When considering lithium batteries for motorcycles, many riders often ask, “What’s the best brand or the top choice for a motorcycle?” It’s a question our tech department gets frequently, and while it may seem simple, it’s a bit tricky. The answer depends on several variables. For instance, what type of motorcycle do you have, how often do you ride, and what’s the average temperature you ride in?
These factors, along with understanding how lithium-ion batteries function, are crucial in making the right decision. From my experience, I’ve found that understanding your riding habits and climate helps navigate these customer questions better. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle in cold weather or in warmer climates, the right lithium battery makes all the difference in performance and reliability.
What are lithium motorcycle batteries?
When it comes to lithium batteries for motorcycles, these rechargeable batteries stand out because they use lithium-ion technology. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries that rely on heavy, lead-based cells, lithium-ion cells are much lighter, providing a significant difference in both weight and performance. This technology offers many advantages for riders, making lithium batteries a popular choice. From my experience, the reduced weight and increased efficiency of lithium batteries for motorcycles make them a smart option for anyone looking to improve their bike’s performance and reliability. Whether you’re riding long distances or just around town, these batteries can make a noticeable improvement for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Are lithium batteries ok for a motorcycle?
When deciding whether lithium batteries are right for your motorcycle, it’s important to consider the benefits and potential compromises. A LiFePO4 battery offers a lot of starting power with light weight, making it an attractive upgrade for many riders. However, if your bike has high compression or a lot of accessories, the discharge might be something to watch. From my experience, for those with a stock bike or minimal accessories, these batteries are a great fit, especially for their ability to provide reliable cranking power. The balance between power and weight makes them ideal for many applications, but understanding the specific needs of your motorcycle is key.
Related: How Heavy is a Motorcycle?
What are the problems with lithium batteries for motorcycles?
When choosing lithium batteries for motorcycles, it’s essential to understand their potential limitations. While they offer great performance in terms of lightweight and starting power, certain factors can affect their reliability. For instance, if you have a custom bike with many accessories like a stereo or winch, you might find that a lithium battery may not be the best fit. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which handle a slow drain better, lithium batteries for motorcycles can struggle with maintaining charge when running extra items. This makes them less ideal for riders with highly accessorized motorcycles.
Another key issue with lithium batteries for motorcycles is their performance in cold weather. Outdoor temperatures below 40°F can cause these batteries to degrade more quickly than traditional lead-based options. If you often ride in freezing conditions or areas where the temperature drops significantly, a lithium battery may not perform as expected. Their ability to function normally decreases as the temps fall, leading to reduced power output and shorter life.
Over the years, brands like BatteryStuff have been evaluating and testing lithium batteries for various applications, including ATV, UTV, and motorcycles. Despite their challenges, they remain a popular choice for riders who value their lightweight design and efficiency in warmer climates. However, if you have a bike with multiple lights or plan to ride in colder weather, you might want to consider a more traditional battery for better reliability in those situations.
Shorai Motorcycle Lithium Batteries
Shorai is a leading brand in the lithium battery market and was one of the first brands we tested for motorcycles. Known for their lightweight design, Shorai batteries offer a smaller package compared to other brands. They include foam inserts to help the battery fit into a larger battery box if needed. This makes them versatile for different motorcycle models. One of their standout features is a built-in charge port, allowing for the use of a dedicated balancing charger, something that sets Shorai apart from other batteries in the market.
The Shorai lithium batteries are also compatible with custom applications, making them a solid option for larger bikes up to 1800cc or 110 Cubic Inches. Their popular models, such as the LFX36L3-BS12 and LFX36A3-BS12, provide strong starting power and are perfect for riders looking for reliable performance. Whether you need a high-performing battery for a custom setup or just want a dependable lithium battery, Shorai continues to deliver quality and versatility.
Related: How Much Does Motorcycle Weigh
Shorai LFX36L3-BS12 Lithium Iron Phosphate Motorcycle Battery
- The Shorai LFX36L3-BS12 has a size of 6.55 L x 3.39 W x 6.10 H in, making it compact and easy to fit in most motorcycle battery boxes.
- It offers a strong C.C.A rating of 540, ensuring reliable starting power for your motorcycle even in demanding conditions.
- With an Amp/Hr rating of 36 PbEq, this battery delivers long-lasting performance, making it an excellent choice for riders looking for a dependable power source.
Shorai LFX36A3-BS12 Lithium Iron Phosphate Motorcycle battery
- The Shorai LFX36A3-BS12 is compact, with a size of 6.55 L x 3.39 W x 6.10 H in, making it suitable for most motorcycles.
- It provides a powerful C.C.A rating of 540, ensuring strong and reliable starting power.
- With an Amp/Hr rating of 36 PbEq, this battery is designed to deliver extended performance and durability, making it a great choice for riders looking for long-lasting energy.
Antigravity Motorcycle Lithium Batteries
Antigravity Lithium batteries for motorcycles are known for their innovative re-start feature, which helps protect the battery from becoming damaged by shutting it off before it drains too deeply. This is especially useful for bikes with keyed ignition or extra accessories that may still run while the bike or UTV is parked. When the battery is discharged to below 12.5 volts, it automatically cuts off electrically. To get back on the road, the user simply pushes a button to re-connect the battery, allowing the motorcycle to be started, effectively saving the day.
For custom applications, Antigravity batteries are a go-to option due to their compatibility with a variety of engine specifications. Their products come with detailed information on what they support, making it easy for riders to choose the right battery for their needs. These batteries are designed to handle a wide range of applications, ensuring reliability in various conditions and providing peace of mind for the rider.
Antigravity ATX-12 12v 360 CA RE-START Lithium-Ion Battery
- The size of the Antigravity ATX-12 is compact at 5.9 L x 3.46 W x 5.12 H in, making it ideal for motorcycles with limited space.
- It offers strong Cranking Amps of 360, providing reliable power for starting your motorcycle, even in tough conditions.
- This battery replaces OEM models like YTX12, YTX14, YTX14H, YTX16-BS, YTX16-BS-1, GYZ16H, and GYZ16HL, making it versatile for various bikes.
- It’s excellent for every day use in stock bikes up to 1200cc, ensuring a smooth and dependable ride.
Antigravity ATZ-10 12v 360 CA RE-START Lithium-Ion Battery
- The Antigravity ATZ-10 has a compact size of 5.9 L x 3.5 W x 3.74 H in, making it suitable for a wide range of motorcycles.
- With Cranking Amps of 360, this battery provides solid starting power, ensuring your bike is ready to go.
- It replaces OEM batteries such as YTX7A-BS, YTX9-BS, YTZ10S, YT12A-BS, YTZ12S, and YTZ14S, making it highly versatile for different models.
- This battery is excellent for everyday use in bikes up to 1000cc, offering reliable performance for daily riders.
Related: How Many Miles Do Motorcycles Last?
Scorpion Stinger Motorcycle Lithium Batteries
The Scorpion Stinger lithium batteries are a great option for riders looking for top performance at a competitive price. These potent batteries offer an excellent bang for the buck, delivering up to twice the starting power compared to traditional OEM or lead-based options. With various case sizes available, they often require little to no foam or spacers to achieve a direct-fit replacement in your motorcycle. The main advantage is the boost in power and reliability these LiFePo4 batteries provide, making them one of the best choices for riders.
One of the standout features of the Scorpion Stinger batteries is their two-year free replacement warranty, offering peace of mind to riders. These batteries are application specific, so it’s important to use the Battery Finder to ensure you’re using the correct battery for your vehicle. Whether you’re upgrading for more power or reliability, Scorpion Stinger delivers top-of-the-line performance in the lithium battery market.
Scorpion Stinger 12v 219 CCA LiFePo4 Extreme High Output Battery
- The size of the Scorpion Stinger is 4.44 L x 2.75 W x 3.32 H in, making it compact and ideal for various motorcycle models.
- With a CCA of 219, this battery provides excellent cold cranking power for reliable starts in different conditions.
- It replaces OEM batteries such as YTZ5S, YTX4L, YTX5L, and YTZ7S, making it compatible with many stock applications.
- This battery is perfect for stock application and ensures a seamless fitment, so be sure to check fitment before use.
Scorpion Stinger SSTX20HQ-FP 12v 525 CCA LiFePo4 Quad Terminal Extreme High Output Battery
- The size of this Scorpion Stinger battery is 6.88 L x 3.44 W x 5.13 H in, offering a compact design that fits various motorcycles.
- With a strong CCA of 525, this battery provides reliable starting power even in demanding conditions.
- It replaces several OEM batteries, including YTX20H(L), YTX20(L), YB16L-A2, YTX24HL, GYZ20H(L), YTX18L, and YB16C(L)-B, ensuring compatibility with many models.
- This battery is perfect for stock applications, making it an ideal replacement for the above batteries.
Do I need a special charger for a lithium motorcycle battery?
When it comes to lithium batteries, one of the advantages is their low self-discharge rate, meaning they don’t need as much maintenance as lead-based batteries. However, to keep your lithium battery in good condition, it’s recommended to use a dedicated lithium charger like the Opti-MATE for Scorpion or Antigravity batteries, or the Shorai charger for their models. These chargers have special modes designed to handle the unique charging requirements of lithium batteries.
If your battery isn’t excessively discharged, you can use a low-output power sport charger to top it off, but it’s important to remove the charger once the battery is full. For more serious cases, where the battery has been deeply discharged, using a lithium charger is the safest option because of its built-in recovery modes to recover the battery safely. This will ensure your lithium battery lasts longer and stays in optimal condition.
Benefits of lithium batteries for motorcycles
One of the standout advantages of lithium motorcycle batteries is their lightweight and compact design. These batteries are much lighter than their lead-acid counterparts, which means you’ll experience improved handling and better maneuverability when riding. This weight reduction contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable ride. Additionally, the self-discharge rate is low, so the battery retains its charge over extended periods, even when the bike is not in use.
Another big plus is the longer lifespan of lithium batteries. They last up to five times longer than traditional lead-acid batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and offering significant cost savings over time. Whether you’re using your bike for daily commuting or long-distance trips, these batteries deliver consistent performance. They also boast a fast recharge rate, allowing you to get back on the road quicker. Their high charge acceptance makes them efficient and ideal for riders who don’t want to waste time waiting for a battery to reach full capacity.
For those in cold climates, lithium batteries excel in cold cranking performance, ensuring reliable starts in colder conditions. You won’t need to pre-warm your battery during the winter, which makes them a practical choice for year-round use. Plus, they’re maintenance-free, unlike lead-acid options that require checking electrolyte levels and performing regular maintenance tasks. This makes lithium batteries a hassle-free solution for any motorcycle rider.
Choosing the best lithium motorcycle battery
When selecting the best lithium motorcycle battery, several factors come into play. One of the most important aspects is battery capacity, which refers to the amount of energy it can store, measured in Ah (ampere-hours). A higher capacity means the battery will last longer between charges, which is crucial depending on your riding habits and the power requirements of your bike. This ensures you have enough power for your motorcycle over time without frequent recharging.
You also need to think about compatibility and fitment. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the battery fits securely in your motorcycle model. An improperly sized battery may not only cause problems with the fit but could also affect overall performance and reliability. Consulting with dealers or experts is a smart move to confirm that you’re purchasing the right battery for your specific bike.
Another key factor is the brand reputation and quality of the lithium battery. Choosing a trusted brand with strong customer reviews ensures that you’re investing in a durable and long-lasting product. Pay attention to ratings and reviews to get a sense of a battery’s performance and reliability. Opt for reputable brands that offer added safety features like overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal protection to safeguard against potential hazards.
Finally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period reflects confidence in the product’s quality and provides peace of mind should any defects or failures occur. A solid warranty ensures you’re protected and helps you feel more secure in your investment in a new battery.
Conclusion
Lithium batteries for motorcycles offer many advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, making them a great upgrade for riders. Their lightweight design improves performance, while their longer lifespan and faster recharge times ensure that you spend more time on the road and less time maintaining your battery. With a maintenance-free operation, these batteries are the best choice for motorcycle enthusiasts. When selecting the right battery, it’s important to consider its capacity, compatibility, brand reputation, safety features, and warranty to ensure you get the most reliable option for your bike.
FAQs
How long will a lithium motorcycle battery last?
A lithium motorcycle battery can outlast a conventional lead-acid battery up to five times. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which require frequent maintenance and wear out quickly, lithium batteries offer reliable, long-term performance, keeping your motorcycle ready whenever you need it.
Which battery type is best for a motorcycle?
When it comes to choosing the best battery type for motorcycles, lithium motorcycle batteries are the top choice. Their lightweight design makes them easier to handle, and they offer a longer lifespan compared to traditional options. Additionally, lithium batteries have faster recharge times and improved cold-cranking performance, making them perfect for riders who need reliability in various weather conditions.
Are lithium motorcycle batteries safe?
Lithium motorcycle batteries are considered very safe when used properly, thanks to their built-in safety features. These include overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal protection, all of which help ensure the safe operation of the battery. These features prevent common battery issues and make lithium batteries a reliable and secure option for your motorcycle.
Can I use a lithium motorcycle battery in any motorcycle?
Lithium motorcycle batteries are generally compatible with most types of motorcycles, but it’s important to check the specifications and fitment guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Every bike has different needs, so ensuring compatibility with your specific make and model is essential. Always review the details carefully to make sure the battery fits correctly and meets your bike’s requirements.
Can I replace a lead-acid battery with a lithium motorcycle battery?
Yes, you can replace a lead-acid battery with a lithium motorcycle battery, but it’s important to ensure the lithium battery is compatible with your motorcycle. The electrical system and power requirements of your bike must match the new battery. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for proper fitment and seek guidance from experts or reputable dealers to ensure a smooth replacement.
