Swapping the heavy lead-acid brick in your Harley for a lithium battery is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. A good LiFePO4 pack drops several pounds off the bike, holds voltage far better between rides, and spins a big twin-cam or Milwaukee-Eight over faster than the factory unit ever did. The catch is that not every lithium battery handles the high cranking demand of a 96, 103, 107, or 114 cubic inch motor, and a weak one will leave you stranded on a cold morning.
We focused on real cranking amps, build quality, and how each battery behaves in heat and cold rather than headline numbers alone. Below are seven lithium batteries that genuinely fit Harley Davidson Sportster, Softail, Dyna, Touring, and V-Rod models, ranked best first. Always confirm the group size and terminal layout against your specific year and model before you buy.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Antigravity Batteries ATX30-HD Heavy Duty Best Overall Group 30, 1040 cranking amps, built-in restart and Bluetooth tracking on RE-START models |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Noco NLP30 Lithium Powersport Battery Best for Touring Models Group 30, 700 cranking amps, integrated BMS with low-temperature protection |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 Lithium Battery Best Lightweight 18Ah PbEq capacity, carbon-composite cells, weighs only a few pounds |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Ballistic Performance EVO2 12-Cell Battery Best Cranking Power 12-cell EVO2, very high burst cranking output, compact race-bred case |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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EarthX ETX36D Lithium Battery Best Smart BMS ETX36D, advanced internal BMS with fault LED, aerospace-grade build |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MMG YTX20L-BS Lithium Battery Best Value YTX20L-BS size, LiFePO4 cells, integrated charge indicator button |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Battery Tender Lithium 200CCA Powersport Battery Best for Sportster 200 CCA powersport, LiFePO4, from the maker of the popular tender chargers |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Antigravity Batteries ATX30-HD Heavy Duty: Best Overall
The Antigravity ATX30-HD is the battery we would put in our own Harley Touring bike. It is a true group 30 replacement that delivers enough cranking amps to spin a 107 or 114 Milwaukee-Eight over instantly, and it does it while shedding a large amount of weight versus the factory AGM unit. Antigravity built the Heavy Duty line specifically for high-displacement V-twins, so the case, terminals, and internal cells are matched to the vibration and current draw a Harley actually produces.
The standout is the optional RE-START technology, which keeps a reserve of energy isolated from your accessory loads. If you leave an alarm or accessory draining the pack, the battery shuts off its main bank before going flat and lets you press a button to self-jump. The honest weakness is size and value: this is one of the larger and pricier lithium options here, and riders on smaller Sportsters simply do not need this much battery. For Touring and big Softail owners, though, it is the most confidence-inspiring choice we researched.
- Massive cranking output rated for big-twin Touring and Softail motors
- Optional RE-START version stores a reserve charge so a parasitic drain cannot fully strand you
- Brass terminals and a heavy molded case built specifically for V-twin vibration
Pros: Cranks 103 to 114 engines without hesitation even in cool weather; RE-START reserve feature is genuinely useful real-world insurance; Drop-in group 30 fit for most Touring models
Cons: Heavier and bulkier than smaller lithium packs; Premium positioning means it sits at the top of the range
2. Noco NLP30 Lithium Powersport Battery: Best for Touring Models
Noco is a name most riders already know from jump starters and chargers, and the NLP30 brings that same engineering focus to a lithium powersport battery. It is a group 30 unit aimed right at Harley Touring riders, and the included adapter hardware and foam spacers make it one of the easiest installs in this guide. Slot it into a Street Glide or Road King tray, pick the correct terminal orientation, and you are riding. The integrated BMS handles balancing, over-discharge, and thermal protection automatically.
In use, the NLP30 cranks a 103 or 107 twin-cam confidently and holds its rested voltage for weeks, which is exactly what you want for a bike that sits between weekend rides. The realistic limitation is its 700 cranking amp rating, which is plenty for stock motors but not the absolute strongest figure in this lineup, and the cold-weather protection circuit can pause cranking for a moment while the pack self-warms below freezing. For typical riding conditions, it is a superb, hassle-free Touring battery.
- Group 30 form factor drops straight into most Harley Touring trays
- Onboard battery management system guards against over-discharge and heat
- Includes multiple terminal adapters and foam spacers for a tight, rattle-free fit
Pros: Excellent fit kit makes installation clean on Street Glide and Road King; Strong, steady cranking for 103 and 107 engines; Trusted brand support from a well-known battery maker
Cons: Cranking amps trail the very strongest packs here; Low-temp protection can briefly delay cranking in deep cold until cells warm
3. Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 Lithium Battery: Best Lightweight
If the main reason you are going lithium is weight, the Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 is the standout. Shorai uses carbon-composite prismatic cells that are remarkably light, so this battery shaves an impressive amount of mass compared to a lead-acid equivalent while still spinning a Sportster, Dyna, or smaller Softail over cleanly. The sealed case can mount in nearly any position, and the supplied foam shims let you dial in a snug fit across several Harley trays.
The Shorai also excels at sitting unused. Its self-discharge is very low, so a bike parked for a month fires right up. The honest caveat is charging: Shorai cells respond best to a lithium-aware charger, and a plain lead-acid trickle charger is not ideal for long-term balancing. The 18Ah rating is also tuned more toward mid-size Harleys than a loaded bagger with a stereo and heated grips. Within its weight class, though, nothing here feels lighter on the bike.
- Extremely light prismatic cells shed a dramatic amount of weight from the bike
- Sealed, non-spillable case mounts in any orientation
- Includes foam shims to fit a range of Sportster and Dyna trays
Pros: One of the lightest batteries that still cranks a V-twin; Holds voltage extremely well during long storage; Compact size frees up tray space on smaller frames
Cons: Best paired with a Shorai-compatible charger for balancing; Smaller capacity is better suited to Sportster and Dyna than big Touring loads
4. Ballistic Performance EVO2 12-Cell Battery: Best Cranking Power
Ballistic built its reputation in racing, and the EVO2 12-cell brings that punch to street Harleys. If you have raised compression, a stroker kit, or just want the fastest, most violent crank possible, this battery delivers an aggressive burst of current that lights big motors instantly. It is also impressively light for the output, and the adjustable terminals plus included foam make it adaptable to a range of Sportster, Dyna, and Softail trays.
The flip side of that performance focus is that the EVO2 wants to be looked after. It strongly prefers a Ballistic-compatible balancing charger, and because it favors high cranking output over sheer reserve capacity, riders running a lot of accessories should size up carefully. Treat it right and keep it balanced, and it is the hardest-cranking battery in this guide for performance-oriented builds.
- High-output cells deliver aggressive cranking for built and high-compression motors
- Compact footprint with adjustable terminals and included spacer foam
- Rugged case designed for hard-riding and performance applications
Pros: Spins high-compression and stroker engines with authority; Very light for the cranking power it provides; Flexible terminal positioning aids tricky installs
Cons: Strongly benefits from a Ballistic-style balancing charger; Tighter capacity margin if you run many accessories
5. EarthX ETX36D Lithium Battery: Best Smart BMS
EarthX comes from an aviation background, and the ETX36D shows it. The internal battery management system is among the most thorough you can buy, with cell balancing, thermal cutoff, short-circuit protection, and an external LED that warns you of a fault before you turn the key on a dead pack. For riders who want maximum reliability and early warning rather than a surprise no-start, this is a compelling option for a Harley.
That engineering depth is the whole point, but it does mean the ETX36D sits toward the premium end and can feel like more battery than a casual rider needs. Depending on your model and year, you may also need to confirm terminal orientation and add spacers for a tight fit. If you ride long distances, value diagnostics, and want a pack that actively manages its own health, the EarthX earns its place.
- Sophisticated BMS with cell balancing, short-circuit, and thermal protection
- External fault indicator LED flags a problem before it strands you
- Sealed, vibration-resistant case engineered to demanding standards
Pros: A very protective and well-monitored BMS systems available; Strong cranking with reassuring fault diagnostics; Long expected service life from quality cells
Cons: Premium engineering carries a premium feel; May require terminal or fit adapting on some Harley trays
6. MMG YTX20L-BS Lithium Battery: Best Value
The MMG YTX20L-BS is the sensible starting point for riders who want lithium benefits without overthinking it. It is a direct replacement for the very common YTX20L-BS size used across many Sportster, Dyna, and Softail models, so the fit is usually straightforward. The onboard state-of-charge button is a small touch that makes it easy to confirm the pack is healthy before a ride, and the LiFePO4 construction delivers the weight drop and steady resting voltage that make lithium worthwhile.
What you give up at this position is sophistication. The BMS and cells are more basic than what EarthX or Antigravity offer, so the cold-weather cranking margin is tighter and you should baby it with a lithium-appropriate charger over winter. For a rider in a temperate climate who wants a clean, light, fairly priced lithium upgrade, the MMG covers the essentials and represents strong everyday value.
- Direct YTX20L-BS replacement common across many Harley models
- Built-in state-of-charge indicator button for quick checks
- Light LiFePO4 construction with a sealed, mountable case
Pros: Easy, affordable entry into lithium for most Harleys; Handy onboard charge indicator; Light enough to feel the weight savings immediately
Cons: BMS and cells are simpler than premium rivals; Cold-weather cranking margin is narrower
7. Battery Tender Lithium 200CCA Powersport Battery: Best for Sportster
Battery Tender is a household name for the maintainers that live in countless garages, and its lithium powersport battery brings that familiarity to the bike itself. This 200 CCA LiFePO4 pack is right-sized for Sportster 883 and 1200 models and other smaller V-twins, where its light weight is immediately noticeable and its starting output is more than enough. If you already run a Battery Tender lithium-compatible charger, the pairing is about as foolproof as motorcycle electrics get.
The trade-off is scope. With the most modest cranking figure in this roundup, it is squarely a small-and-mid-bike battery and not the choice for a fully loaded Touring rig with a stereo, lighting, and heated gear. Used within its lane on a Sportster or similar, it is a reliable, well-supported, sensibly built lithium upgrade that does exactly what it promises.
- Compact LiFePO4 pack sized for Sportster and smaller V-twins
- Pairs naturally with Battery Tender lithium-compatible maintainers
- Sealed, lightweight case with simple drop-in installation
Pros: Great match for Sportster 883 and 1200 starting needs; Backed by a brand riders already trust for maintainers; Noticeable weight savings on lighter frames
Cons: Capacity is aimed at smaller motors, not loaded baggers; Cranking output is the most modest in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a lithium battery fit my Harley Davidson without modifications?
In most cases yes, because the better lithium batteries are sold in the same group sizes Harley uses, such as group 30 for Touring models and YTX20L-BS for many Sportster, Dyna, and Softail bikes. The lithium pack is usually physically smaller and lighter than the lead-acid unit it replaces, so manufacturers include foam spacers and adapter shims to take up the slack and stop it rattling. Before buying, confirm your exact year and model, the group size, and the terminal layout so the positive and negative posts line up with your cables.
Do lithium batteries crank a big-twin Harley as well as lead-acid?
A correctly sized lithium battery usually cranks better, not worse. LiFePO4 cells hold a higher, more stable voltage under load, so a 103, 107, or 114 motor often spins over faster and more sharply than it did on the old AGM battery. The key is choosing enough cranking amps for your engine, which is why we ranked higher-output packs like the Antigravity ATX30-HD and Ballistic EVO2 near the top. Undersize the battery and a big high-compression motor can outrun it, so match the rating to your displacement.
Do I need a special charger for a lithium motorcycle battery?
Yes, you should use a charger with a lithium or LiFePO4 mode. Lead-acid chargers, including many older trickle chargers and desulfators, use voltage profiles that can confuse or damage a lithium pack and its BMS over time. A lithium-aware maintainer charges to the correct voltage and balances the cells safely. Brands like Battery Tender and Noco make lithium-compatible maintainers, and several batteries here, including the Shorai and Ballistic, perform best with a balancing charger from a matched ecosystem.
How do lithium batteries handle cold weather on a Harley?
Lithium chemistry is more temperature sensitive than lead-acid, and capacity drops in deep cold. Many quality packs include a BMS with low-temperature protection that briefly pauses cranking while the cells self-warm, which is normal. A common trick is to turn the ignition on for several seconds, or thumb the starter for a short bump, to wake and warm the battery before the real crank. If you ride in genuinely harsh winters, lean toward higher-capacity options with strong BMS management like the EarthX or Antigravity.
How long does a lithium battery last in a motorcycle?
A good LiFePO4 motorcycle battery commonly lasts longer than a typical lead-acid unit, often several years and many more charge cycles, provided it is maintained properly. The biggest factors are using a lithium-correct charger, avoiding deep over-discharge from parasitic draws like alarms and accessories, and not leaving it flat for long periods. Packs with smarter battery management systems, such as the EarthX ETX36D, actively balance cells and protect against the abuse that shortens lifespan, which helps them reach the upper end of their service life.
Our Verdict
For most Harley Davidson riders, the Antigravity ATX30-HD is our top pick: it cranks big-twin Touring and Softail motors easily, sheds serious weight, and the optional RE-START reserve is real-world insurance against a dead pack. Our runner up is the Noco NLP30, which delivers clean, confident starting on 103 and 107 engines and ships with one of the best fit kits here, making it the easiest fully reliable install for Street Glide and Road King owners. Match the group size and cranking amps to your specific model, pair the battery with a lithium-aware charger, and any battery in this guide will outperform the lead-acid brick it replaces.
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