A Harley lives and dies by its battery. These big V-twins demand serious cranking amps to spin over a high-compression engine, and a weak or wrong-fit battery leaves you stranded in a parking lot listening to that dreaded slow click. Whether you ride a Sportster, a Softail, a Touring bagger, or a Dyna, the right battery means an instant start every time and years of dependable service.
We looked at sealed AGM batteries that bolt straight into the factory tray and modern lithium packs that shave serious weight off the bike. We weighed cranking power, vibration resistance, real-world fitment against Harley OEM specs, and how each one holds up to the heat and pounding a V-twin throws at it. Below are seven batteries that earn their place in a Harley, ranked best first.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS AGM Battery Best Overall 12V AGM, 270 CCA, YTX20L-BS case, factory-activated sealed |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
NOCO NLP20 Lithium Powersports Battery Best Lithium 12V LiFePO4, 500A cranking, BTX20L group, built-in BMS |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Harley-Davidson AGM Original Equipment Battery 65989-97 Best OEM Fit 12V AGM, Big Twin sealed, factory part 65989-97 |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
ThrottleX ADX20L AGM Battery Best High Output 12V AGM, 350 CCA, YTX20L-BS replacement, high plate count |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Antigravity Batteries ATX20-HD Lithium Battery Best Lightweight 12V lithium, RE-START built-in, 680 CA, Harley-specific case |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Mighty Max Battery YTX20L-BS Gel AGM Battery Best Value 12V AGM/gel, 270 CCA, YTX20L-BS, factory activated sealed |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Banshee YTX20L-BS Lithium LiFePO4 Battery Best Budget Lithium 12V LiFePO4, YTX20L-BS group, lightweight, built-in BMS |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS AGM Battery: Best Overall
Yuasa is the battery brand that rolls out of the factory in a huge share of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, so the YTX20L-BS is about as close to a true OEM replacement as you can buy off the shelf. It delivers 270 cold cranking amps, which is plenty to spin over a 96, 103, or 107 cubic inch V-twin without hesitation, even on a frosty morning. The sealed AGM build means no acid to fill and no maintenance, and the absorbed-glass-mat plates shrug off the constant vibration that kills lesser batteries.
The honest weakness here is weight and the lack of any modern conveniences. This is a heavy lead-acid unit with no built-in charge gauge or app, so you are paying for raw reliability rather than features. If you want to drop pounds off your bike you will look at lithium instead, but for a no-drama, install-it-and-forget-it battery that fits the tray perfectly and starts every time, the Yuasa is the one we trust most.
- 270 cold cranking amps for confident high-compression starts
- Sealed maintenance-free AGM design ships factory activated
- Direct OEM-spec fitment for most Big Twin and Touring models
Pros: Trusted OEM-grade brand many Harleys ship with from the factory; Strong, consistent cranking even in cold weather; Vibration-resistant AGM construction handles V-twin shake
Cons: Heavier than a lithium pack; Premium positioning compared with generic AGM units
2. NOCO NLP20 Lithium Powersports Battery: Best Lithium
The NOCO NLP20 is our pick for riders who want to modernize their Harley with lithium. It replaces a BTX20L or YTX20L group battery and crams 500 amps of cranking power into a pack that weighs a fraction of the lead-acid unit it replaces. That weight loss is felt the moment you pick the bike up off the sidestand, and the LiFePO4 chemistry holds its charge for months, so a Harley that sits over winter fires right up in spring. Foam spacer inserts let you dial in a snug fit in the larger Harley tray.
Lithium does ask a little more of you. You should run a lithium-aware charger to avoid shortening the cell life, and on genuinely cold mornings the smart move is to flick the starter for a second to wake the cells before the real start. Those are small habits for a big payoff. For riders chasing weight savings and brutal cranking power, the NLP20 is the standout.
- Lithium iron phosphate cells deliver 500 amps of cranking power
- Drops several pounds versus an equivalent lead-acid battery
- Adapter foam spacers tailor the fit to Harley trays
Pros: Massive cranking output for instant, aggressive starts; Dramatic weight savings improve handling; Low self-discharge holds a charge for months when parked
Cons: Needs a lithium-compatible charger for best longevity; Cold mornings require a short wake-up start cycle
3. Harley-Davidson AGM Original Equipment Battery 65989-97: Best OEM Fit
If you want absolute certainty that the battery fits and behaves exactly like the one Harley installed at the plant, the genuine 65989-97 AGM is the safe answer. It is the original-equipment sealed AGM for many Big Twin and Touring models, so the dimensions, terminal orientation, and capacity are matched to the factory tray and charging system. For owners loading the bike up with heated grips, audio, and lighting, having a battery sized for that exact electrical load brings peace of mind.
The trade-off is the genuine-parts premium and the weight of a conventional lead-acid AGM. You can find aftermarket batteries with similar specs for less effort on the wallet, and lithium packs that weigh far less. But for the rider who values factory-correct fitment above all and wants to keep the bike fully OEM, this is the battery that removes all the guesswork.
- Genuine Harley-Davidson part engineered for the factory tray
- Sealed AGM build needs no filling or topping up
- Designed around the electrical load of Big Twin models
Pros: Exact factory fit with zero guesswork on dimensions; Matched to Harley charging system and accessories; Rugged sealed construction for touring duty
Cons: Carries the genuine-parts premium; Heavier than aftermarket lithium options
4. ThrottleX ADX20L AGM Battery: Best High Output
ThrottleX built the ADX20L for riders who want maximum cranking muscle from a lead-acid battery. Where a standard YTX20L-BS replacement gives you around 270 CCA, the ADX20L pushes 350 cold cranking amps thanks to a denser plate count. That extra reserve matters on a modified Harley running a hotter cam and higher compression, or on a bagger weighed down with electrical accessories that draw power before the engine even fires.
All that lead comes at the cost of weight, and the densely packed plates make this one of the heavier batteries in its group. The fit is dead-on for the tray, but the tight tolerances mean you want to seat it carefully so the terminals clear the cover. For a rider who values raw starting power and reserve capacity over shaving ounces, the ThrottleX is a serious workhorse.
- 350 cold cranking amps for the most stubborn cold starts
- Extra lead plates pack in more cranking reserve
- Sealed AGM glass-mat design resists vibration and spills
Pros: Class-leading cranking amps in its size group; Strong reserve capacity for accessory-heavy bikes; Made in the USA with a solid warranty
Cons: On the heavy side due to the dense plate stack; Snug fit can require careful seating in the tray
5. Antigravity Batteries ATX20-HD Lithium Battery: Best Lightweight
Antigravity’s ATX20-HD is the lithium battery for riders who have been burned by a dead battery before. Its standout feature is built-in RE-START technology, which keeps a reserve of power isolated so that if you leave the key on and drain the battery, you can press a button or use the included fob to wake it and start the bike anyway. Combined with the dramatic weight savings of lithium and a case shaped for Harley fitment, it is a clever, modern upgrade.
The price reflects the technology, and like any lithium battery it rewards you for using a lithium-aware maintainer rather than an old lead-acid trickle charger. It is also worth wiring your charging habits around its needs to get the full lifespan. But for the rider who wants the lightest battery with a built-in safety net against the classic dead-battery scenario, the Antigravity is hard to beat.
- Built-in RE-START tech revives the battery if it drains
- Extremely light lithium pack tailored for Harley fitment
- High cranking output in a compact, sealed case
Pros: RE-START feature can self-jump after accidental drain; One of the lightest options for serious weight savings; Purpose-designed for Harley applications
Cons: Premium pricing for the lithium and RE-START technology; Best paired with a lithium-specific maintainer
6. Mighty Max Battery YTX20L-BS Gel AGM Battery: Best Value
The Mighty Max YTX20L-BS is the smart choice for riders who want a dependable, correctly sized Harley battery without overthinking the purchase. It is a direct replacement for the common YTX20L-BS group, ships factory activated and sealed, and delivers 270 CCA, which is right in line with the OEM spec for most Big Twin and Sportster applications. The spill-proof AGM gel build means you can mount it in nearly any orientation and forget about maintenance.
This is value-focused, so it does not chase the highest cranking numbers or the longest lifespan in the group. Heavy accessory users and riders in extreme cold may want more headroom, and the absolute longevity can fall a little short of the OEM-grade names. But for a daily rider who wants a proven fit and honest performance that respects the wallet, the Mighty Max gets the job done reliably.
- Direct YTX20L-BS replacement at a friendly value
- Sealed AGM gel design ships ready to install
- Wide compatibility across many Harley models
Pros: Excellent value without sacrificing basic reliability; Spill-proof sealed design mounts in any position; Backed by a solid warranty for the category
Cons: Cranking output is adequate rather than class-leading; Lifespan can trail premium OEM-grade brands
7. Banshee YTX20L-BS Lithium LiFePO4 Battery: Best Budget Lithium
The Banshee YTX20L-BS lithium battery opens the door to lithium ownership for Harley riders who want the weight savings without the premium of the top-shelf brands. It uses LiFePO4 chemistry in a YTX20L-BS form factor, drops a meaningful chunk of weight off the bike, and includes a built-in management system to protect the cells from over-discharge. For a fair-weather rider whose bike sits between weekend runs, the low self-discharge is a genuine convenience.
As the budget lithium pick, it does not match the cold-cranking confidence or refined performance of the Antigravity or NOCO units, and you will want the included foam spacers to seat it properly in the larger Harley tray. Like all lithium, it prefers a compatible charger. But for a rider testing the lithium waters or building a lighter bike on a sensible budget, the Banshee delivers the core benefits at an approachable level.
- Lithium iron phosphate at an accessible value
- Significant weight drop versus lead-acid
- Integrated battery management protects the cells
Pros: Entry into lithium without the top-tier outlay; Light enough to noticeably improve handling; Low self-discharge for bikes that sit between rides
Cons: Cold-weather performance trails premium lithium; Foam spacers needed to snug it into the Harley tray
Frequently Asked Questions
What battery does a Harley-Davidson use?
Most modern Big Twin, Touring, Softail, and Dyna models use a battery in the YTX20L-BS or BTX20L group, a 12-volt unit with around 270 cold cranking amps. Sportsters and some smaller models can use a YTX14L-BS or similar size, so always confirm the exact group number against your year and model in the owner’s manual before buying. Getting the correct group number guarantees the case dimensions, terminal layout, and cranking capacity match your bike’s tray and charging system.
Is lithium or AGM better for a Harley?
It depends on your priorities. AGM batteries are heavier but completely fuss-free, work with any standard charger, and crank strongly in cold weather, which makes them the safe, reliable default. Lithium batteries are far lighter, hold a charge for months when the bike sits, and often crank harder, but they need a lithium-aware charger and can want a brief wake-up start on cold mornings. If you want simple dependability, choose AGM. If you want weight savings and modern features and you will manage the charging properly, lithium is excellent.
How many cold cranking amps does a Harley need?
Most Harley V-twins are happy with a battery delivering around 270 cold cranking amps, which is the OEM spec for the common YTX20L-BS group. If your bike is bone stock, that figure starts it reliably in most conditions. Riders with high-compression builds, big-bore kits, or a lot of electrical accessories benefit from stepping up to a higher-output battery in the 350 CCA range, like the ThrottleX, for extra starting headroom and reserve capacity.
How long does a Harley battery last?
A quality AGM battery typically lasts three to five years in a Harley, while a well-maintained lithium pack can run longer. Lifespan depends heavily on care. Letting a battery sit drained over winter, running it flat repeatedly, or skipping a maintainer all shorten its life. Using a compatible battery tender during storage and keeping the terminals clean and tight are the biggest things you can do to get the full service life out of any battery.
Can I use a regular charger on a lithium Harley battery?
You should avoid it. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a different charging profile than lead-acid, and an old-style trickle charger or a desulfation cycle can damage the cells or shorten their lifespan. Use a charger or maintainer with a dedicated lithium mode, which many modern units like the NOCO Genius series include. Batteries such as the Antigravity and NOCO lithium packs specifically call for lithium-compatible charging to deliver their full life and warranty coverage.
Our Verdict
For most Harley riders, the Yuasa YTX20L-BS is the battery we recommend first. It is the OEM-grade unit many Harleys ship with, it bolts straight into the tray, and it cranks the big V-twin reliably for years with zero fuss. If you want to modernize and shed weight, the NOCO NLP20 lithium is our runner up, pairing brutal 500-amp cranking power with a long shelf charge and a major drop in weight. Match the group number to your model, keep a proper maintainer on it during storage, and either of these will keep your Harley starting on the first press of the button.
