YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS Batteries Equivalents and Replacements

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are very similar starting batteries commonly used as a PowerSport battery, motorcycle battery, and for all applications that require a relatively compact battery that is able to crank small to medium-sized gas and diesel engines.

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS share many features and are, in most cases, interchangeable. But it is good to know their performances and differences.

Updated: March 7, 2024.

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS Batteries Features, Specifications, and Differences

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries feature the same physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 6.875 x 3.4375 x 6.125 inches (175 x 87 x 155 mm) with the negative terminal of the battery being on the left side - hence the 'L' part of their labels: YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries.

The main difference between YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries is in their cranking performances - YTX20HL-BS battery is considered a 'High Performance' battery hence the 'H' part of its label: YTX20HL-BS battery.

On average, YTX20L-BS lead-acid batteries feature a CCA rating of ~270 Amps, while YTX20HL-BS lead-acid batteries feature a CCA rating of 310 Amps.

This difference of ~40 Amps is not that important for most applications, but for high-end motorcycles and similar vehicles, it can play an important role.

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS Batteries Cross Reference Chart

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular lead-acid and lithium YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries:

As one can see, lead-acid YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries weigh around 13 to 18 pounds (~6 to 8 kg) and feature a 10h capacity of ~18-20 Ah.

But they differ in cranking amps, ~270 vs. 320 Amps in favor of YTX20HL-BS batteries.

Note: the most popular lead-acid YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, with Gel-Cell also being present. Wet/flooded YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are still in use, but they are being replaced with AGM batteries since they are spill-proof, maintenance-free batteries.

Lithium YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are not as common as lead-acid batteries, but they weigh just 3-5 pounds (~1.36 - 2.27 kg) and can provide 350-700 starting Amps.

As such, lithium YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are often used in applications where the saving of 8-10 pounds justifies the price difference.

Lithium batteries are commonly based on the very safe Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry, combined with the built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors the battery parameters and protects it from overcharge, over-discharge, high and low temperatures, short circuits, reverse polarity, high charging, and discharging currents, etc.

Nonetheless, both lead-acid and lithium YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries can deliver strong currents, and as such, they should be used as instructed by their manufacturers - they are not toys!

Note: Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating is the maximum current that a new, fully charged, 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds, with the voltage NOT dropping below 7.2V, at 0°F (-18°C). This rating is used for lead-acid batteries.

Manufacturers of lithium batteries often specify CCA rating, but it is often the maximum current that a new, fully charged lithium battery can provide for 3-5 seconds at room temperature - marketing at its finest. After all, forcing lithium batteries to provide really strong currents at very low temperatures for 30 seconds down to 7.2V (just 1.8V for a 4-cell LiFePO₄ battery) would probably damage the cells. Thus, when seeing large CCA rating differences between lead-acid and lithium batteries, they very often mean different things.

How to Charge YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS Batteries?

When the YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are connected to the electric system of a vehicle, boat, tractor, generator, or some similar unit that features an internal combustion engine with the alternator, let that alternator keep the battery charged.

However, if there is a need to recharge AGM lead-acid batteries while being disconnected from their vehicles/units, it is recommended to use an intelligent 12V 2 Amps AGM battery charger.

Such battery chargers analyze the battery first and then charge it according to the battery and environmental conditions. And when the charging is done, such battery chargers automatically switch from charging to maintenance mode, keeping the battery fully charged over a longer period of time.

Lithium YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries should be charged ONLY with dedicated lithium battery chargers or with the AGM battery chargers that feature dedicated lithium battery charging mode.

Lithium batteries are charged using a charging algorithm that differs from the AGM battery charging algorithm - the so-called CC/CV (Constant Current/Constant Voltage) charging algorithm.

If you are charging your YTX20L-BS or YTX20HL-BS battery using 2 Amps charger, charging time depends on the battery condition and capacity.

For example:

Lead-acid 12V 18Ah battery is discharged down to 80% DoD and requires ~14.4Ah to be fully recharged. A 2 Amps charger requires at least 7.5-8h to fully recharge the battery, even more than that if desulfation and cell balancing is required.

Lithium 12V 10Ah battery is discharged down to 100% DoD and, obviously, requires 10Ah to be fully recharged. A 2 Amps charger requires at least 5.5-6h to recharge it fully.

One such advanced battery charger is NOCO GENIUS2, which is able to charge the 6V and 12V lead-acid and 12V lithium batteries with 2 Amps. Also, it can be used to recover deeply discharged lead-acid batteries, can be used as a battery maintainer, etc. It is a rather versatile battery charger that comes at an acceptable price - enough reasons to make it one of the most popular battery chargers in its class.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the NOCO GENIUS2 2A Smart Battery Charger Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

What Kills YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS Batteries?

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are tough and durable batteries that can last for years to come - they are designed to resist vibrations and mechanical impacts, but they do have their limits.

Also, high temperatures during summer heat can increase their self-discharge rate and shorten their operating life. If possible, during summer, keep your vehicles in the shade or in air-conditioned garages.

During winter, their self-discharge rate is very low, but their cranking ability is decreased - when wintering them, if possible, take them out of your vehicle and connect them to a good battery charger/maintainer and keep them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature.

YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are starting batteries and should not be used as deep-cycle or dual-purpose batteries - deep discharges may shorten the batteries' operating life.

Depending on the use, maintenance, climate, and storage when not in use, lead-acid YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries may last anywhere from 2 to 5 years, sometimes even more.

Lithium YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries may last even more, especially when not being stored/used at high temperatures.

If you need a deep-cycle 12V 18Ah battery, please check our 12V 18Ah, 12V 19Ah, and 12V 20Ah+ Lithium and Lead-Acid Batteries article.

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Long Story Short: YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS batteries are able to crank surprisingly large engines, considering their size, and are commonly used in motorcycles, smaller boats, ATVs, power generators, snowmobiles, tractors, light industrial applications, and similar.

When looking for a new YTX20L-BS or YTX20HL-BS battery, go for the most popular models from the most reputable brands. Numerous users have already tried and tested these batteries in countless real-life applications... and generally, they passed with flying colors ...

If you are looking for a new YTX20L-BS and/or YTX20HL-BS battery, feel free to check our comparison chart (given previously in this article) and choose according to your own needs and requirements.