Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C Battery
The Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C (350cc) takes a YT5AL battery, about 55 CCA and 5 Ah. It is a conventional (flooded, serviceable), and a lithium drop-in fits the same case.
Key takeaways
- Battery: YT5AL.
- Conventional (flooded, serviceable), around 55 CCA, 5 Ah.
- Lithium drop-in fits the same YT5AL case - lighter, longer-lived, needs a lithium charger.
- Covers 1970-1972 (battery changed across years - see table).
- Chemistry (OEM)
- Conventional (flooded, serviceable)
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- 55
- Capacity
- 5 Ah
- Engine
- 350cc
- Fits model years
- 1972
The Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C uses a YT5AL - conventional (flooded, serviceable). Around 55 CCA of cold-start current. Meeting or beating the OEM rating is fine; going under it can cause hard starts in the cold. About 5 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 Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C
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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Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C battery by year
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 Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C take?
The Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C takes a YT5AL battery, a conventional (flooded, serviceable) rated around 55 CCA and 5 Ah.
Is the YT5AL an AGM or lithium battery?
Conventional (flooded, serviceable). You can also fit a LiFePO4 lithium drop-in in the same YT5AL case size for less weight and longer life - just use a lithium-aware charger.
How many cold cranking amps (CCA) does it need?
Around 55 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 Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C?
Yes. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins are made in the same YT5AL 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 Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C?
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 YT5AL
See every model that uses a YT5AL battery →More parts for your Yamaha R5, R5B, R5C
We cover the other consumables for your machine too - the exact fit, cited, in one place.