Speedy Moto is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A motorcycle battery is a vital part of a bike that works throughout its life. Service experts say that the battery does not rest and will continue to discharge small internal loads known as self-discharge even when the bike is parked.
However, the most challenging task is finding the right battery type for a Harley bike. You’ll need to consider a lot of factors before replacing your battery. A wrong battery type, either incompatible voltage or engine type, may cause several operations in your bike to malfunction.
In this article, we piece together all the things you need to know before replacing your Harley Davidson motorcycle battery, including some top options you can use in your bike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Batteries For Harley Davidson
- OUR TOP PICK: THROTTLEX MX30L Motorcycle Battery
- RUNNER-UP: CB Chrome Battery YTX30L-BS
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Weize Maintenance Free
Comparison of the Best Harley Davidson Batteries
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Our Top Pick |
| View Latest Price → |
| View Latest Price → | |
Best Budget Option |
| View Latest Price → |
| View Latest Price → | |
| View Latest Price → | |
| View Latest Price → | |
| View Latest Price → |
Why Did These Batteries Make Our List?
Motorcycle batteries differ by size, model, build type, among other factors. Your riding experience relies on the choice of the battery you make for your Harley.
The below section highlights important factors to keep in mind while selecting a battery for your Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Voltage
When you think about replacing your Harley’s battery, the battery voltage is among the top considerations that come to mind. A full-sized motorcycle should have a standard battery of 12 volts. However, other small Harley bikes will operate well with as low as 6-volt batteries.
In case you’re unsure of your bike battery voltage, just look at the current battery voltage that came pre-installed by the manufacturer.
Battery voltage is critical, and installing an incompatible battery will make some of the operating systems in your Harley function inappropriately.
Battery Lifespan
You need a battery that will serve you for several years before replacing it again. A well-maintained standard battery should run you for at least five years before replacement.
To help with an idea of how long your battery may last, you may look at the type of climate in your area and the average distance you’ll be covering with your bike.
If you take short trips and live in warmer climates, you should invest in a battery with a long lifespan. Warmer conditions make your battery discharge much faster than in cold environments. Short trips will also not give your alternator enough duration for charging the battery.
Consider plugging it in a battery tender when not using it in your Harley to extend your battery life. You may also use trickle charging as a way to preserve your battery when not in use.
Cold Cranking Amps
Cold-cranking is the ability of your battery to start the engine at the lowest temperatures. A higher CCA rating of 300 and above is the standard to start your bike engine in moderately cold climates.
To be safe, consider a CCA rating that is above the marked battery CCA; never go lower as the engine might fail to start.
Size
Most Harley batteries are compatible with different Harley Davidson bike models when it comes to power requirements. However, that does not mean each one of them will fit well in your battery compartment.
Note down your present battery dimensions before you purchase a replacement battery. An incompatible battery may force you to design other ways to fix it on your Harley; this could damage the battery or even reduce the intended lifespan.
Engine Compatibility
Harley batteries come in different engine power sizes, although a good number are compatible.
For instance, Harley Davidson bike models like King, manufactured between 1997-2016, works well with ThrottleX HDX30L batteries.
Review of the Best Harley Davidson Batteries
We spent many hours researching and experimenting with different batteries, and below is a list of some of the best batteries you can use on a Harley bike.
Best Overall:
ThrottleX MX30L Motorcycle Battery
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
Brand: ThrottleX
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 22 pounds
CCA: 600+
Review
ThrottleX MX30L is one of the best Harley batteries with top specifications like durability and core power capability.
When properly used, this unit will output up to 600+ CCA and can last 30 amp-hours. At 22 pounds, this unit is a little heavier than most Harley batteries. However, that is not a considerable weight when used on a Harley bike that should cause you to worry.
The battery also uses the latest Absorbed Glass Mat Technology that makes it almost 100% spill-free. It also comes with a heat-sealed cover. Its’ full-frame plate model offers reliable cranking rates and helps prevent any incidental discharge.
ThrottleX MX30L is an improved design that replaces Harleys’ 66010-97A-D standard batteries. Hence, it is compatible with other Harley Davidson bikes such as Tri Glide, Electra Glide, Road King, and more.
Bottom Line
With 600+ CCA, modern AGM builds technology, and full-frame plate design, you understand why ThrottleX MX30L takes the first spot in this Harley Davidson replacement battery list.
An average CCA rating for a Harley bike battery is about 300. ThrottleX MX30L comes at double that rate, making it very reliable in unfavorable freezing climates.
Runner-up:
CB Chrome Battery YTX30L-BS
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: Lead-acid, AGM
Brand: CB CHROME BATTERY
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 19.81 pounds
CCA: 385
Review
Chrome Battery YTX30L-BS has several reasons why you should make it a top consideration in your Harley’s battery replacement. A solid CCA rating of up to 385 makes it the best Harleys Touring battery. You’ll hardly get stuck in bad weather.
The battery is versatile, and you’ll use it across many Harley bike models. It has a durable build from calcium alloy, making it a pride of many riders. The battery is manufactured in original Harley Davidson equipment facilities, so you don’t need to worry about compatibility.
Chrome Battery YTX30L-BS is also vibration-resistant and will withstand the harshest environmental conditions.
Bottom Line
Your Harley battery will wear out at some time during use. To rule out any compatibility issues when you need to replace your bike battery, keeping a Chrome Battery YTX30L-BS will be an ideal option since it’s highly versatile.
However, you’ll need to contact your dealer if you’re unsure of other factors, such as appropriate ways to recharge the battery if you’re going to store it for some time before using it in your bike.
Best for the Money:
Weize Maintenance Free
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: Lead-acid, AGM
Brand: Weize
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 12.83 pounds
CCA: 385
Review
Maintenance-free and higher cold cranking ratings are among the top factors riders give close attention to in a bike battery. Weize YTX30L-BS with up to 385 CCA will make sure your Harley can maneuver some of the coldest climates without much struggle.
The Absorbed Glass Mat Technology ensures that the battery stays intact without any leakage and acid corrosion.
Weize YTX30L-BS is a versatile battery that will also fit in more than ten Harley Davidson motorcycle models.
The two-year warranty is a good deal for the Weize YTX30L-BS battery if you compare its price range and other expensive models, which come with lower warranty periods.
Bottom Line
The Weize YTX30L-BS comes with most of the top qualities you may expect in a good motorcycle battery. A higher CCA rating, acid spill and vibration-resistance, compatibility with many other Harley’s brands, and the battery is also rechargeable.
However, you may need a trickle charger if you’re buying the battery to store for later use.
Best Lithium Motorcycle Battery:
MMG MGB LMMG6
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: Lithium-iron
Brand: MMG
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 3 pounds
CCA: 420
Review
If battery weight is a bother to you, then you must check out this 3-pound MMG MGB LMMG6 battery that is up to 80% lighter than the standard motorcycle battery.
The battery is very compact and will serve in multiple bike models, although you might need to adjust your battery compartment spacers. Installation is effortless in any position.
MMG Lithium Ion Sealed Battery charges fast and will stay for long without recharging if you want to store it for later use, thanks to its low discharge rates.
Bottom Line
MMG Lithium Ion Sealed Battery is a compact, fast-charging battery that will serve you on the go. It’s designed to accommodate accessories and fuel modules; this battery also features low discharge rates and will stay on the shelves for more than a year before recharge.
The battery has a long recycle life compared to a lead-acid battery and comes with an in-build LED test gauge. MMG Lithium Ion Sealed Battery makes an ideal choice of battery for touring riders.
Best Battery for Harley Ultra Classic:
Yuasa YUAM723HL
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
Brand: Yuasa
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 15.2 pounds
CCA: 500
Review
The only major downside to Yuasa YUAM723HL is incompatibility with most of the Harleys’ bike models; otherwise, the battery is potent and will work well with your Street Glide better than any available battery model within its price range.
The battery core is highly protected from cold and heat, thanks to its polypropylene cover. Yuasa YUAM723HL has an impressive 32 amp-hour and high cold cranking amp of 500. You can trust that your bike engine will start even in freezing climates.
Designed for OEM replacement, Yuasa YUAM723HL is explicitly for the US market.
The battery features a durable build of brass nuts and heavy-duty terminals. The battery comes pre-charged, ready for installations straight from the package.
Yuasa YUAM723HL is maintenance-free, and you’ll not need to refill with water from time to time. It also features the latest AGM technology where all the acid is absorbed in the battery’s special plates. You don’t need to worry about leaks or spillages.
Bottom Line
If you use your Harley bike more and also ride long distances, then a Yuasa YUAM723HL battery is what you need. The battery has prominent specifications that make for an ideal battery.
Yuasa YUAM723HL comes with high cold-cranking amps and amp-hour at 500 and 32, respectively, features a polypropylene cover that protects the battery cores from external cold and heat, and with the latest AGM technology.
The battery is both leak and spill-free, making it very easy to maintain. The battery is also made durable with heavy-duty terminals and brass nuts.
Best Battery for Harley Sportster:
Yuasa YUAM3RH4L
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: Lead-acid, AGM
Brand: Yuasa
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 10.1 pounds
CCA: 200
Review
AGM technology makes the battery easy to maintain since you only need to keep it charged. Yuasa batteries are both vibration-resistant and leak-free.
These batteries also come pre-charged and will not need an overnight trickle charging before use. The battery is also very light in case you’re looking for a compact battery.
However, Yuasa YUAM3R4L has meager CCA ratings, which might make it very difficult to power your motorbike engine in bad climates.
Bottom Line
Besides the low CCA that might not serve you well in freezing climates, Yuasa YUAM3R4L is maintenance-free, worth considering as a replacement battery for your Harley bike.
Best Softail Battery:
Caltric AGM Battery
PROS
CONS
Specs
Battery Type: AGM Battery
Brand: Caltric
Voltage: 12 volts
Weight: 13.5 pounds
CCA: 270
Review
Caltric AGM Battery is both leak and spill-free, thanks to its AGM build technology. It is maintenance-free and vibration resistant, which makes it withstand the harshest conditions.
However, the Caltric AGM Battery comes with a low cranking amp of 270. Low cranking means the bike may be difficult to start in cold climates but will last longer if stored for later use due to its low discharge rates.
These batteries also come in many different types but are incompatible with most Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Bottom Line
Caltric AGM Battery is a long-lasting battery that will not need your attention once installed in your Harley. However, one major downside to this bike is the low cranking amps.
You may need to check with your dealer on the climates that this battery will be able to start the engine before setting out for any long rides.
Why Is It Vital to Choose a Reliable Battery for Your Harley Davidson?
Acquiring a quality battery for your Harley motorcycle comes with several benefits such as:
Saves Money
A reliable battery is high-quality and will take you several years before replacement.
Additionally, an imbalanced power supply from an incompatible battery may make some parts on a motorcycle malfunction which may cause additional expenses to repair.
Reliability
A reliable battery will start your bike immediately when you ignite- that’s the pride of a rider. So, an investment in a high-quality battery will make your battery run as you’d expect it.
Increased Power
Apart from starting and running your motorbike, a bike battery also powers other bike accessories, making a reliable battery for your Harley essential.
Types of Batteries For Harley Davidson
Harley motorbikes will work with more than one type of battery. Below is an overview of the most common types you’ll find for your Harley today.
Absorbed Glass Mat Battery
Absorbed Glass Mat Battery (AGM) is among the lead-acid batteries available on the market today. It is a maintenance-free sealed battery that will not spill no matter the position you’ll choose to install in your Harley.
AGMs design makes the fiberglass saturate with electrolyte, then stored in a dry state instead of free liquid form. They can, therefore, resist vibration better than traditional liquid batteries.
Lithium-ion Battery
Lithium-ion batteries are a little expensive but can be a worthy investment for your Harley. With proper maintenance, these batteries will last longer than most battery types. Additionally, Lithium batteries are very light in case weight is a concern to you.
There are also rechargeable versions of Lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, for OEM applications, Harleys will not work with Lithium-ion batteries. However, other motorcycle companies like Ducati will work well with these batteries.
Flooded Lead-acid Battery
Flooded Lead-acid is the most ancient type of battery available on the market today. They are prone to acid spillage; hence they require handling with care. These batteries work by expelling water as the battery discharges.
The chemical reactions involved require regular refilling with water to ensure optimum operation.
Gel Batteries
These batteries are best suited for cold climates with slow and long discharges of power. They are spill-free, and you can mount them in any position. Gel batteries are also more expensive than most battery types in this list.
Top Brands in the Motorcycle Battery Space
There are hundreds of companies that manufacture motorcycle batteries. However, some have a better reputation for making robust and reliable batteries than others.
Below are some top players on the market that manufacture quality bike batteries.
ThrottleX
ThrottleX is quickly making a name for producing quality bike batteries despite being around for just a short time. The company was founded to fill all-terrain (ATV) and motorcycle battery gaps.
ThrottleX puts more focus on tailoring batteries as per your ride type. The company will also customize to fit your budget.
You may want to try out Throttlex AM Power Sports Battery from ThrottleX.
Chrome Battery
For more than 25 years, Chrome Battery has been producing high-quality batteries for both cars and motorcycles. Located in Carmel, Indiana, Chrome Battery supplies its batteries in the US, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
One of the best batteries from Chrome Battery that you may want to try out is YTX12-BS iGel Battery.
GS Yuasa
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Japan, Yuasa is among the market leaders in lead-acid battery production. Yuasa manufactures both motorcycle and car batteries and has a worldwide supply of their replacement batteries.
One of the best batteries for a Harley bike from Yuasa is Yuasa YUAM72Z14 Lead-acid battery.
Price Points of Batteries for a Harley Davidson
Harley batteries vary in price depending on the performance. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from batteries with these price ranges.
Under $100
Batteries in this price range are the most affordable, but you must be cautious with them. While some will perform just fine, others have despicable quality. The best advice is to stick with trusted brands with a history to deliver.
$100 to $150
These are some of the best batteries on the market you can get for your Harley. They are built from high-quality material and also have the most recent manufacture dates.
The actual battery price will depend on size, power, and brand.
$150 to $300
Most batteries in this price range are OEM (original equipment manufacturer). Materials used to manufacture these batteries are either low or high quality. Although they have recent manufacture dates, you should still check to be sure.
Do further research before picking on one of these batteries to ensure the production material used is reliable. Remember, here; you’re probably paying for the manufacturers’ motorcycle branding.
Conclusion
Once you know what to look out for in an ideal replacement motorcycle battery, choosing the correct battery for your bike will be a breeze.
An actionable step you can take to make sure you buy the correct battery may include noting down all the current battery features, including battery dimensions, CCA rating, voltage, and engine type.
That way, you avoid running into incompatibility issues that may compromise bike system performance.
Check on the battery type, in case you want to upgrade, and of course, your budget range. Some of the most expensive Harley batteries are the best. However, that should not be among the top defining factors of a good Harley battery.
People Also Ask
Riders want to get the best out of their Harley batteries. Comprehensive knowledge on features, maintenance, and battery type to acquire for a Harley bike is vital. Below we answer some common questions we get from riding enthusiasts and other aspiring riders.
How Long Does a Harley Davidson Battery Last?
Unlike other machinery parts that you’d expect to wear out soon when used repeatedly, using a motorcycle battery increases its lifespan. A well-maintained motorcycle battery will go for at least five years before replacement.
Keep your battery charged and use it over and over to maximize its lifespan.
Is Higher Cranking Amps Better?
A good battery will start your engine smoothly, even in freezing climates. Higher cranking means your battery will discharge enough power to start your motorcycle engine.
How Many Volts Should a Harley Battery Have?
Harley Davidson bikes come in different sizes. They have the correct size of battery pre-installed when you first acquire them. You should be keen to check the battery’s voltage to know what replacement you’ll need when the current battery wears out.
While the standard voltage of a Harley battery is 12 volts, some small sizes of Harley bikes will run well on a 6-volt battery.
What Size is a Harley Davidson Battery?
Harley bike models are made with specific compartment dimensions to suit the correct battery sizes; hence you need to pay attention to your battery size during replacement to find the exact fit.
Harley Davidson Lithium Life Battery standard size is 150mm wide, 87mm front to back, and 146mm tall.
How Much Does a Harley Battery Weigh?
Motorcycle battery weight varies across brands and battery sizes. You’ll find OEM batteries weighing as low as eight pounds.
However, some of the flagship batteries for Harley bikes, like the Harley-Davidson Lithium Life Battery, weigh an impressive 17.6 pounds.
What Are Cold Cranking Amps?
A cold-cranking amp is a measure of your battery’s ability to start the motorcycle engine in bad weather conditions.
The amperage output is measured on a standard 12-volt battery. It is always the number of amps a battery will produce at 0°F per 30 seconds while still maintaining at least 7.2 volts per cell. The higher your battery’s CCA rating, the better it will perform.
Are Lithium Batteries Good For Harley Davidson?
Most Lithium batteries are lighter with very high cranking amperage. They’ll start your engine faster and smoothly than standard Harleys’ Lead-acid batteries, which makes them a better choice for your Harley Davidson motorcycle.
How Many CCA Does a Harley Need?
While many riders don’t prefer going out with their Harleys when temperatures are near freezing, leave alone zero degrees, it’s still important to know how many CCA your bike will need to start in the worst weather conditions.
Generally, Harley batteries have a slightly higher CCA rating than standard batteries. Most Harley batteries have about 300 CCA.
However, that number may vary from one bike to the other. The best CCA rating should be slightly higher than the marked CCA. Don’t go for anything below. Check on the bike manual or ask your dealer if you’re unsure.