbent properties, which is critical in absorbing battery acids and preventing them from freely flowing inside the battery.

AGM batteries are more resistant to vibrations compared to conventional batteries, making them ideal for off-road and all-terrain motorbikes. The most notable advantage of AGM batteries over the lead-acid types is they are maintenance-free. Once it is filled with battery liquid, it is completely sealed, and there is no need for topping up distilled water. They are also more resilient to deep discharge, and they charge faster.

Gel Cell Battery

Just like AGM batteries, gel cell batteries are completely sealed and maintenance-free. Instead of liquid filling, the electrolytes are suspended in silica-type gel. The significant advantage of gel cell batteries over the other two types is their long life span. In addition, their performance is generally consistent throughout the battery life.

Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4 Battery

The most expensive type of battery is the lithium battery, which comprises lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4. This is different from lithium-ion batteries commonly used in mobile phones and lithium-ion motorcycle batteries. This battery type neither uses sulfuric acid nor gel. Instead, it is composed of solid state, allowing it to be so small and super light in weight compared with traditional batteries. Lithium-iron batteries are also the longest-lasting batteries that outlast the other types.

Best Motorcycle Battery Brands

There are many brands in the motorcycle battery market, and some of them are unfamiliar names until you shop for batteries. However, there are popular brands that stand out due to quality and good customer service. If you want to know what the best motorcycle battery brand is, check out three of the best names below in the motorbike battery business.

Shorai

When it comes to high-performance lithium iron phosphate batteries, Shorai is the name that usually pops up first in the minds of many consumers. It’s because the brand has been specializing in this specific market segment since 2010. Shorai’s full line of batteries comes in a wide variety of polarities and sizes to fit most motorcycles and vehicles.

Odyssey

Another best motorcycle battery brand is Odyssey, which is manufactured by EnerSys Energy Products Inc. The company is a subsidiary of EnerSys®, a worldwide leader in stored energy solutions for industrial, military, and automotive applications for more than a century.

Yuasa

Yuasa is an American company based in Pennsylvania, USA, which specializes in batteries for motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft, UTVs, snowmobiles, and more. It has been around since 1979, but it is a spin-off from its Japan-based parent company, GS Yuasa, which has been in the industry for a century.

Motorcycle Battery Reviews of Top Brands

Getting familiar with the best brands is a good start, and knowing the top products is the next step. So, we’ve reviewed the popular motorcycle batteries on the market and created a list of the top products based on performance, reviews, feedback, and actual tests on some batteries.

1. Shorai LFX LFX09A2 Lithium Standard Battery – Best Overall

With Shorai LFX LFX09L2 Lithium Duration Battery, you can say goodbye to messy, hazardous chemicals and poisonous leads. The extreme light and small construction make a perfect fit on motorcycles without the added weight. The battery is enclosed in a military-grade carbon composite case for solid protection, while its cranking amp power ensures optimum performance even with maximum use of accessories and lights. Since it’s a lithium battery, it’s maintenance-free and lasts longer than conventional batteries.

2. Yuasa’s YUAM320BS Motorcycle Battery – Best Value

Starting the motorcycle should be a breeze with Yuasa’s YUAM320BS Motorcycle Battery with super-high cold cranking performance at 270, which is far above the standard lead batteries. The spill-proof sealed construction keeps everything in place without hazardous mess, and there’s no need to add water ever. It features a highly advanced lead-calcium technology that maintains the specific gravity thrice longer than conventional batteries. It is a high-performance choice for most motorcycles and powersports applications.

3. Odyssey’s PC680 Motorcycle Battery – Best High-Output Battery

The Odyssey PC680 motorcycle battery has a rugged construction that resists vibration while providing ample protection against high-impact shock and extreme temperature. The 170 CCA should offer a quick start with the fastest recharge time as early as 4 hours up to 6 hours to a 100% charge. It also features a 70% longer life cycle than traditional batteries, with up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. It’s the best AGM motorcycle battery that also fits with personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and ATVs, among others.

4. KMG Battery YT12A-BS Sealed Maintenance-Free Battery – Honorable Mention

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You’ll enjoy maintenance-free ownership of the KMG Battery YT12A-BS battery that requires no refilling of liquid. The high-performance AGM motorcycle battery has excellent starting power at 165 CCA while holding voltage longer with less charging during idle time or storage. The sealed spill-proof solid design eliminates hazardous mess while providing vibration and shock resistance. It’s an ideal battery for motorcycles, ATVs, lawnmowers, scooters, and more.

5. Banshee YT12B-BS Sealed AGM Battery – Honorable Mention

If you are looking for a motorcycle battery with a longer warranty offer, then look no further than the Banshee YT12B-BS Sealed AGM Battery that comes with a 4-year warranty. On top of that, the high 234 CCA ensures you’ll have a quick start without stress. The slower discharge rate of 3% per month, compared with conventional batteries at a 15% discharge rate, means extended periods in between recharging when not in use during vacation times and winter.

6. PowerSource 01-344 WPZ14S Sealed Battery

The PowerSource 01-344 WPZ14S Sealed Battery has an expertly balanced electrolyte system that notably improves its ability to recover from deep discharge for up to 800 cycles. The high-impact resistance rugged construction composed of a mix of ABS nonconductive plastic and styrene offers outstanding resistance against chemicals, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and shock. This battery is an ideal replacement for Yuasa YTZ14S, and they are good on most types of motorcycles, UTVs, and snowmobiles.

7. Battery Tender Supersmart

The ‎‎‎Battery Tender Supersmart is one of the only few motorcycle batteries with a quad terminal, allowing extreme flexibility during installation and positioning. It has an ultra lightweight design with a water-resistant casing, and yet it provides heavy-duty power. The ‎‎‎Battery Tender Supersmart has an excellent safety feature with a protection circuit board and a fire retardant coating for added thermal protection against high current flow. Plus, it has an activation switch on the Quick Disconnect Cable to activate charging. You will also enjoy the flexibility on the cold cranking amps options, starting from 150 CCA with 2.5AH to 480 CCA with 8.0AH, but apparently, you’ll have to pay more for a higher CCA.

8. Deka Power Sports ETX-16 Battery

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The Deka Sports Power absorbed glass mat motorcycle battery is engineered for extreme durability and increased strength. It boasts of being a premium battery with the longest life and dependable quality. One of its major advantages is the high 325 CCA that ensures a quick start without delay. It is also maintenance-free with no activation and no filling. Likewise, it is worry-free and has no acid leaks to cause terminal corrosion and no vent tube.

9. Weize YTX14 BS ATV High Performance Motorcycle Battery

The Weize YTX14AH-BS is an excellent battery for motorcycles that feature a high cold cranking amp with a low self-discharge rate and high resistance to mechanical impact and vibrations. It is ideal for use as a cranking or starting battery for motorcycles due to the large bursts of power it provides during startup.

10. CB YTX12-BS iGel Motorcycle Chrome Battery

If you’re looking for distinction from the rest of your motorcycle buddies, you can impress with the CB YTX12-BS iGel Motorcycle Chrome Battery with a Smart Technology that features an LED digital display screen. This is something not usually found in most battery brands. However, it’s not just about style. It also delivers in performance with a good 180 CCA rating and a totally sealed casing construction for maintenance-free ownership. Every purchase comes with an 18-month replacement and a 30-day refund warranty, which is not bad for a battery at an affordable price.

Best Motorcycle Batteries Buyer’s Guide

The above top ten list of the best motorcycle battery replacements should lessen the stress of buying by narrowing down your choices among the hordes of products in the marketplace. However, which of them should you choose? Our top picks may be among the best, but they may not be suitable for your motorcycle. There are a few important considerations to take into account, but we will focus on the three major variables.

Cold Cranking Amp (CCA)

In our reviews of the best motorcycle batteries on the market, we have always mentioned high and low CCAs. Why does CCA matter? In essence, cold cranking amps are the current delivered by the battery for 30 seconds at zero degrees Fahrenheit. It means it provides the necessary current to start the motorcycle. Bigger motorbikes would require a higher CCA. For example, a 130 CCA battery is enough for a 125cc motorcycle, but this is insufficient for v-twin cruisers with 1200 displacement. In this case, you may need a battery with more than 300 cold-cranking amps. As a rule of thumb, the higher, the better. However, it can be costly as well. So there should be a proper balance to ensure you are not spending too much on unnecessary premiums.

Case Dimension

Size matters in batteries due to the limited space, and motorcycle manufacturers usually maximize every space without extra room for a bigger battery size other than the dimension of the stock battery. So, it’s important to check the size, or you’ll end up having a battery that won’t fit in the compact space under the saddle. If too small, the battery will also rattle and create unnecessary noise inside the box.

Battery Type

Wet batteries remain the popular choice because of the price advantage. They are also tested for years with very reliable performance. However, they generally have a shorter life span and require periodic maintenance in filling the cells with electrolyte fluid. AGM batteries provide the solution to the maintenance problem of lead-acid batteries by having a totally sealed casing that requires no filling for stress-free maintenance. However, they also cost more than the wet batteries.

Lithium batteries are the most expensive batteries that feature an advanced technology that extends the longest life for motorcycle batteries. If you are particular about how long a motorcycle battery lasts, then you’d go for lithium batteries. So, you have to balance price, performance, and suitability to your driving conditions when choosing which battery type to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Batteries

There’s more to learn when it comes to motorcycle batteries. Thus, we prepared answers to frequently asked questions below.

How Do You Charge a Motorcycle Battery?

Unlike cars, golf carts, and truck batteries, motorcycle batteries usually tend to become more deeply discharged, and their life cycle is shortened as the battery is used longer without recharging in between uses. So, it is essential to maintain a regular charge as part of battery maintenance. The best way to charge is to use a float charger, which delivers a steady flow of low-voltage electricity and automatically changes to float mode when the battery is close to fully charged. There are also standard battery chargers, but you’ll have to monitor the voltage to ensure it won’t exceed what the battery can handle.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Motorcycle Battery?

The key to knowing how long it takes to charge a motorcycle battery is to understand the specifications of your charger and the battery. Only then can you compute the ideal charging time. Battery charging should not exceed more than one-tenth of the battery’s rating in amp per hour (AH). So, if your current battery has a rating of 18 amps per hour, divide that by 10, and the recommended charger should have a 1.8-amp current rating. Also, the more discharged the batteries are, the longer it will take you to charge them. So, it also depends on how deep the battery is discharged. In any case, it will usually take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to charge a motorcycle battery.

Will I Damage My Battery If I Overcharge It?

Overcharging a motorcycle battery could result in all sorts of problems. The electrolyte fluid may boil, and the battery could overheat and explode in extreme cases. However, there are chargers, such as the float charger, which automatically switch to float mode once the battery is almost fully charged to top off the lost electrical charge. Trickle chargers are also good alternatives for safe charging since you can leave the battery on a charger for a longer time by allowing the battery to discharge a bit and then top off again. 

How Will I Know If My Battery Is Full?

A voltmeter should indicate a reading of 12.6 volts to 12.8 volts for a full charge. Some batteries like the CB YTX12-BS iGel Motorcycle Chrome Battery have LED displays showing the current volt rating. Likewise, there are battery chargers with voltmeters that indicate the battery is already full. These chargers should eliminate the problem of how to test a motorcycle battery if it is full or not.

Conclusion

Batteries are usually among the least concerns for most new motorcycle owners. However, over time, batteries will give you all sorts of trouble, and a replacement is a must. It is important to know the basics of motorcycle batteries so that when it’s time to buy one, shopping becomes a breeze. Size, amps, current ratings, and price are among the critical factors to keep in mind. Thus, it’s best to have a list of the top 10 choices so that you can just pick one from the list that is available in your area. You can start with the above list of the best motorcycle battery replacements and adjust accordingly based on what is applicable in your case.

Best Selling Motorcycle Batteries