ive had a sealed lead acid AGM Motobatt in my flh shovel since 2017........the tender extends its life

 

- Just for clarification, the 12V "lithium" batteries for motorcycles and cars are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), NOT lithium ion (like in cell phones).
- They are very stable when charged correctly.
- They sometimes require "excitement" to fully power up (basically turn on the high beam for 2-3 seconds), however this seems to be a thing of the past with each generation.
- Definitely buy a high-quality model of equal size, capacity and output voltage/CCAs.

I used an Earth-X LiFePO4 battery on two previous Italian bikes (they tend to have worse charging systems than Harley...lol). Very expensive ($320). I charged them with a compatible digital "tender" constantly when stored. Worked fine. I also changed to a LiFePO4 battery on another Italian stallion and it definitely was an improvement, especially after changing out the battery and starter positive and negative cables with some high-strand count electrolytic copper wire cables (I think the company was called Motolectric.com). Those really helped crank that high compression 1198 motor over.

My current battery is a sealed lead acid AGM Interstate version of the original Harley battery. It sits on a smart digital tender when stored. Works fine. Was around $150...but I got it for free so that was a plus.

Earth-X, Dakota Lithium, Odyssey, Shorai, Motobatt, Antigravity and Yuasa all have great versions.

Brownie, that Harley battery looks cool. Wonder what my local price is here in SoCal?

 

Batteries Plus

Almost everywhere and open 7 days a week.

I purchased a Duracell For the 17 Limited and it’s been about two years now. Good product, great warranty and easy to replace on the road if needed.

I found them riding with a group to DC a few years back for RT. Buddy on a Goldwing had a battery go bad. He was on his phone and said there’s a battery plus just a few blocks away. We went there and he got a new battery. Here is where it gets really good. They ask his name and phone number, confirmed he purchased the existing battery from him and said WOW, you have one more day left in your warranty. Here’s a new battery “No Charge”. I’m a customer now and also added one to our F-150 and my lawnmower.

They are always sending coupon discounts up to 20% off in emails.

 

So, the battery charger system originally installed in the HDs is compatible with Lithium batteries? I have a 2018 Softail Slim and I got my Lithium battery a few weeks ado (and only now started to worry about that).

For the charges I see there is a need of special ones to keep up them (I'm trying to buy the one from HD, but its just impossible here in Brazil).

 

Most lithium batteries like to be charging between 11vlts and 14vlts most if not all of the newer Harleys are compatible with the lithium batteries and some of the older ones to, I have a 1988 FLHT with 0 issues, as far as chargers look at Dennis Kirk or J&P cycle and just make sure they are lithium battery compliant.

 

www.optimate1.com

 

I like

 

I wish i would have bought the Yuasa battery. I was kinds disappointed in Battery Mart after sending a battery that was 6 months old and only sowing 12.4 volts. My brother just bought a battery for his Shovelhead from Battery Mart and it does not fit the bike any longer. Same exact number EXT 16 as the battery he took out. They need to tell people about this before you order one of these.

 

That's what I have in my M8 Road Glide. 500 CCA too. It cranks over faster with the additional amps.

Paul

 

Noco has lithium batteries for Harley, I’m not sure if they have any in stock. I have one for my Yamaha and the weight savings and price is definitely worth it