The 7 Best Lithium Ion Batteries For Motorcycles
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in January of 2019. If you’re still riding with an old lead-acid battery under your saddle, it may be time to upgrade your technology and get one of these lithium-ion models, which come in a range of sizes and voltages and offer advantages over traditional power sources. Not only do they last longer and hold a charge better, but they're also incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for performance riders. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Shorai LFX14A4-BS12
2. Antigravity AG-1201
3. Banshee 30L-BS
Editor's Notes
November 17, 2020:
Today the Twin Power DLFP20HL-BS-H comes on board, and this sturdy, vibration-resistant selection is made to replace the stock battery on Harley touring bikes. It’s light in weight and handles cold starts like a champ, and its heavy-duty terminals sit conveniently flush with the housing. You can buy it with confidence, thanks to a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It replaces a similar Twin Power model on our list, which is no longer available. We remain partial to the popular and reliable Shorai LFX14A4-BS12, which will hold its charge even after a long winter in storage. It comes with a generous three-year warranty, conveniently can be charged with a lead-acid charger, and doesn’t require any special maintainer. Another highly reliable choice is the Antigravity AG-1201, which works well with things like jet skis and ATVs, in addition to motorcycles. Its 13 volts and 360 cold cranking amps make for a faster motor turnover and better starting of your vehicle.
In this update, we moved the Banshee 30L-BS to a more prominent spot on our list thanks, in part, to some useful features man others don’t have. These include a grippy rubber bottom, terminals that sit flush with the housing, and a built-in voltage meter that allows you to see with a quick glance how much battery life you have left. Its shock-resistant build allows you to install it in any position, and it’s got a low rate of self-discharge, ensuring it remains low-maintenance. No matter which battery you select for your motorcycle, be sure to inspect it regularly for damage. It’s also good to go with a battery with a bult-in management system that protects against problems like overcharging.
March 15, 2019:
Lithium-ion batteries are still growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional lead-acid types, which means there are a limited number of reputable options on the market. Still, we managed to round up several quality models for this ranking, judging each according to price, reliability, and power-to-weight ratio. It's important to note that they all also vary in terms of compatibility, so we recommend double-checking with the manufacturer to make sure whichever you choose will work with your particular bike. Ultimately, we thought the Shorai LFX14A4-BS12 best for most people, since it offers all of those things, plus fits the widest range of makes and models.
Special Honors
Braille G9 GreenLite Featuring a higher voltage than lead-acid models, this battery ensures quick starting, improved engine management, and less horsepower draw from the alternator due to efficient charging. Its low rate of discharge means it can sit in storage for more than a year and still be able to start your vehicle. This conveniently lightweight choice lasts longer than many others and has a low failure rate of less than one percent. braillebattery.com
Bosch BLP5S This ultra-light battery is 60% lighter than comparable lead-acid models and offers up to 10 times the deep-cycle resistance. This maintenance-free choice helps deliver full performance and increased dynamics to your motorcycle or other power sports vehicle. It features a built-in charge level indicator and is backed by an 18-month free replacement warranty. boschautoparts.com
4. Fire Power Featherweight HJTZ7S
5. BikeMaster DLFP-51913
6. Twin Power DLFP20HL-BS-H
7. MMG YTZ10S Z10S
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.