Battery Tender 12V Lithium Motorcycle Starting Batteries

Battery Tender 12V Lithium Motorcycle Starting Batteries is a group of several Lithium Iron Phosphate (LIFePO₄) starting batteries typically used as starting batteries in motorcycles and other similar applications requiring lightweight batteries featuring strong discharge currents.

Battery Tender offers a range of batteries with a nominal capacity from 2.5Ah to 8.0Ah, but with cranking currents from 150 Amps to 480 Amps.

When compared with similar lead-acid batteries, lithium starting batteries offer weight savings and improved cranking, as long as the battery is in good condition.

Updated: October 4, 2024.

Battery Tender 12V Lithium Motorcycle Batteries Features and Specifications

Battery Tender Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries are designed to replace Flooded, AGM, and Gel cell lead-acid starting batteries in applications such as motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles, personal water crafts, scooters, dirt bikes, lawn mowers, etc.

Although the batteries feature LiFePO₄ chemistry, they are not suitable for deep-cycle applications, despite having built-in Battery Management Systems (BMSs), which protect the batteries from unwanted events, including overcharging and over-discharging.

Since the Battery Tender Lithium Batteries are in most cases smaller than conventional lead-acid batteries, several foam spacers are included to fit into multiple size battery boxes.

These batteries also feature "Quad Terminal Configuration" (two positive and two negative battery terminals), and they can be mounted and operated in any position since they are spill-proof.

Also, they are much lighter than comparable lead-acid batteries, leading to weight savings - actual weight savings depend on the vehicle since a few pounds difference doesn't play a very important role in, for example, 400 pounds heavy bike.

Battery Tender 12V Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries Comparison Table

The following comparison table lists Battery Tender 12V Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Note: Amazon affiliate links in the table open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Battery Tender lithium starting batteries are designed to be charged with the onboard chargers that are used to charge lead-acid batteries.

However, when the batteries are being charged outside of the vehicle, a dedicated lithium battery charger (Amazon link, link opens in the new window) should be used.

The charging current depends on the battery model, but lithium batteries generally tolerate higher charging currents than lead-acid batteries.

Maintenance and Storage

Battery Tender lithium batteries are maintenance-free batteries that should be stored at room temperature.

If You are going to use them at very low temperatures, it is recommended to keep the vehicle indoors when not in use. Also, during the summer heat, it is recommended to keep the vehicle in a garage or at least in the shade.

The biggest killers of lithium batteries (not just Battery Tender lithium motorcycle batteries) are freeze temperatures, very high temperatures, bad chargers, and only then vibrations, mechanical impacts, and similar.

Older Battery Tender Lithium Batteries

Before offering their BTL09A150CW, BTL12A270CW, BTL14A300CW, BTL20A360CW, and BTL24A480CW line of lithium motorcycle batteries, Battery Tender offered very similar BTL09A120C, BTL14A240C, BTL24A360C, and BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.

As one can see from their labels, newer batteries offer better starting currents and come with a few other improvements.

A comparison of the older Battery Tender 12V lithium motorcycle batteries is given in the following chart:

Model	BTL09A120C	BTL14A240C	BTL24A360C	BTL35A480C
Photo
Nominal Voltage	12.8 V	12.8 V	12.8 V	12.8 V
Cranking Amps	120 A	240 A	360 A	480 A
Stored Energy	25.6 Wh	51.2 Wh	76.8 Wh	96 Wh
Capacity	2 Ah	4 Ah	6 Ah	7.5 Ah
Dimensions (L x W x H)	4.21 x 2.2 x 3.35 inches	5.27 x 2.55 x 3.62 inches	6.49 x 3.38 x 5.11 inches	6.49 x 3.38 x 5.11 inches
Weight	1.2 lbs	1.76 lbs	2.6 lbs	3.75 lbs

Battery Tender BTL09A120C, BTL14A240C, BTL24A360C, and BTL35A480C batteries are generally not offered anymore - if You do find them, nonetheless, check newer Battery Tender batteries.

Use as Starting/Cranking Battery

A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature approaches freezing. When starting the engine during cold weather, if the engine fails to start on the first try, a light load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery - just be aware of the battery capacity and remaining charge in order to avoid fully discharged battery.

The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on the outside temperature. The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery sufficiently.

A good rule of thumb when the temperature is below freezing is to turn on the headlights for about 2-5 minutes, depending on the battery capacity, battery charge condition, types of lights (LED, incandescent), etc.

Of course, keeping the battery fully charged will improve starting in the cold weather.

Use as Deep Cycling Battery

Battery Tender BTL09A150CW, BTL12A270CW, BTL14A300CW, BTL20A360CW, and BTL24A480CW line of lithium motorcycle batteries are starting batteries, and they should be used as such.

However, these batteries tolerate deep discharges better than similar lead-acid batteries, which is not what these batteries are designed for.

How to Prolong the Lifetime of Battery Tender Lithium Motorcycle Batteries

Here are some maintenance tips for prolonging the lifespan of Battery Tender lithium motorcycle batteries:

• Avoid Overcharging: Use a compatible lithium-specific charger, like the Battery Tender Lithium charger, to avoid overcharging. Overcharging can damage the cells and reduce battery life.
• Regular Charging: Keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% of its capacity. Avoid letting it discharge completely, as deep discharges can shorten its lifespan.
• Monitor Voltage Levels: Regularly check the battery’s voltage, especially if the motorcycle is not in use for extended periods. A healthy voltage range for lithium motorcycle batteries is typically around 13.2 to 13.6 volts.
• Store Properly: If you are storing the motorcycle for long periods, ensure the battery is charged to about 50-70% before storage and disconnect it from the motorcycle to prevent parasitic drain.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Protect the battery from extreme heat and cold. Ideally, store the battery in temperatures between 0°C (32°F) and 25°C (77°F) to preserve its health.
• Check Battery Connections: Ensure that the battery terminals and connections are clean and secure. Corrosion or loose connections can lead to power loss or inefficiency.
• Mechanical Impacts and Vibrations: Mount the batteries properly to protect them from mechanical impacts and decrease vibrations as much as possible. If possible, use foam spacers to provide an additional layer of protection.

These maintenance practices can extend the lifetime of Battery Tender lithium motorcycle batteries and ensure consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Battery Tender lithium motorcycle batteries.

How do Battery Tender lithium batteries compare to lead-acid batteries?

Battery Tender lithium batteries offer several advantages over lead-acid batteries, including a much lighter weight, longer lifespan, and faster charging times.

They also provide more consistent power output and have a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they can hold a charge longer when not in use.

Additionally, lithium batteries are maintenance-free, whereas lead-acid batteries may require regular maintenance like checking fluid levels.

However, lithium batteries tend to be more expensive upfront compared to lead-acid options.

Can I use a regular charger with Battery Tender 12V lithium motorcycle batteries?

No, you should not use a regular charger with Battery Tender 12V lithium motorcycle batteries.

Lithium batteries require a charger specifically designed for lithium chemistry, as regular chargers can overcharge or damage the battery.

Battery Tender offers lithium-specific chargers that ensure proper charging, maintaining the battery's safety and prolonging its lifespan.

How do you properly maintain a Battery Tender lithium motorcycle battery?

To properly maintain a Battery Tender lithium motorcycle battery, use a lithium-specific charger to avoid overcharging or damaging the cells.

Regularly check the battery’s voltage to ensure it stays within the recommended range, typically between 13.2 and 13.6 volts.

Store the battery in a cool, dry place if not in use for extended periods, and keep it charged between 50% to 70% before storage.

Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures and ensure the battery terminals are clean and securely connected.

Can I use a Battery Tender lithium battery in a car or other vehicles?

Battery Tender lithium batteries are primarily designed for motorcycles, but they can be used in other small vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, or boats, as long as the voltage and capacity match the vehicle's requirements.

However, they may not be suitable for larger vehicles like cars, which typically require a higher cold cranking amp (CCA) rating.

Always check the vehicle's specifications and ensure compatibility before using a lithium battery in other vehicles.

Long Story Short: Battery Tender lithium motorcycle batteries allow users to shed some weight from their motorcycles and other similar vehicles, leading to performance improvements.

However, the question is if the ordinary user can notice a 5-6 pounds weight reduction when operating a 200-300 pounds heavy vehicle (without the rider). Personally, it can't.

Lithium motorcycle batteries operate at a slightly higher voltage than AGM and other lead-acid batteries and keep that voltage high even when cranking the engine, which leads to a faster and more reliable engine start.

But, AGM motorcycle batteries are more tolerant to very cold and very warm weather, and their performances decrease steadily, usually giving some time to the user to replace them.

In the end, it all comes to the user and its own needs and preferences, AGM (or some other lead-acid battery technology) or lithium motorcycle starting battery. But, whatever You do, stay safe.

Battery Tender batteries have been on the market for some time and have been tested by numerous users in real-life situations, and they received mostly very good reviews.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Battery Tender Amazon store (link opens in the new window).