Harley Davidson is highly distinctive from other motorcycles. It’s one of the most powerful and energy-consuming powersport motorbikes. So there is no substitute for a top-notch and powerful battery to run and keep your Harley’s engine and electrical components efficient. Additionally, Harley has instructions to use batteries specially made with dedicated mechanisms for Harley Davidson.
Having such a set of boundaries can make it difficult for you to find the right battery. After several days of continuous research, product verification, and user & veteran feedback, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the best Harley Davidson battery! Why late then to check and make yourself tension-free?
Best Overall – ThrottleX MX30L or CB YTX30L-BS
Best for Touring – ThrottleX HDX30L or Renegade RG30L
Best for Sportster – ThrottleX HDX14L
Best for Softail – PowerSource FLSTF or Yuasa YUAM620BH
Best for Street Glide & Road King – Renegade RG30L or Weize YTX30L
Best for Evo – ThrottleX MX20L
Best for Dyna – PowerSource FXD
Best for Trike – Renegade RG30L-WS
Best for V-Rod – PowerSource VRSCF
Best for CVO – Yuasa YUAM732HL or Weize YTX30L-BS
AGM, Lithium, Gel? What Works Best in Harley
Lithium motorcycle batteries are gaining popularity and there is a battery for every kind of need, including Harley. They have very low internal resistance, which means the battery can supply a large amount of power without heating up. But the problem is that they are too expensive for daily use, and they are yet to be full-proof like AGM units (that needs time).
So, we would recommend going for a new generation AGM battery as they are the best combination of price vs. quality. AGM is the safest choice and has a good lifespan when compared to other types of batteries available in the market. Even Harley itself suggests quality AGM batteries. There are many manufacturers in the market who produce AGM batteries.
Best Brands for Harley Batteries
There are many brands available in the market but the following are the best. We have tested their batteries and they are working fine so far:
ThrottleX: Probably the most familiar brand for powersport batteries, including Harley Davidson. US-origin and currently operating in only North America. Their manufactured batteries are super powerful, durable and user-accepted.
Yuasa: One of the top Japanese brands super popular in the USA. Their batteries are the top choice for long lifespans. Mainly produce AGM motorcycle batteries.
Shorai: Very lightweight lithium-ion batteries and offers the same performance as compared to lead-acid batteries. They come in a variety of sizes, from 12V4Ah to 24V13.5Ah with dual-purpose type or deep cycle type options available.
Odyssey: It is the most expensive brand in the market, but it offers a lot of value for money.
Other reliable brands include Chrome Battery (CB), Renegade, PowerSource, Banshee, Mighty Max, Weize, etc.
If you still don’t find it convincing about what’s the best Harley Davidson battery brand, you can take advice from your local shop, fellow rider, or some other veterans in this arena.
Best Harley Davidson Battery – All Series Table
Why 12 Volt Battery for Harley?
Harley Motorcycles are famous for their design and power and in fact best in quality. But there is one feature which makes them different from other motorcycles: They have a 12V system. In most modern vehicles following variants are used in 12 volts (system) architecture.
The latest trend towards lithium-ion technology has gained momentum, which has led to the emergence of various types of lithium batteries, including Li-ion polymer and Li-ion prismatic. Also, AGM lead acid batteries are being used as an alternative to conventional wet lead-acid batteries. All of these are available in 12-V models. And, as only 12-V can ensure the right power and energy that Harley requires, the use of 12-volt batteries is mandatory for Harley.
Harley Davidson Battery Size Chart
Batteries for motorcycles are available in different shapes, sizes and voltages. You cannot expect desired performance unless it fits your motorcycle’s specification. Anything wrong or short may lead to failure of battery installation and damage to your Harley’s engine and other electrical components. So, know the right size chart of the Harley Davidson Batteries. Actually, the bike you have will itself tell you what it needs, and then find a battery with matched size, power and other specifications.
Harley Davidson Battery Price
As there are so many types of batteries available in the market, it is hard to say which one will be best for your Harley Davidson Sportster. The price varies depending on the size and type of battery you choose. There are many manufacturers in the market and price varies from brand to brand.
Premium Quality – $200 to $500: These batteries have a long lifespan and do not need any maintenance.
Standard Units (with required CCA rating) – $100 to $200: These batteries have average quality and a decent lifespan. These are ideal for those who want to just ride their bike and not worry about battery discharge.
Affordable But Reliable Units – under $100: There are some batteries that are comparatively cheap, but they might not last long.
Required CCA in Harley Batteries
CCA is an acronym for cold-cranking amps. This rating indicates the amount of current that a battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (- 179 Celsius). The higher the CCA rating, the better it will be able to withstand winter conditions.
The recommended minimum required CCA rating for Harley Davidson batteries is 550 in order to prevent the battery from freezing.
Required Voltage and AMPS in a Battery for Harley
The battery voltage is a major factor to consider while purchasing a new one. 12-volt batteries are usually used in Harley Batteries but some models use 6-volt or even 16-volt batteries. On the other hand, amps mean the amount of current that can be supplied by the battery at any given point in time. The current required by the starter motor can go up to 1,200 amps!
So make sure that there are more than enough amps available in your battery so it does not drop off during a cold day or while starting the engine in any condition.
Is Higher Cranking Amps Better?
The cranking amps are not a sign of efficiency. Higher cranking AMPS does not mean more power output, it just means that the battery has a higher current handling capacity which results in less heat generation and lower internal resistance.
Charging System in Harley Batteries
Harley Davidson Batteries should be charged by a high-quality alternator that is specifically designed to meet the bike’s needs. The charging system consists of three main components:
The Battery provides storage to energy and acts as a buffer for electrical current in case of sudden surges. The Alternator is responsible for creating alternating currents. The Regulator/Rectifier is required for the smooth supply of current to the electrical system.
The regulator/rectifier takes in DC (Direct Current) electricity from the battery and changes it into AC (Alternating Current) Electricity. This is suitable for running all your accessories on the bike.
What’s the Best Charger for Harley Davidson Battery?
If you are looking for a good battery charger, then I would suggest you go with the best charger, tender and maintainer for Harley.
It comes at an affordable price. This unit delivers better value and performance as compared to the other chargers available in the market.
How Long Do Harley Batteries Last?
The lifespan of a battery for Harley Davidson varies from brand to brand and depends upon the type you choose. A standard unit can last for two to three years while a premium one can go up to eight years provided they are maintained well.
However, some models require periodic maintenance which costs extra money every year. Always check if your model needs any additional maintenance before you buy it.
When to Replace the Battery in Your Harley?
The battery tester measures your car’s charge in terms of voltage and may issue a warning when the reading falls below 50%. This value effectively represents how many times you can start your engine before having to recharge.
A battery for Harley should be changed when it shows any of the following symptoms:
- It cannot hold a charge for an extended period of time.
- The bike takes longer to crank or turn over.
- You frequently have to jump start your bike.
Replacing the battery once the electric starter stops working is advisable because it can save you time and money on costly repairs.
Harley Battery Life without Driving?
Modern-day vehicle batteries last around two to three years. The same is true for Harley batteries as well, but a battery that has been idle for an extended period of time may not be able to start your bike even after charging it for a while.
So if you are going on vacation or storing your bike in storage for a few months, the best thing you can do is remove it and store it normally. Alternatively, a trickle charger keeps your battery from losing its charge during long periods of inactivity.
Concluding Remarks
So that’s how you can choose the Best Battery for Harley Davidson. Make sure to read each and every point discussed above, so that you don’t end up buying the wrong product. I hope this article will help you in choosing the best battery out there!
Happy Riding!
Last update on 2022-06-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Reply