Motorcycle Battery Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery for Your Bike
- by Joe Weber - updated on 5/28/2025
Your motorcycle battery does more than just start your engine—it powers your lights, electronics, and safety systems. Whether you're a weekend rider or rely on your bike for everyday transportation, having a reliable motorcycle battery is essential for performance, safety, and peace of mind.
At Batteries Plus, we carry a wide selection of high-performance motorcycle batteries, including options from top brands like X2Power, Duracell Ultra, Yuasa, and Xtreme. In this guide, we'll break down what you need to know to find the best motorcycle battery for your bike.
What Types of Motorcycle Batteries Are There?
Several types of motorcycle batteries are available, each with its advantages. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
1. Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) Batteries
- Most affordable option
- Requires regular maintenance, including water refills and terminal cleaning
- Not spill-proof; must remain upright
2. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
- Maintenance-free and sealed
- Leak-proof and vibration-resistant
- Excellent cold-cranking amps (CCA) for reliable starts in cold weather
3. Lithium Motorcycle Batteries
- Lightweight and compact
- Longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries
- Fast charging and low self-discharge rate
- Higher upfront cost, but great long-term value
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Battery
When selecting a replacement motorcycle battery, it's important to go beyond just matching the size. The right battery can enhance your bike's performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure reliable starts every time you hit the ignition. Be sure to consider the following key factors:
Battery Size and Terminal Placement
Check your owner's manual or existing battery label for the correct group size and terminal orientation.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
This measures the battery's ability to start your bike in cold weather. The higher the CCA, the better the starting performance in low temperatures.
Amp-Hour (Ah) Rating
A higher amp-hour rating means more power to run accessories like GPS, lighting kits, or phone chargers.
Maintenance Preferences
Don't want to top off water or clean corrosion? AGM or lithium batteries are the best maintenance-free options.
Top Motorcycle Battery Brands at Batteries Plus
We carry trusted battery brands known for durability, power, and long lifespan:
- X2Power – Our premium brand, offering industry-leading performance for a superior lithium option.
- Duracell Ultra – Features dependable starting power and long service life.
- Yuasa – An OEM replacement for many motorcycle brands.
- Xtreme – Value-packed batteries with solid reliability that come in flooded and AGM varieties.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Battery
As battery professionals, we see thousands of motorcycle batteries every year—and we know the difference between a quick fix and a battery that's ready for retirement. If your bike is showing any of these symptoms, it might be time for a replacement, but before you spend any money on a new one, stop in for a free battery test.
Sluggish Starts
If your engine turns over slowly or hesitates when you press the start button, your battery may no longer be delivering sufficient cold cranking amps (CCA). This is often one of the first signs of a weak or aging battery.
Dim Lights or Electrical Issues
Flickering headlights, unresponsive gauges, or intermittent accessory power can all indicate an underperforming battery struggling to supply consistent voltage.
Battery Age
Most motorcycle batteries last between 3 and 5 years under normal conditions. If yours is nearing or past that range, it's a good idea to have it tested—even if it hasn't failed yet.
Swelling, Leaks, or Corrosion
A bloated battery case, visible leakage, or white/green corrosion around the terminals are red flags. These physical changes often mean internal damage and should be addressed immediately to prevent further electrical issues.
Poor Performance in Cooler Weather
Cold temperatures are tough on batteries. If your bike struggles to start after sitting overnight, the battery could be losing its charge-holding capacity.
Still not sure what battery you need? Be sure to check out our Motorcycle Battery Buying Guide for expert tips on choosing the right battery type, brand, and features to match your ride.
Get a Free Battery Test Today
Don't leave it to guesswork. Stop by your nearest Batteries Plus for a free motorcycle battery test. We'll check voltage, cranking performance, and overall health to let you know exactly where your battery stands—no pressure, just expert advice.
Don't Forget to Recycle Your Old Motorcycle Battery
When it's time to replace your motorcycle battery, don't toss the old one in the trash. Motorcycle batteries contain lead and acid, both of which are hazardous to the environment and must be handled responsibly.
At Batteries Plus, we make it easy to do the right thing. Simply bring your used motorcycle battery to any of our stores, and we'll recycle it safely as part of our battery recycling program. It's free, environmentally responsible, and one more way we're helping riders stay powered and protect the planet.
Ride with Confidence: Power Your Bike with the Right Battery
When it comes to powering your motorcycle, don't settle for anything less than top performance. Whether you're hitting the open road, commuting through city streets, or storing your bike between seasons, having the right battery can make all the difference.
At Batteries Plus, we're more than just a battery store—we're the experts in charge. We offer a wide selection of motorcycle batteries from industry-leading brands like X2Power, Duracell Ultra, Yuasa, and Xtreme, plus the know-how to match you with the perfect fit for your bike. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from testing and installation to long-term care and maintenance.
Shop with confidence today—online or at your nearest store—and keep your ride ready for wherever the road takes you.
Want to learn more about keeping your battery in peak condition? Check out these helpful resources:
- How to Jump-Start a Motorcycle
- Best Motorcycle Battery Tenders to Keep Your Battery Charged
- Essential Motorcycle Battery Maintenance Tips
Keep your eyes glued to the Batteries Plus Blog for more helpful advice, how-tos, and more.