Advantages and Disadvantages of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Motorcycles! Comparison Table with Lead-Acid Batteries

Disadvantages of Motorcycle Lithium-ion Batteries

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Motorcycle lithium batteries are popular because they are less prone to self-discharge than conventional lead-acid batteries, making them less likely to run flat even if the motorcycle is not ridden for a while.

However, they have the following disadvantages, so it is recommended that those considering introducing them weigh these disadvantages before deciding.

① Weak to cold

Lithium batteries are vulnerable to sudden temperature changes, and their starting performance can significantly drop below 0℃. Their weakness to cold is one of their disadvantages.

This makes them difficult to handle in cold regions in winter, and they may not function, such as the starter motor failing to turn, when a lot of power is needed for starting.

In addition to low temperatures, high temperatures also require caution, so avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in places that get hot.

② High price

Another disadvantage of lithium batteries is that they are 2 to 3 times more expensive than conventional lead-acid batteries, even those used as original equipment.

However, they have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries and require no maintenance, so in terms of running costs and inspection effort, they are not necessarily more expensive.

When comparing only the price of the battery itself, lithium-ion batteries are more expensive and harder to obtain easily, so their high price can be considered a disadvantage.

③ May require a dedicated charger

Lithium batteries usually require a dedicated charger because their charging method differs from that of lead-acid batteries.

While lead-acid battery chargers are available at various places like gas stations, lithium battery chargers may not be, making it less convenient to charge than lead-acid batteries.

Using a lead-acid battery charger can, in the worst case, lead to fire due to overcharging, so always use a dedicated charger.

④ Sensitive to voltage fluctuations

Common lithium batteries like LiFePO4 have a narrow usable voltage range of about 10V to 14.5V, so voltage fluctuations can cause them to exceed this range.

If the voltage becomes higher than the usable range (14.6V or more: overvoltage), there is a risk of heat generation, fire, or battery swelling. If it drops below 10V, the battery is highly likely to become unrecoverable.

The narrow usable voltage range and the risks of fire or irreparable damage if it's exceeded, coupled with its sensitivity to voltage fluctuations, are also disadvantages of lithium batteries.

⑤ Compatibility and installation caution

When voltage is unstable or with older motorcycles, compatibility issues, where replacing a lead-acid battery is not smooth, are also a disadvantage.

If the motorcycle's regulator or charging system is not compatible with a lithium-ion battery, overcharging can occur, and the need for caution during installation is also a disadvantage.

When replacing a lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion battery, check for compatibility and whether it can be installed before making the switch.

⑥ Risk of sudden shutdown

Lithium-ion batteries are equipped with a protection circuit that shuts off the circuit and stops functioning in situations like overvoltage or overdischarge.

Therefore, another disadvantage is that a lithium-ion battery can suddenly become unusable if it enters a state of overcharging, depending on the usage environment.

Lead-acid batteries do not suddenly stop functioning and show warning signs like gradually dimming lights, but lithium-ion batteries suddenly stopping use can also be considered a disadvantage.

⑦ Risk of fire/smoke (extremely rare)

The extremely rare risk of fire or smoke is also a disadvantage of lithium-ion batteries that lead-acid batteries do not have.

Especially when choosing cheap, poor-quality lithium-ion batteries, the protection circuit may not work during overcharging, leading to a risk of fire or smoke.

Once a fire starts, it is difficult to extinguish, and there is a risk of explosion if water reacts with lithium. Therefore, when using them, do not judge solely by price, but choose a trusted and proven lithium-ion battery.

Advantages of Motorcycle Lithium-ion Batteries

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The advantages of motorcycle lithium-ion batteries are as follows:

1. Ultra-lightweight
2. Long lifespan
3. Low self-discharge
4. Fast charging speed
5. High output and stable voltage
6. No risk of fluid leakage or gas generation
7. Less sudden degradation

Let's look at the advantages in detail one by one.

① Ultra-lightweight

One advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they are ultra-lightweight, weighing only 1/3 to 1/5 of a lead-acid battery.

Lithium-ion batteries weigh around 500g to 700g, and a lighter battery lowers the motorcycle's center of gravity, increasing stability during cornering.

It also leads to improved handling, and especially in racing vehicles, it creates a significant advantage in performance, with the lightweight aspect offering greater benefits.

② Long lifespan

Lithium-ion batteries have a long lifespan of 5 to 10 years with normal use, which is a significant advantage compared to the 2 to 3 year lifespan of lead-acid batteries.

They have a lifespan 2 to 3 times longer than lead-acid batteries under normal use and require no maintenance, allowing for stable use over a long period.

While lithium-ion batteries are more expensive when comparing battery prices, considering their years of use and maintenance-free nature, lithium-ion batteries can actually be cheaper.

③ Low self-discharge

Lithium-ion batteries have low self-discharge, so their voltage does not drop easily even when left unused for a long period.

Lead-acid batteries experience a voltage drop after being left for 2-3 weeks, but lithium-ion batteries have a self-discharge rate less than 1/5 of lead-acid batteries, maintaining a stable voltage for a longer time.

The significantly lower self-discharge rate compared to conventional lead-acid batteries for motorcycles is a major advantage of lithium-ion batteries.

④ Fast charging speed

One of the advantages of lithium-ion batteries is their "fast charging speed," taking only about 1 to 2 hours to charge.

Lead-acid batteries typically require 5 to 10 hours or more for charging, but lithium-ion batteries can complete charging in about one-fifth of that time.

However, lithium-ion batteries require a dedicated charger, and lead-acid chargers cannot be used, so caution is needed.

⑤ High output and stable voltage

High output and stable high voltage, with the starter motor turning vigorously even in winter (on days above 0℃), is also an advantage of lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries have low internal resistance in the cell, allowing them to instantly supply large currents, providing stable power at all times.

Many riders feel that their starter motor spins more energetically after switching from a lead-acid battery to a lithium-ion battery.

⑥ No risk of fluid leakage or gas generation

Lithium-ion batteries do not use liquid electrolytes like lead-acid batteries, so there is no risk of fluid leakage.

They don't leak even if overturned or inverted, and they don't produce harmful gases like sulfuric acid gas, making them a battery that is kind to both the body and the environment.

Especially for motorcycles, which have a risk of falling, lithium-ion batteries that do not leak fluid when overturned are a significant advantage.

⑦ Less sudden degradation (except for temperature)

Lithium-ion batteries, with low self-discharge and long lifespan, also exhibit less sudden degradation.

However, when used in cold regions in winter, especially on extremely cold days, battery performance may not be fully realized. (This can sometimes be improved with pre-warming.)

Another advantage is that the battery degrades less suddenly and can be used stably for a long period.

Recommended Lithium-ion Batteries

Here are 5 recommended lithium-ion batteries that offer a long lifespan, are lightweight, and maintain voltage well even after being left for a while.

If you're considering switching from a conventional lead-acid battery to a lithium-ion battery, please use this as a reference when choosing.

AZ LIB MC Battery AZ

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/az-itx12-fp

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If you're looking for a longer-lasting lithium-ion battery that delivers stable performance, we recommend AZ's "AZ LIB MC Battery".

It uses LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) which has an even longer lifespan than general lithium-ion batteries like NMC, resulting in excellent low-temperature starting performance.

• Product Name: AZ LIB MC Battery
• Manufacturer: AZ
• Length × Width × Height (mm): 150 × 93 × 87
• Weight: 700g
• Selling Price (incl. tax): ¥21,371

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/drc-d45-09-103

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For those who want a compact lithium-ion battery, we recommend DRC's "Tough Star Lithium Battery #103".

It is waterproof, resistant to rain and water during washing, and equipped with an LED indicator that shows the battery level at a glance.

• Product Name: Tough Star Lithium Battery #103
• Manufacturer: DRC
• Length × Width × Height (mm): 134 × 65 × 92
• Weight: 610g
• Selling Price (incl. tax): ¥19,885

Source: www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00DRR3HBW

The SKYRICH "Lithium-ion Battery HJTZ7S-FP-SI" is highly rated by users on Amazon.

As of July 2025, it has a high user rating of 4.4 stars and is a lithium-ion battery of stable quality, having obtained ISO-9001 and ISO-14001 certifications.

• Product Name: Lithium-ion Battery HJTZ7S-FP-SI
• Manufacturer: SKYRICH
• Length × Width × Height (mm): 113 × 70 × 105
• Weight: 600g
• Selling Price (incl. tax): ¥18,500

Source: www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DZFVHD5K

For those looking for an affordable motorcycle lithium-ion battery, we recommend T.E.T

"Motorcycle Lithium-ion Battery LFP4L".

This lithium-ion battery is priced under 10,000 yen (as of July 2025), making it ideal for those who want to "try out the difference from lead-acid batteries" or "whose lead-acid battery is approaching the end of its life."

• Product Name: Motorcycle Lithium-ion Battery LFP4L
• Manufacturer: T.E.T
• Length × Width × Height (mm): 113 × 69 × 105
• Weight: Approx. 600g
• Selling Price (incl. tax): ¥8,999

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/drc-d45-09-102

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DRC's "Tough Star Lithium Battery #102" is designed for general off-road vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries have a self-discharge rate of about 1.2% per month, which is significantly lower than lead-acid batteries, making them ideal for riders who enjoy touring or course riding only on weekends or holidays.

• Product Name: Tough Star Lithium Battery #102
• Manufacturer: DRC
• Length × Width × Height (mm): 107 × 56 × 85
• Weight: 420g
• Selling Price (incl. tax): ¥18,828

Lithium-ion Battery vs. Lead-acid Battery Comparison

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We've compiled a table comparing the performance and ease of handling of lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries.

Item	Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion)	Lead-acid battery
Weight	Very light (1/3 to 1/5)	Heavy
Lifespan	Approx. 5-10 years (many charge/discharge cycles)	Approx. 2-3 years
Price	Expensive (2-3 times that of lead)	Inexpensive
Starting performance	High output, stable voltage, good starting performance	Normally no problem, but somewhat weak in low temperatures
Cold resistance	Weak (performance deteriorates below 0℃)	Relatively strong (strong in cold regions)
Self-discharge (discharge tolerance)	Low (OK even after several months of neglect)	Relatively high (voltage drops in 2-3 weeks)
Charging speed	Fast (can be fully charged in a short time)	Slow
Risk of fluid leakage	None (solid or gel)	Yes (dilute sulfuric acid)
Can be laid on its side?	OK (no structural problem)	NG (risk of fluid leakage)
Charger	Dedicated (LiFePO4 compatibility recommended)	General chargers are OK
Maintenance	Not required (completely maintenance-free)	May require water replenishment depending on the case
Installability	May require gap-filling due to being too light	Size tends to fit the vehicle well
Safety	Risk of fire/swelling (beware of inferior products)	Relatively stable (explosions are rare)

A comparison of lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries reveals the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries.

• Extremely lightweight
• Long lifespan
• Extremely low self-discharge
• High price
• Lower cold resistance than lead-acid batteries
• No risk of fluid leakage
• No maintenance required
• In terms of safety, there is a risk of fire or swelling, making lead-acid batteries safer

Among these, the most significant characteristics of lithium-ion batteries are their extremely light weight, about 1/3 to 1/5 that of lead-acid batteries, their lifespan being twice as long, and their very low self-discharge rate.

Additionally, their charging time is less than half that of lead-acid batteries, and there's no risk of fluid leakage even if they are tipped over. However, there is a risk of fire or swelling due to overcharging or overvoltage.

Although lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, they offer high performance for their price due to their maintenance-free nature and long lifespan.

Conclusion: Which is better after all?

Whether a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery is better depends on how often you ride your motorcycle.

For casual riders who don't ride frequently, such as weekend riders, a lithium-ion battery is recommended because it has lower self-discharge than a lead-acid battery and a shorter charging time.

For those who use their motorcycle for daily commuting or school, a lead-acid battery is recommended because it is cheaper and easier to charge, providing stable use without the battery self-discharging too quickly.

Who should choose a lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries should be chosen by people who ride their motorcycles anywhere from once a week to a few times a month.

Lithium-ion batteries have less self-discharge compared to lead-acid batteries, so they maintain a stable voltage even if left unused for several months.

Even if the battery runs flat, the charging time is only about 1-2 hours, less than half that of lead-acid batteries, making lithium-ion batteries the choice for people who ride their motorcycles infrequently.

Source: www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00C70GLG8

For those who want a lithium-ion battery with a solid product warranty, we recommend the AZ "Sealed Type Motorcycle Battery ITZ7S-FP."

It comes with a product warranty for either 20,000 km of travel after installation or 12 months from the purchase date, whichever comes first, so you can use it with peace of mind.

• Product Name: Sealed Type Motorcycle Battery ITZ7S-FP
• Manufacturer: AZ
• Length × Width × Height (mm): 113 × 70 × 85
• Weight: Approx. 600g
• Selling Price (incl. tax): 17,433 yen

Who Should Choose a Lead-Acid Battery

Lead-acid batteries are recommended for those who prioritize cost or frequently ride their motorcycles.

Common lead-acid batteries, which are also used in motorcycles at the factory, are produced in large numbers and are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries. For those who want to keep costs down, lead-acid batteries are the only choice.

Additionally, lead-acid batteries have a faster self-discharge rate and require frequent charging, making them ideal for people who regularly use their motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation.