Best Motorcycle Battery (Top Rated Brands)

(Last Updated: April, 2024)

When it comes to owning a motorcycle, the battery is probably one of the last things you think about. It's hidden away and you don't have to mess with it much. You also might think that buying one is a pretty straightforward process and there isn't too much to think about. However, that's not quite true.

Putting the time and effort into finding the right battery for your motorcycle can mean a world of difference. Especially if you like taking long road trips, you want something that’s going to be very reliable and ensure that you’re able to safely get to your destination and won’t leave you stranded.

There are many different types and brands of motorcycle batteries to choose from and it can be difficult to know if you’re making the right decision. It’s important to be familiar with the different types of option available to you.

​​Before taking the plunge, check out this list of what we think are the best motorcycle batteries:

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More About ​Yuasa YUAM321BS

This is one of the many motorcycle batteries offered by Yuasa. It’s a 12 Volt battery with 18 amp-hours and 270 cold cranking amps, making it very low maintenance.  You won’t have to worry about spills because it’s completely sealed. It features special plates and absorbent glass mat separators that will absorb all of the acid.

It also offers advanced lead-calcium technology that allows it to keep its specific gravity for over 3 times what other conventional batteries can. You also never need to add water.

This battery comes dry with the acid in a pre-measured bottle that the dealer will add to the battery upon purchase. They will then spill-proof the seal. It doesn't need to be refilled but might need to be changed periodically.

More About ​MX 30L Motorcycle Battery

This is one for the motorcycle enthusiasts. You receive it fully charged and ready to install. It features a heat-sealed cover and high-quality, factory activated absorbent glass mat that makes it 100% spill and leakproof.

Vibration resistance helps ensure maximum performance, durability, and safety while providing very quick starting power. It's able to hold up against the damaging effects of constant vibration and is very easy to install thanks to versatile top and side terminals.

Full plate frames are added to protect the absorbed glass matt separators while allowing for lower discharge rates and more cranking amps. This battery will meet, or exceed, any of the specifications on the original battery of your motorcycle.

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More ​About CB Chrome Battery

Chrome Battery gives you a high-quality, rechargeable battery that’s completely maintenance free. It’s made with lead calcium alloy and features absorbed glass mat technology. It is thoroughly tested to ensure that is operates safely and efficiently.

It comes already charged, sealed and ready for installation, so you won't have to worry about checking or filing anything. The terminals are extremely heavy duty and able to withstand pressure, vibration and torquing. Special welding technology also helps to ensure your battery has a high tolerance for vibration, shock, and heat.

This motorcycle battery is incredibly reliable and will last and perform for a very long time. It can be recharged over 2,000 times before you have to totally replace it

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More About ​Chrome Battery YTX14-BS

Here's a really impressive absorbed glass mat battery that's great for power sports. It's made with lead calcium alloy that allows it to meet very high-performance standards and make it extremely low maintenance. You can use it on a variety of power sports vehicles besides motorcycles, like jet skis and ATV's.

The absorbed glass mat technology makes it completely spill proof and a patented seal helps to extend the life of the battery by preventing any corrosion. Like most Zipp Batteries, this one comes fully charged and ready to be installed and used right when you get it.

It's incredibly resistant to vibration, which provides you with maximum conductivity. In addition, like the previous battery, it can be charged more than 2,000 times.

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More About ​Expert Power ETX9-BS

Expert Power gives you a very high-performance battery that comes fully charged and ready for installation. It's completely sealed to prevent any leaks and doesn't require any checks or added electrolytes.

Absorbed glass mat technology adds extra protection against leaks and corrosion, which can damage your battery and your motorcycle’s paint and chrome. This technology also provides increased discharge current compared to other conventional wet batteries. This type of battery recharges much faster and can better withstand vibration and heat, both of which can be very damaging to motorcycle batteries.

This battery also features a lower self-discharge rate, which allows for longer stretches of time between charging when the battery is sitting and not being used

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​Different Type Of Motorcycle Batteries

Motorcycle batteries are not like they used to be. They have very much been improved over the years. In their basic form, motorcycle batteries are devices that store electrical charges and energy by utilizing chemical reactions between an acid and the lead that's stored in the battery.

You’ll come across a few different types of motorcycle batteries while you’re shopping. Becoming familiar with them and understanding their differences is going to be essential during your search for the best one on for you and your motorcycle.

Here’s a rundown of the three most common types that you’re likely to stumble upon.

​Gel Cell Batteries

These are the batteries that normally begin with the prefixes: CT, GT, YT, GTZ, CTZ or YTZ. Gel cell batteries hold a gelatinous electrolyte that contains sulfuric acid and fumed silica. They’re typically charged using a trickle charger, as opposed to quick chargers.

Since the silica causes the solution to become an immobile gel, it doesn't need to be kept upright like the wet lead acid batteries. Which is why they are a great option for motorcycles where the battery must be positioned on its side or at an angle.

When you use a gel battery, you don't have to worry about some of the problems associated with wet lead batteries, such as spills, corrosion or electrolyte evaporation. They are also able to greater withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and shock.

Wet Lead Batteries

These are the more traditional or conventional batteries, dating all the way back to 1859. They're sometimes also referred to as the flooded lead-acid battery. Reference numbers for these types of batteries are often: Y, C, G, CB, GB, YB or 12N.

The structure is made up of plates and lead and filled with a solution of water, lead oxide, and sulfuric acid. Wet lead batteries require regular maintenance and you will need to top them off by adding distilled water. The water helps to protect the pates from any damage caused by the acid.

When these types of batteries are charging and discharging, they emit Hydrogen gas which is very toxic and explosive.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

AGM batteries are the most common ones seen today for motorcycles. These are going to be maintenance free, meaning they don't need to be topped off with any water. They're also sealed and don't need to be kept upright. You'll typically see AGM batteries with reference numbers beginning with CTX, GTX or YTX.

Often times, these will come empty with the acid in a separate container that's added once you're ready to install it. Once that's done, you won't need to add anymore and it will require no further maintenance.

Some of the great advantages of using AGM batteries are that they are very resistant to high temperatures and vibration, which means they have much longer lives. Also, they tend to be much more affordable than the gel cell batteries, while still providing similar performance.

Maintenance Tips for Your Motorcycle Battery

Batteries can be quite costly. If you're investing in a good battery and want it to perform well and last you a long time, it's important to be sure and take the proper steps to maintain it.

Even though the battery is hidden away, don’t just forget it exists. There are some very simple things you can do to help prolong the life of your battery and make sure it’s functioning properly. If you do, your battery can last for a good three to five years.

Cleaning

You should regularly clean all of the terminals. When you see a kind of powdery substance being to accumulate around the terminals, it means that acid is beginning to leak out. Cleaning this off will help prevent corrosion, which could prevent your motorcycle from starting.

Using a wire brush (or even a toothbrush), scrub away any build-up from the terminals and dissolve the acid with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. You might even consider using an anti-corrosion or battery spray. Always remember to take safety precautions when messing with acid - never touch it directly without protective gloves.

Visual Inspections

You should try to check out your battery at least once a month. Remove the battery from your motorcycle and set it down on a flat surface. Check for any leaks for wetness. Sometimes water can get into the battery and cause the metal connectors to rust. If this happens, immediately seal any areas that might be open.

Also, check to ensure none of the connectors are loose. If any of the cables are loose, it can prevent your battery from getting a full charge. This can be easily checked while doing routine cleaning, but also double check it if you've just been in an accident, slid or dropped your bike.

Topping Off

Not all batteries require this, but if yours does it's very important to do it. Topping off the cells with distilled water will help ensure your battery has a long life. You should check the minimum and maximum levels every week or two and add water as needed.

Keep It Charged

One common mistake that a lot of riders make is letting their battery exhaust completely. This will shorten the life of the battery. Whenever you start your motorcycle, the battery charges. However, if you’re leaving your motorcycle to sit without being used for long periods, it will die. Regular visual check and starting the motorcycle will help keep the battery juiced up.

Conclusion

Although shopping for motorcycle battery might seem simple, the market is actually pretty complicated to navigate. There are many different kinds of batteries that come with different benefits and features that you have to consider.

Choosing the right battery for your motorcycle is important because it affects the overall performance and reliability of your bike. So take your time investigating the options and use this guide to help you make the best choice.