These batteries were marketed as having a long service life and the ability to hold a charge for a significantly, extremely long period. Many battery manufacturers even provided a three-year warranty on their products. If you haven’t already realized it, the lead-acid battery that you’re hauling around on your motorcycle is powered by technology that’s nearly a century old. There is a long list of disadvantages and limitations, the most well-known of which is the excessive weight of the device.

Lithium batteries can reduce the weight of your motorcycle by as much as 9 pounds in some cases. This is critical in maintaining a competitive edge in a race or a performance-related application. As for the rest of us, they’re fantastic because they don’t leak and, in many cases, don’t require any charging even when left plugged in all winter. It is also essential to consider the “cool factor” because they are frequently minimal.

I’m going to compare three different manufacturers of lithium motorcycle batteries today; the first is Ballistic Performance Components, which is the first on the list. Ballistic batteries are marketed more towards the performance and gadget-oriented motorcycle rider because they are not manufactured to OEM specifications and can often be stored in the palm of your hand rather than the glove compartment. You can purchase a quick disconnect kit for your ballistic battery, as well as a BMS balance charger that is branded with the Ballistic name and logo. In lithium batteries, a balance charger is the best option because it charges each cell rather than stopping when the first cell reaches total capacity (as is the case with a standard battery charger).

Shorai has also been in the game for a while, but their lithium battery is OEM-spec sized, which means it will fit comfortably into your stock battery box without modification. A short battery, in my opinion, is ideal for the plug-and-play guy who wants to experiment with new technology without having to go through a lot of hassle. Another feature of the short battery line is that they offer a ‘duration’ battery, which provides a little extra oomph if you have additional electrical items on your motorcycle, such as different lights, a GPS, or other similar devices.

Mirai is a relative newcomer to the world of lithium motorcycle batteries, having launched its first product in 2012. In terms of design, a Mirai battery is similar in concept to a Shorai battery. Still, Mirai goes one step further by including heavy-duty terminals on all four sides of the battery.

You can purchase a quick disconnect kit for your ballistic battery, as well as a BMS balance charger that is branded with the Ballistic name and logo. In lithium batteries, a balance charger is the best option because it charges each cell rather than stopping when the first cell reaches total capacity (as is the case with a standard battery charger).