The lead acid battery has been around a long time and is one of the oldest technologies still used today. It was invented back in 1859 and not much has advanced in the design, which is primarily composed of lead and sulfuric acid in a plastic housing. To put things in perspective, the first typewriter was invented in 1867; denim blue jeans in 1873; the telephone in 1876.; a record player in 1877; and the Wright Brother took to the skies in 1903 with the first fixed wing airplane!
The lithium iron phosphate chemistry battery, known as LiFePo4, or LFP, was first discovered as a better solution for many applications in 1996 but did not become commercially used until many years later due to how expensive it was, and the “common” user could not afford it. Of all the lithium battery chemistries, and there are many, the LiFePo4 chemistry is the most robust and safe available and close enough in voltage to be a replacement for a 12V lead acid battery.
ADVANTAGES:
- Weight. Approximately 80% lighter than a lead acid battery with the same CCA rating. Example, a very common Yuasa battery is the YTX20HL-BS battery used in street bikes. This is a 310CCA battery that weighs 15.1 pounds. The EarthX equivalent is the ETX36D, a 320CCA battery that weighs 3.9 pounds for an instant savings of 11.2 pounds. Weight savings is huge if you are a racer! Saving weight means better gas mileage, better handling, and better acceleration! The cost in light weight titanium parts is approximately $1,000 per pound, or would be over $11,000 to remove 11 pounds of weight on your bike. You can do that for a fraction of the cost replacing your lead acid battery with an EarthX lithium battery.
- Higher resting voltage. A lead acid batteries starting voltage is typically about 12.4V. A LiFePo4 battery starting voltage is about 13.28V. For a starter battery, this is a huge improvement and will quickly and easily start your engine.
- Low rate of discharge. Depending on the lead acid battery, you can lose up to 30% of your charge on a battery per month. A LifePo4 battery will lose between 1-2% charge per month. This means that your LifePo4 battery can sit for an entire off season and still have plenty of power to start your engine when you are ready to ride. (if you have a vehicle that drains the battery, even when turned off, disconnect the negative battery cable for storage so you do not actively drain the battery).
- Battery management system. You can not install a BMS board inside a lead acid battery to monitor it’s health and prevent abuse to the battery inadvertently. EarthX has some models that even have an LED light on the battery that will “alert” you to something outside of normal. (Please see the EarthX Manual for full details on the functions the BMS provide). The number one killer of a battery is letting it discharge too low. The EarthX BMS will disconnect the drain in the event you left something on so you do not “kill” your battery.
- Environmentally friendly. The EarthX battery will not freeze, boil over, or have sulfuric acid corrosion on the terminals or on the inside on the lead plates. You will never have damage done to your vehicle by leaked or spilled acid.
- Longevity. The life span of a properly maintained LiFePo4 battery will be 2-3X longer than a lead acid battery.
Lithium Motorcycle Batteries: Lightweight, Long-Lasting Power for Motorcycles
Looking for the best motorcycle battery, a long-lasting motorcycle battery, or a lightweight battery for your motorcycle? EarthX lithium motorcycle batteries are designed to provide high starting power, long service life, low self-discharge, and significant weight savings compared with traditional lead-acid batteries.
EarthX batteries use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry and an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) designed specifically for demanding starting applications. EarthX motorcycle batteries are engineered for motorcycles, powersports vehicles, racing applications, and other high-performance vehicles where battery weight, starting power, reliability, and service life matter.
What Is the Best Motorcycle Battery?
There is no single motorcycle battery that is best for every motorcycle. The right battery depends on the motorcycle, engine size, electrical system, available space, starting requirements, climate, and how the motorcycle is used.
However, when comparing motorcycle batteries, important factors include:
Starting power and cranking performance
Battery weight
Battery service life
Ability to hold a charge during storage
Protection against overcharging and over-discharging
Resistance to vibration
Maintenance requirements
Charging-system compatibility
Cold-weather starting performance
Physical size and terminal configuration
For riders looking for a lightweight, high-performance, long-lasting motorcycle battery, LiFePO4 lithium technology offers significant advantages over conventional lead-acid batteries.
EarthX combines LiFePO4 cells with an integrated Battery Management System to provide a motorcycle battery designed around these requirements.
Why Choose a Lithium Motorcycle Battery?
Traditional motorcycle batteries have typically used lead-acid technology. Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LiFePO4, provides a different approach to motorcycle battery design.
EarthX lithium motorcycle batteries can provide:
Less weight: Some EarthX motorcycle batteries weigh only a fraction of comparable lead-acid batteries. For performance motorcycles, racing applications, and riders looking to reduce unnecessary weight, this can be a significant advantage.
High starting power: EarthX batteries are designed to deliver strong cranking performance for engine starting.
Long service life: Depending on the model, application, operating conditions, and maintenance, EarthX lithium batteries can provide a substantially longer service life than conventional lead-acid batteries. EarthX batteries are rated for up to six years when properly maintained.
Low self-discharge: LiFePO4 batteries naturally lose charge much more slowly than conventional lead-acid batteries. This is particularly useful for motorcycles that are stored or ridden seasonally.
No liquid acid: EarthX lithium batteries do not contain the liquid electrolyte found in conventional flooded lead-acid batteries. They do not require adding water and will not leak sulfuric acid onto the motorcycle.
Integrated battery management: EarthX ETX-series batteries include an integrated BMS that monitors and protects the battery cells, including protection against overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, excessive cranking/heat, and cell imbalance.
What Is the Longest-Lasting Motorcycle Battery?
Battery life depends on many factors, including temperature, charging-system condition, depth of discharge, storage conditions, and how frequently the battery is used.
A properly maintained EarthX lithium battery is rated for six years, and EarthX lithium technology can provide a substantially longer service life than conventional lead-acid batteries. EarthX lithium batteries can provide thousands of charge/discharge cycles.
One of the most important things you can do to extend motorcycle battery life is avoid leaving the battery discharged.
For EarthX 12V batteries, a voltage below 13.28 volts indicates a discharged state and the battery should be charged. Leaving a battery discharged can shorten its life or permanently damage the cells.
How to Make a Motorcycle Battery Last Longer
To maximize battery life:
Use the correct battery for your motorcycle.
Make sure the motorcycle’s charging system is functioning properly.
Keep battery terminals clean and securely connected.
Do not leave the battery in a deeply discharged state.
Use a compatible charger when charging is required. Never use a de-sulfating or pulse charger on an EarthX battery.
Disconnect the battery or use an appropriate charger during long-term storage if the motorcycle has a parasitic electrical drain. Charge the battery every six months when not in use.
How Much Lighter Is a Lithium Motorcycle Battery?
One of the biggest reasons riders choose lithium motorcycle batteries is weight reduction.
EarthX motorcycle batteries are designed to deliver substantial starting power while weighing significantly less than comparable lead-acid batteries.
For example, the EarthX ETX12A weighs only 1.3 pounds and provides 135 CCA and 220 PCA.
Reducing battery weight can be particularly valuable for:
Sport motorcycles
Racing motorcycles
Track bikes
Adventure motorcycles
Off-road motorcycles
Custom motorcycles
Performance applications
Riders who want to reduce unnecessary vehicle weight
Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Motorcycle Batteries
| Feature | EarthX LiFePO4 | Conventional Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1-5 lbs | 5-15 lbs |
| Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lead-acid |
| Liquid acid | No | Yes |
| Water maintenance | No | Required on some flooded batteries |
| Self-discharge | Low | High |
| Starting power | High | Varies by battery |
| Battery management | Integrated BMS on ETX models | No comparable electronic BMS |
| Cell balancing | Integrated | Not applicable |
| Acid corrosion | No liquid acid leakage | Possible with conventional flooded batteries |
| Service life | 6 year average | 3 year average |
| Storage | Excellent low self-discharge characteristics | Requires more attention/maintenance |
Do Lithium Motorcycle Batteries Last Longer?
LiFePO4 batteries are capable of significantly more charge/discharge cycles than many conventional lead-acid batteries. EarthX lithium batteries can provide up to 4,000 charge/discharge cycles depending on the battery model, application, operating conditions, and charging practices.
Actual battery life will vary. A battery that is repeatedly deeply discharged, exposed to excessive temperatures, or used with a malfunctioning charging system may have a much shorter life.
That is why EarthX combines LiFePO4 cells with an integrated BMS designed to monitor and protect the battery.
What Is a Motorcycle Battery BMS?
BMS stands for Battery Management System.
A BMS is an electronic system that monitors and manages lithium battery cells. It can help protect the battery from conditions that could damage the cells.
EarthX ETX-series batteries use an integrated BMS that provides functions including:
Cell monitoring
Cell balancing
Overcharge protection
Over-discharge protection
Short-circuit protection
Excessive cranking/thermal protection
This is an important difference between a purpose-built lithium motorcycle battery and simply putting lithium cells into a battery case.
Do Lithium Motorcycle Batteries Need Maintenance?
EarthX lithium motorcycle batteries require very little routine maintenance.
There is no water to add and no liquid sulfuric acid to leak. However, lithium batteries are not completely maintenance-free in the sense that the motorcycle and charging system still need to be maintained properly.
Check that:
Battery terminals are tight and clean.
The motorcycle charging system is operating within the battery’s specified voltage range.
The battery is not left discharged.
The correct charger is used. Never use a de-sulfating or pulse charger.
Long-term storage procedures are followed. Charge your EarthX battery every 6 months when not in use.
EarthX recommends a compatible lithium charger or a modern lead-acid smart charger that meets the specified voltage and charging requirements and does not use a high-voltage desulfation, reconditioning, or pulse mode.
How Long Can a Motorcycle Sit Without Being Started?
This depends on the motorcycle’s electrical system.
LiFePO4 batteries have a very low self-discharge rate. EarthX lithium batteries lose approximately 2% of their charge per month, although the motorcycle itself may continue to draw power even when the ignition is turned off.
Modern motorcycles can have clocks, alarms, security systems, electronic modules, and other parasitic electrical loads. These can gradually discharge the battery.
For motorcycles with a significant electrical draw while parked, the battery may need to be disconnected or placed on an appropriate charger during storage.
Is an EarthX Lithium Battery Good for a Motorcycle That Sits All Winter?
Yes, EarthX battery lithium technology can be particularly useful for motorcycles that are stored for extended periods because of its low self-discharge rate.
However, proper storage is still important.
Before storing your motorcycle:
Make sure the battery is adequately charged.
Check the battery voltage.
Disconnect the battery if the motorcycle has a significant parasitic drain.
Never store the battery in a discharged condition.
EarthX batteries have a low self-discharge rate and can retain their charge for long periods when disconnected from the vehicle.
Are EarthX Lithium Motorcycle Batteries Good in Cold Weather?
Lithium batteries can provide excellent starting performance, but cold temperatures affect all batteries, including lithium batteries.
EarthX batteries warm internally through controlled starting attempts.
For riders who regularly operate motorcycles in very cold climates, choosing the correct battery and following EarthX’s cold-weather starting procedure is especially important.
Are EarthX Motorcycle Batteries Rechargeable?
Yes. EarthX motorcycle batteries are rechargeable LiFePO4 batteries.
They can be charged using a compatible lithium charger or an appropriate modern smart lead-acid charger that meets EarthX charging requirements. Chargers with high-voltage desulfation, reconditioning, or pulse modes should not be used.
What Motorcycle Battery Should I Buy?
The correct EarthX battery depends on your motorcycle’s battery size, electrical system, available space, starting requirements, and application.
EarthX offers multiple motorcycle and powersports battery sizes. Click the green “CLICK HERE TO FIND WHAT BATTERY YOU NEED” to see what battery fits your vehicle.
FAQ’s
What is the best motorcycle battery?
The best motorcycle battery depends on the motorcycle and the rider’s priorities. Important factors include starting power, weight, service life, charging-system compatibility, storage requirements, and battery protection. EarthX LiFePO4 motorcycle batteries are designed for riders looking for high starting power, lightweight construction, low self-discharge, and long service life.
What motorcycle battery lasts the longest?
Battery life varies by chemistry, manufacturer, application, maintenance, and operating conditions. Properly maintained EarthX lithium batteries are rated for six years, and EarthX lithium technology can provide up to 4,000 charge/discharge cycles depending on the model and application.
What is the best lightweight motorcycle battery?
A LiFePO4 lithium battery is one of the primary choices for riders seeking to reduce battery weight. EarthX offers motorcycle batteries weighing less than one pound through larger high-capacity models, depending on the application.
How long do lithium motorcycle batteries last?
EarthX batteries are rated for six years when properly maintained. Actual service life varies based on the battery model, charging system, temperature, storage, discharge conditions, and usage.
Do lithium motorcycle batteries need a special charger?
Not necessarily. EarthX batteries can be charged with a compatible LiFePO4 charger or an appropriate modern smart lead-acid charger that meets EarthX voltage requirements and does not use high-voltage desulfation, reconditioning, or pulse modes.
Do lithium motorcycle batteries lose their charge when sitting?
All batteries self-discharge, but LiFePO4 batteries have a very low self-discharge rate. EarthX lithium batteries lose approximately 2% of their charge per month. However, a motorcycle’s electronics can create an additional drain while parked.
Are EarthX lithium motorcycle batteries safe?
Yes. EarthX uses LiFePO4 cells with an integrated BMS to monitor and protect the cells against conditions including overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, and excessive cranking/heat.
Can I replace my motorcycle’s lead-acid battery with lithium?
In many applications, yes, provided the lithium battery is correctly sized and the motorcycle’s charging system is compatible. Always verify the correct EarthX battery model for your specific motorcycle before installation. Click the green “CLICK HERE TO FIND WHAT BATTERY YOU NEED” to see what battery fits your vehicle.
Find the Right EarthX Motorcycle Battery
Whether you’re replacing an old motorcycle battery, upgrading from lead-acid to lithium, building a lightweight performance motorcycle, or looking for a battery that can provide reliable starting power after periods of storage, EarthX offers LiFePO4 lithium battery solutions for a wide range of motorcycles and powersports applications.
Choose the right battery for your motorcycle based on fit, electrical requirements, cranking performance, weight, and intended use.