Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster) Battery
The Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster) (975cc) takes a YTX14HL battery, about 240 CCA and 12 Ah. It is a sealed agm (maintenance-free), and a lithium drop-in fits the same case.
Key takeaways
- Battery: YTX14HL.
- Sealed AGM (maintenance-free), around 240 CCA, 12 Ah.
- Lithium drop-in fits the same YTX14HL case - lighter, longer-lived, needs a lithium charger.
- Covers 2023.
- Chemistry (OEM)
- Sealed AGM (maintenance-free)
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- 240
- Capacity
- 12 Ah
- Engine
- 975cc
- Fits model years
- 2023
The Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster) uses a YTX14HL - sealed agm (maintenance-free). Around 240 CCA of cold-start current. Meeting or beating the OEM rating is fine; going under it can cause hard starts in the cold. About 12 Ah of capacity - the reserve that runs lights and electronics with the engine off.
AGM is the safe like-for-like: cheapest, tolerant of standard chargers and trickle tenders, and heavier. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins in the same case size cut weight by roughly 60-70%, hold voltage better, and self-discharge far slower - but they cost more and need a lithium-aware charger, not an old lead-acid trickle charger.
Buy the battery for your Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster)
AGM is the safe like-for-like: cheapest, tolerant of standard chargers and trickle tenders, and heavier. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins in the same case size cut weight by roughly 60-70%, hold voltage better, and self-discharge far slower - but they cost more and need a lithium-aware charger, not an old lead-acid trickle charger.
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Installing it
Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last. Powersports batteries are small and light, so this is usually a 10-15 minute job with a couple of hand tools.
Frequently asked
What battery does a Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster) take?
The Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster) takes a YTX14HL battery, a sealed agm (maintenance-free) rated around 240 CCA and 12 Ah.
Is the YTX14HL an AGM or lithium battery?
Sealed AGM (maintenance-free). You can also fit a LiFePO4 lithium drop-in in the same YTX14HL case size for less weight and longer life - just use a lithium-aware charger.
How many cold cranking amps (CCA) does it need?
Around 240 CCA of cold-start current. Meeting or beating the OEM rating is fine; going under it can cause hard starts in the cold.
Can I put a lithium battery in a Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster)?
Yes. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins are made in the same YTX14HL case size, so they fit the tray and terminals. They weigh far less and last longer, but need a lithium-compatible charger rather than an old lead-acid trickle charger.
How do I change the battery on a Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster)?
Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last. Powersports batteries are small and light, so this is usually a 10-15 minute job with a couple of hand tools.
Other motorcycles that take a YTX14HL
See every model that uses a YTX14HL battery →More parts for your Harley-Davidson XL, XLH (Sportster)
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