Best Batteries for a Harley: 2024 Edition
For most of us, the battery is one of the last things we think about until it fails to start our Harley Davidson motorcycle. Sometimes the issue is apparent by a weaker-than-normal start, or it could have come as a sudden surprise with the sound of our starter clicking.
Either way, when this happens, we often will look toward our Harley Davidson battery tender to solve the problem. If the battery is relatively new, a battery tender might solve the problem, but it may be time to get a replacement if the battery is older. So, in 2024, who do you turn to for a reliable battery that can be delivered fast?
Replacement Harley Davidson AGM Batteries
At BatteryStuff.com, our Scorpion Battery line carries the best Harley Davidson batteries meant to replace the OEM battery. The Scorpion Battery line offers high cranking, is non-spillable, factory-sealed, and comes with OEM-style terminals. Like all Scorpion AGM batteries, they come with a one-year replacement warranty for manufacturer defects! Yes, you heard us right. It is a replacement warranty, not pro-rated like many of our competitors!
Harley Part# | Scorpion Part# | Approximate Dimensions | CCA | Polarity | Image | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Length | Width | Height | |||||
6607-84 (YHD-12) | hYIX28L | 8" + 1.5" at terminals | 5.13" | 6.5" | 370 | ||
66010-97A (B or C) | hYIX30HL | 6.57" | 5.0" | 6.88" | 450 | ||
66010-82B | hYTX24HL | 8.13" | 3.57" | 6.38" | 380 | ||
65989-97A (B, C, or D) | hYTX20DHL | 6.88" | 3.44" | 6.13" | 320 | ||
65991-82B | hYTX16BH | 6.88" | 4.0" | 6.13" | 325 | ||
65958-04A (B & C) | hYTX14HL | 6.0" | 3.43" | 5.75" | 240 | ||
65948-00 | hYTX14H | 6.0" | 3.43" | 5.75" | 240 |
Harley Davidson Lithium Replacement Batteries
For those needing more cranking power, the Scorpion Stinger Lithium line offers two Harley-specific models that are the same case size and come with flush mount terminals like the OEM Harley batteries. These Harley Davidson lithium batteries are higher in capacity than our standard Scorpion Stinger line, producing more cranking power for your V-Twin engines. The main advantage to switching to a lithium battery is that they offer a lightweight design, weighing about 1/3 the weight of the original battery, yet producing a lot more cranking power to turn over your high-compression engine.
Lithium motorcycle batteries are a great alternative and can offer a slightly higher lifespan when cared for properly. Before making the switch, we suggest reading a couple of articles discussing the pros and cons of lithium technology and its cold weather starting limitations.
Harley Part# | Scorpion Part# | Approximate Dimensions | CCA | Polarity | Image | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Length | Width | Height | |||||
66010-97A (B or C) | SSHVT-2-FFP | 6.57" | 5.0" | 6.88" | 675 | ||
66010-97A (B or C) | SSHVT-1-FPP | 6.57" | 3.44" | 6.13" | 500 |
Alternatives to the Harley Style Battery
When purchasing a Harley Davidson replacement, you should pay attention that you are choosing the correct size battery and that the battery comes with the right terminal. Many Harley model bikes need a flush-style terminal because some Harleys use a battery cable with an L-shape connector. Harley’s that utilize this type of connector generally have a battery cable that comes from below the battery, and the L-shaped bracket sits on top of the terminal.
Many big box distributors will sell you a battery that might ‘fit’ your Harley’s battery box, but the box-style terminals they come with sit too far back, so the L-Shape bracket doesn’t align with the bolt holes required to secure the cable. The battery may fit, but you cannot use it unless you can connect the cable to the battery.
These alternatives are often attractive as they can be less expensive than the Harley-style battery. However, before purchasing an alternative, it is important to verify that the connector coming off your bike’s battery cable. If the connector looks like an L-shaped bracket, stick with the Harley versions above. If the connector is a ring connector, then these alternatives can be a budget-friendly option!
Harley Part# | Scorpion Part# | Approximate Dimensions | CCA | Polarity | Image | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Length | Width | Height | |||||
66010-97A (B or C) | sYIX30L | 6.57" | 4.94" | 6.88" | 400 | ||
66010-82B | sYTX24HL | 8.13" | 3.57" | 6.38" | 350 | ||
65989-97A (B, C, or D) | sYTX20HL | 6.88" | 3.44" | 6.13" | 310 | ||
65991-82B | sYTX20H | 6.88" | 3.44" | 6.13" | 310 | ||
65948-00 | sYTX14 | 6.0" | 3.43" | 5.75" | 200 |
Most FAQs regarding the best Harley Replacement Batteries:
- How long should a Harley battery last?
- The average life span for a Harley battery is 3 to 5 years when maintained with a battery maintainer when not in use. If you live in a moderate climate, we have seen customers exceed the 5-year mark with our Scorpion Battery line.
- How many CCA does a Harley need to start?
- BatteryStuff.com recommends sticking with your manufacturer’s suggested battery. For custom applications, we recommend choosing the battery based on the bike the engine came from. If the engine or starter has been modified, we recommend talking with the companies that performed or provided the modifications to ensure you get the proper-sized battery.
- What type of battery does Harley Davidson use?
- The original Harley came with a flooded battery, much like the batteries we find in our vehicles. However, today Harley has transitioned to a sealed, non-spillable AGM battery, much like the Scorpion’s Harley Davidson Replacement Batteries.
- What drains the battery in a Harley Davidson when it’s not running?
- Like most modern vehicles, motorcycles are no exception when it comes to electronics installed on a bike. Today’s touring bikes can come with all the bells and whistle of a GPS, security system, key fobs, etc... Depending on the bike, you could have a small or large parasitic draw, so we recommend using a battery maintainer whenever you are not using the bike to ensure the battery is topped off and ready to go!
If you need assistance finding the right battery or have questions that have not been answered. Feel free to call or reach out to our techs via our contact us page.