What is the Best Motorcycle Battery?

Power - by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 7/3/2023

When it's time to replace your motorcycle battery, you have several different options. Batteries Plus carries flooded, AGM and lithium motorcycle batteries. Today, we'll be taking a closer look at your replacement battery options and highlighting which battery offers the best overall performance and which offers the best upfront cost.

What is the Difference Between Lithium and Lead Acid Batteries?

Lead Acid Batteries

• There are two types of lead acid motorcycle batteries: flooded & AGM.
• Both flooded & AGM lead acid batteries carry a lower upfront cost than lithium batteries.
• Lead acid batteries have a relatively high self-discharge rate, which requires them to be regularly charged while in storage.
• Lead acid batteries are prone to sulfation and slow charging.

Lithium batteries

• Lithium batteries cost more upfront than lead acid batteries.
• Lithium has a greater energy density than lead.
• Due to this higher energy density, lithium batteries are 55% lighter than lead acid batteries.
• Lithium batteries are the safest type of lithium motorcycle battery. They have excellent chemical and thermal stability which keeps them cool in higher temperatures.
• Lithium batteries have a low self-discharge rate and rarely need to be charged while in storage.
• Lithium batteries do not suffer from sulfation and slow charging limitations.

Which Battery is Better, Lithium or Lead Acid?

In terms of performance, lithium motorcycle batteries have a number of advantages over lead acid batteries.

• Longer lifespan - A lithium battery can last up to 2,000 cycles, with more cranking power than standard lead acid batteries.
• Faster charging - Lithium charges up to 2X faster than a lead acid battery.
• Constant power delivery - Lithium delivers the same amount of power as it's used, while a lead acid battery delivers less power the further it discharges.

Are Lithium Batteries Worth the Extra Cost?

While lithium batteries offer a superior performance, they do cost more than a flooded or AGM lead acid battery. The higher upfront cost can be a bit misleading though when you break things down. Lithium batteries have much longer lifespans than lead acid batteries. Since you won't be replacing them as often, most bikers end up saving money in the long run with a lithium battery.

One other disadvantage lithium batteries have is that they can't be charged in temperatures below 32℉. Doing so, can cause lithium plating, which can damage a lithium battery irreparably. Fortunately, this doesn't really impact bikers, since it's unlikely you would be driving your motorcycle in freezing weather, but it is something you should take into consideration.

Which Lithium Battery is Best for a Motorcycle?

Batteries Plus' exclusive X2Power lithium powersport batteries are the best-performing motorcycle battery on the market. They feature an integrated Battery Management System that actively monitors and reacts to protect against overcharging, low voltage, over-current discharge, short circuits and extreme temperatures. Plus, they're backed up by a 3-year limited replacement warranty. Shop X2Power batteries online or at your nearest Batteries Plus location. Want to learn more? Visit our Motorcycle Battery Buying Guide for important battery maintenance tips.