A lithium starting battery can save several pounds on a motorcycle or ATV and holds its charge far better in storage than lead-acid. Here's how to pick the right one.
1. Find your case size
Powersports batteries are sold by case size, a code printed on your current battery such as YTX12-BS, YTX14-BS or YTZ7S. Our listings show the case size and the sizes each battery replaces. If the label is gone, measure the battery (length, width, height) and compare with the dimensions on the product page.
2. Check the terminal layout
Note which side the positive terminal is on when the battery is in place. Some Antigravity models have four terminals so they fit either layout.
3. Compare cranking amps
Cranking amps (CA) are measured at 32°F; cold-cranking amps (CCA) at 0°F. CCA is the tougher test, so compare CA with CA and CCA with CCA. Bigger engines, cold starts and accessories need more.
4. Consider RE-START
Antigravity RE-START batteries hold back a reserve. If you drain the battery (lights left on, a long crank), you press a button to unlock the reserve and start the engine without jumper cables.
5. Charge it right
Use a lithium-compatible charger or maintainer. Some older lead-acid chargers have a desulfation or pulse mode that can damage lithium. Dakota Lithium's 12V chargers are in powersports and marine chargers.
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One battery, several case sizes
Many lithium batteries are built to replace several lead-acid case sizes. Antigravity's ATZ-10-HD RE-START, for example, replaces the YTZ10S, YTZ12, YTZ14, YTX9 and YTX12A-BS, among others, and its Group 26 RE-START (925 CA, 8.5 lbs) replaces the lead-acid Group 26 battery used in Polaris RZR and Ranger models. Each listing shows the full replacement list, so search for the code on your current battery.
Why lithium for powersports?
The weight savings are dramatic. Antigravity's ATZ5-X dirt bike battery weighs 0.95 lbs, its ATZ-10-HD RE-START weighs 3.15 lbs, and Dakota Lithium's DL+ 12V 15Ah motorcycle battery weighs 3.97 lbs. Lithium also holds its charge in storage better than lead-acid, which helps on bikes and mowers that sit for weeks.
Reading the capacity rating
Some powersports lithium batteries list a "lead-acid equivalent" capacity alongside the real lithium amp-hours. Antigravity's ATZ5-X, for example, is rated 5Ah lead-acid equivalent (2.4Ah lithium). Compare like with like, and lean on cranking amps for starting performance.
Brands we carry
- Antigravity: lightweight starting batteries with a BMS (over-charge, over-discharge and thermal protection, cell balancing) that can be mounted in any orientation. RE-START models hold back a reserve for a jump-start without cables. 3-year warranty.
- Ionic: 12V LiFePO4 starting batteries with Bluetooth state of charge in the Ionic app, such as the S6 (720 CA, 4.4 lbs) for ATVs. 5-year warranty on these models.
- Dakota Lithium: DL+ dual-purpose batteries that start an engine and run accessories, with an 11-year warranty.
Fitting tips
- A lithium battery can be smaller than the lead-acid case it replaces (Dakota's DL+ 12V 15Ah, for example, is about 2 in. shorter than a YTX14-BS). Make sure it's held firmly, using any spacers the maker supplies.
- Check the terminal size and the hardware, and tighten to the maker's spec.
- In cold weather, follow the maker's starting and charging advice.
Related guides
- The complete lithium conversion guide: steps, make-by-make notes, costs and install videos.
- Fitment Guide: every battery we sell by make, model and year.
- Charger guide
- Trolling motor batteries
Need a hand? Use the Fitment Guide to see every battery we sell for your cart, or send us your cart's make, model, year and serial number and we'll confirm the right battery before you order.
Powersports battery videos
Official videos from the brands we carry. They load only when you press play.
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