Types of Motorcycle Batteries

There are four main types of motorcycle batteries: Conventional, Maintenance Free Sealed, Maintenance Free Dry Charge and LifePO4. Each is built differently with certain unique advantages and each is to be maintained in its own way.

Conventional Motorcycle Batteries- Conventional batteries are typically the least expensive of the group. However, there is a reason for that. These batteries require more attention than the others in the way of careful and constant maintenance. Due to the high operating temperature and the process of electrolysis and evaporation, they require regularly adding water and battery acid (electrolyte). Conventional batteries also discharge faster than maintenance free and maintenance free dry charge batteries.

Maintenance Free Sealed Motorcycle Batteries- The name pretty much says it all. Maintenance Free motorcycle batteries are just that- maintenance free. Whereas conventional batteries require constant care and adding water, maintenance free batteries are perfectly sealed so the acid can't escape. While the initial cost of maintenance free batteries is typically higher than that of conventional batteries, you will be saving yourself a lot of time and effort by using them.

Maintenance Free Dry Charge Motorcycle Batteries- Think of Maintenance Free Dry Charge batteries as a cousin to Maintenance Free batteries. The main difference here is that they require you to add battery acid before they can be used. Once the acid is filled, however, these batteries are completely maintenance free and spill-proof.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) - This type of battery has significant advantages over conventional lead based batteries. LiFePO4 batteries are safer for the operator and the environment; no explosive gasses, lead, or acid are released during charge or leak out. The Battery has zero sulfation. Holds unloaded charge for one year without maintenance. Faster cranking for better starts , super-fast recharge rate and can be discharged further than equivalent lead-acid batteries. On average, LiFePO4 batteries are one fifth the weight of lead-acid batteries.