Consider This Before Buying a Harley Battery
“Want a reliable, long-lasting motorcycle battery with powerful cranking amps?”
Before buying a Harley battery, make sure it matches your motorcycle’s voltage, size, terminal configuration, and power requirements. You should also consider battery type (AGM, lithium, or conventional), cold cranking performance, warranty coverage, and expected lifespan to avoid starting problems and unnecessary replacement costs.
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle places unique demands on its battery due to its larger engine and higher starting power requirements. Choosing the wrong battery can lead to slow starts, reduced reliability, and poor performance, especially during cold weather or long storage periods.
It is also important to think about your riding habits. Frequent riders may benefit from a lightweight lithium battery, while AGM batteries are often preferred for their durability and low maintenance. Taking time to compare features, lifespan, and compatibility can help you make a smarter investment and keep your Harley running smoothly for years.
Of course! Who wouldn't?
These alluring words come from Harley’s website. In fact, they are the first words of the description for their lithium motorcycle battery, part number 66000175.
Now, if those words were true, that would be awesome!
Sadly, scrolling further down the page, the gloomy Harley-Davidson lithium battery reviews tell a different story.
Dismal Harley Battery Performance
As of 17 December 2021, the highest reviewed product had a 2.59 average rating.
Reading through the product description, customer reviews and Q&A section the reason for issues become apparent.
As a battery specialist, these findings are of no real surprise. Luckily for you, we have the solution, not only for their ill-fated lithium battery, but all the Harley-Davidson motorcycle battery problems.
Take a moment to read for yourself how actual Harley customers responded and what they said before you skip down to the solution.
Voice of the Customer: Harley-Davidson.com Battery Reviews
Below are some of the most recent reviews for lithium battery part number 66000175 posted on the Harley-Davidson.com website. Currently, there are 64 reviews, and the average rank is 2.59 out of 5 stars.
Voice of the Customer: Harley Davidson Lithium Battery Q&A
Q: What is the difference between the non-California and the California battery?
A: California battery has a Proposition 65 Regulatory Label.
There are six (6) Original Equipment or OE Harley lithium battery part numbers. Well, maybe it is more accurate to say 3 lithium battery sizes multiplied by two based on the response to this customer’s question.
Q: Does the 6Ah Lithium LiFe battery have an internal Battery Management System (BMS)?
A: Our batteries do not have a BMS on them.
What in the world were they thinking? A BMS is vitally important and would reduce failure rates. Harley needs to re-evaluate the true cost of not providing a Battery Management System.
Q: Will I have to purchase a special battery tender, or can I use the old one from my AMG Harley battery??
A: You need 800 mA Weatherproof Dual Mode Battery Tender Part Number 66000181 your old (AGM) tender will not work. The AGM and Lithium battery have different full charge levels.
This true. Lithium and AGM motorcycle batteries have different chemistries and charge requirements. So why in the world would Harley offer a lithium battery without a BMS knowing that the charging systems on most of their bikes are designed for AGM batteries?
Answer to What’s the Best Harley Davidson Battery?
The best Harley-Davidson battery depends on your needs, but AGM batteries are the top choice for most riders because they offer strong starting power, vibration resistance, low maintenance, and reliable performance. For maximum weight savings and longer lifespan, a high-quality lithium battery is often considered the premium option, provided it is compatible with your Harley model.
Pure lithium is NOT the answer. We spent years testing various lithium motorcycle batteries in search of the best candidate. I think it is fair to say we were not impressed with any of them!
We encountered Insane failure rates, inflated prices, sudden failure events, lack of capacity, and the need for special charging systems. All of this led to us severely throttling back the sale of lithium only batteries.
Here is the good news and the answer you are seeking!
We’ve been testing a new form of battery over the past 2 years. The results have been astonishing!
If you choose not to read the best Harley Davidson Battery article linked above, then watch this video instead.
The video illustrates one of the insane “powerful crank” tests completed to see if this new form of battery would go beyond the limits as it says on the box.
Can you think of a better way to demonstrate cranking power for your bike battery?
World's Most Reliable & Powerful Motorcycle Battery
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best Harley-Davidson battery is one that matches your bike’s specifications, riding style, and performance needs. AGM batteries remain the most popular choice for their reliability, durability, and maintenance-free operation, while lithium batteries offer lighter weight and longer service life. Before making a purchase, consider factors such as compatibility, cold cranking power, warranty, and expected lifespan. Investing in a quality battery can improve starting performance, reduce maintenance issues, and help ensure your Harley is always ready for the road ahead.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What Battery Type Is Best for a Harley-Davidson?
The best battery type depends on your motorcycle model and riding habits. AGM batteries are the most popular choice because they are maintenance-free, durable, and provide strong starting power. Lithium batteries are lighter and offer faster cranking but usually cost more.
How Do I Know If a Harley Battery Fits My Bike?
Always check your Harley-Davidson owner's manual for the correct battery size, voltage, terminal position, and cold cranking amps (CCA). Using the wrong battery can cause installation and performance issues.
How Long Does a Harley Battery Usually Last?
A quality Harley battery typically lasts between 3 and 5 years. Factors such as riding frequency, weather conditions, charging habits, and storage practices can affect battery lifespan.
What Is Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), and Why Does It Matter?
CCA measures a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. Higher CCA ratings generally provide more reliable starting power, especially for larger Harley engines.
Should I Choose an AGM or Lithium Harley Battery?
AGM batteries are affordable, reliable, and widely compatible. Lithium batteries are lighter, charge faster, and last longer in many cases, but they come at a higher price point.
Can I Install a Harley Battery Myself?
Yes, most Harley batteries can be installed at home with basic tools. Be sure to disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to help prevent electrical issues.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Harley Battery?
Keep the battery fully charged, use a battery tender during long storage periods, clean the terminals regularly, and avoid leaving accessories running when the engine is off. These steps can significantly increase battery life.
This new MotoBatt Hybrid battery checks all the boxes.
- It has the highest cold cranking amps - CCA.
- Plenty of amp hour capacity – AH.
- Weighs significantly less than AGM batteries.
- No special charging system required.
- Warranty is 3x longer than Harley’s.
- As of this writing... we have had zero failures.
MotoBatt Hybrid Batteries for Harley Bikes
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