Strong start: Best motorcycle batteries as picked by MCN

Updated: 31 October 2024

We’re all guilty of taking our motorcycle batteries for granted until they eventually run out. Whether it’s through lack of use or the battery is aged and discharging you’ll need a new one at some point.

Motorcycle batteries are serviceable parts and finding the right one easily will save you a major headache.

With this in mind, we’ve found the best motorcycle batteries currently on sale. From simple replacement units to simple-to-install upgrades there will be a battery perfect for your bike.

Looking after your battery will help to prolong it’s life and save you money in the long run as you will need to replace it far less frequently. Using a battery charger can help to keep your battery at optimal charge through spells of low use or cold snaps, and a jump pack will get your bike running if you have neglected it and it’s now too low on charge to get the bike started.

Battery types

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries come in three types; flooded (or wet cell), AGM (absorbent/absorbed glass mat), and Gel.

The best motorcycle batteries

NOCO Lithium NLP14 Battery

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Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for two months and 1,000 miles

"Think ‘lithium batteries’ and most think ‘weight savings’. But while it’s true this new battery tech is a lot lighter than old-school lead-acid, it’s not really the biggest selling point. Although this 1.2kg NOCO lithium has shaved 3kg off the Hayabusa’s 264kg kerb weight, it’s the American unit’s claimed
extra longevity and power that’s the big draw – promising a hefty 500 amps of cold cranking power for 50,000 starts which NOCO claim is twice as much as equivalent lead- acid and a five-times longer life. The best thing for me, though, is the built-in battery management system which prevents damage by overcharging etc."

"Overall, it’s by far the most premium battery I’ve seen. At twice the price, it’s a lot to splash out on a battery, but with a five-year warranty, if you keep a bike long term it’s worth it."

Pros

Longer life than a lead acid battery
Lighter by 3kg

Quality

5.0
Value

4.0

Power	12V, 4Ah
Type	Lithium Ion
Battery compatibility	BTZ10S, BT12A-BS, BTZ12S, BTX12-BS, BTZ14S, BTX14, BTX14-BS, BT14B-4, BTX16-BS, BTX16-BS-1, B16A-AB, BTX20CH-BS, ETX12, ETX14, ETX14L, GYZ16H, HYB16A-AB, YTZ10S, YTX12, YTZ12S, YT12A-BS, YTX12-BS, YTX14, YTX14-BS, YTX14H, YTZ14S, YTX14H-BS, YTX16-BS, YTX16-BS-1, YTX20CH, YTX20CH-BS, and KMX14-BS.

Delivers over 500-amps of starting power
Over 50,000 starts, and over 2,000 charge cycles
Bi-directional active cell balancing for long-lasting reliability
Superfast Charging

PTX9-BS Powerline Factory Sealed Motorcycle Battery 12V 9Ah

The best motorcycle battery on a budget

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A top seller on Amazon, this 12V 9Ah battery will be a simple swap job so long as it fits your bike (so check first). It comes sealed and will work straight out of the box too. Other Ah grades are available too, including 4 and 5.

Shido Lithium Motorcycle Battery - LTX9-BS LION

The best simple battery

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A lithium battery is a great upgrade for your bike because it's lighter offers better cold starts and can charge far quicker. This one offers a handy LED indicator light and should last 2,000 charge cycles too. Take note though, this battery MUST be charged with an appropriate lithium charger to prevent damage.

GP-PRO GTX4L-BS 12V 5Ah GEL Starter Battery

The best battery for easy maintenance

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Designed to be maintenance-free thanks to an advanced gel construction, this battery should be long-lasting and less susceptible to self-discharge. It's also manufactured for cold starts and is shock-resistant too.

Aliant Lithium Battery

The best lithium battery

Price: 138.27

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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High performance at low temperature, long life and competitive prices make the Aliant YLP Series a cracking choice. Take note though, like the Shido this battery needs to be charged with an appropriate lithium charger to prevent damage.

NOCO Lithium NLP14, Group 14, 500A Lithium Powersport Battery, 12V 4Ah

Best lithium motorbike battery

Rrp: $129.95

Price: $116.96

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Alternative Retailers

Walmart

$129.95

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There is also a host of great deals on Noco lithium batteries in popular sizes, offering vast improvements to performance and charging over traditional lead acid batteries.

Pros

Smaller and lighter than lead acid
Wide range of applications

Cons

More expensive than lead acid

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

- Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.

By Jim Blackstock

Product Tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine - Jim began riding motorcycles in the late 1980s while working in an automotive repair garage after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. Initially, he used bikes for practical purposes but later shifted to cars, starting a publishing career in the early 1990s focused on car modifications and product testing. After a stint in PR and Marketing for major motorsport teams and events, Jim returned to publishing and joined RiDE Magazine in 2017 as a Production Editor. His expertise in product testing soon led him to oversee the magazine’s product content. Rediscovering his love for motorcycles, Jim earned his license through the Direct Access process and now enjoys riding his KTM 790 Adventure across various terrains.

Best motorcycle batteries

NOCO Lithium battery