Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II Battery
The Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II (400cc) takes a YT12C battery, about 165 CCA and 12 Ah. It is a conventional (flooded, serviceable), and a lithium drop-in fits the same case.
Key takeaways
- Battery: YT12C (also sold as YB12A-A).
- Conventional (flooded, serviceable), around 165 CCA, 12 Ah.
- Lithium drop-in fits the same YT12C case - lighter, longer-lived, needs a lithium charger.
- Covers 1980-1981.
- Chemistry (OEM)
- Conventional (flooded, serviceable)
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- 165
- Capacity
- 12 Ah
- Engine
- 400cc
- Fits model years
- 1980-1981
The Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II uses a YT12C - conventional (flooded, serviceable). Around 165 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 Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II
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 Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II take?
The Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II takes a YT12C battery (also sold as YB12A-A), a conventional (flooded, serviceable) rated around 165 CCA and 12 Ah.
Is the YT12C an AGM or lithium battery?
Conventional (flooded, serviceable). You can also fit a LiFePO4 lithium drop-in in the same YT12C case size for less weight and longer life - just use a lithium-aware charger.
How many cold cranking amps (CCA) does it need?
Around 165 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 Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II?
Yes. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins are made in the same YT12C 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 Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II?
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 YT12C
See every model that uses a YT12C battery →More parts for your Honda CB400T Hawk, Hawk II
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