Let me tell you right off the bat—if you’re in the market for a powersport battery that’s lightweight, powerful, and built to last, you need to get your hands on a NOCO Lithium battery.
I’ve been riding motorcycles and tinkering with ATVs for years, and this thing has completely changed the game for me. It’s not just a battery; it’s a powerhouse that promises insane performance—500+ amps of starting power, 50,000 starts, and 2,000 charge cycles.
Trust me, once you experience the difference, you’ll wonder why you ever stuck with lead-acid batteries. So, stick with me as I share my journey and break down why this is a must-have.
My Experience With The NOCO Lithium Battery
Picture this: It’s a crisp Saturday morning, and I’m itching to take my 2017 Kawasaki Z900 out for a spin.
The old Yuasa battery—original to the bike—had been on its last legs for months.
It’d crank, sure, but it was sluggish, and I could tell it wasn’t holding a charge like it used to.
I’d been researching lithium options for a while, and after hearing good things about NOCO, I decided to give their NLP14 model a shot.
At 4Ah and 500 amps of starting power, it sounded like the perfect fit for my ride.
When the box arrived, I was immediately struck by how light it felt—like, “Is this thing even real?” light.
Compared to the hefty lead-acid brick I was replacing, it was a featherweight. Unpacking it was a breeze, and I loved that it came with spacers and a mounting bracket to tweak the fit.
My Z900’s battery compartment isn’t the most forgiving, but with a couple of the included 25mm spacers, it slid right in like it was made for it. The terminals? Gold-plated and beefy, with an Allen key to tighten them down. No flimsy connectors here—this thing felt premium from the jump.
Hooking it up was straightforward. I topped it off with my lithium-specific charger (a must-have, by the way), and my OBDII tester showed a jaw-dropping 274 amps of cranking power—way more than the 119 amps I was getting from the dying Yuasa.
I hit the starter, and holy smokes, the engine fired up so fast I almost laughed out loud. It was smooth, powerful, and instant—no hesitation, no grumbling. I took it for a quick rip around the block, and every start was just as snappy. That was a few months ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What really sold me was how it came fully charged out of the box. I didn’t have to mess with acid or wait around—it was ready to roll. I’ve left it sitting for a couple of weeks without riding, and it still fires up like I just charged it. My old battery would’ve been toast after that long.
So far, this NOCO Lithium battery has been a total game-changer, and I’m excited to see how it holds up over time. Spoiler alert: I’ve got high hopes.
Pros of The NOCO Lithium Battery
- Lightweight Wonder: Let’s talk about the weight—or lack thereof. When I first picked up the NLP14, I couldn’t believe how light it was. We’re talking a fraction of what my old lead-acid battery weighed—about a third, to be exact. For a motorcycle like my Z900 or even an ATV, that’s a huge deal. Less weight means better handling and a little extra pep in your ride. You’ll feel it the second you twist the throttle.
- Cranking Power That Packs a Punch: Here’s where this battery flexes its muscles. With 500 amps of starting power, it’s got more than enough juice to turn over even a stubborn engine. I’ve tested it on chilly mornings when my bike’s usually a little grumpy, and it doesn’t even flinch. That 274-amp reading I got? It’s double what my old battery could muster on its best day. You’ll notice the difference instantly—your engine will thank you with quick, confident starts every time.
- Longevity You Can Count On: NOCO claims this thing can handle 50,000 starts and 2,000 charge cycles. Now, I haven’t been riding long enough to hit those numbers yet, but if it’s anywhere close to true, that’s insane longevity. My lead-acid batteries usually croaked after a couple of years, but this lithium beast feels like it’s built to outlast my bike itself. Plus, that 5-year warranty gives me peace of mind—I’m betting on this being a long-term investment.
- Superfast Charging Magic: You know what’s a drag? Waiting around for a battery to charge. With the NOCO Lithium, that’s not a problem. It’s got this rapid-charge tech that can take it from zero to ready-to-start in just five minutes. I’ve topped mine off in no time flat using my NOCO Genius charger, and it’s back to full power before I can finish a cup of coffee. For someone like me who’s always on the go, that’s a massive win.
- No Maintenance Hassle: I’m not a fan of babysitting my gear, and this battery lets me off the hook. No acid to pour, no water to top off, no sulfation to worry about—it’s completely maintenance-free. You just install it and forget it. For a guy who’d rather be riding than wrenching, that’s music to my ears. It’s one less thing to stress about, and I’m all for that.
Cons of The NOCO Lithium Battery
- Price That Might Sting a Bit
Alright, let’s be real— this isn’t the cheapest option out there. When I bought the NLP14, it set me back more than a standard lead-acid battery would’ve.
Compared to high-end brands like Shorai, it’s a steal, but if you’re used to bargain-basement prices, it might feel like a splurge. For me, the performance justifies it, but your wallet might disagree at first glance.
- Charger Compatibility Caveat
Here’s a heads-up: you can’t just slap any old charger on this thing. It needs a lithium-specific charger to play nice with its fancy BMS (Battery Management System).
I already had one, so it wasn’t a big deal, but if you don’t, you’ll need to shell out extra. Using the wrong charger could mess with its performance—or worse—so don’t skimp here.
- Fitment Fiddling
While the spacers and mounting block are awesome, getting the perfect fit took a little trial and error. My Z900 needed a couple of tweaks to sit just right, and I’ve heard from others that some bikes or ATVs might need similar fiddling.
It’s not a dealbreaker—everything you need is in the box—but it’s not always a plug-and-play swap like a lead-acid battery.
- Cold Weather Question Mark
I live in a pretty mild climate, so I haven’t tested this in brutal winter conditions yet. Some folks say lithium batteries can struggle a bit in the cold, and while the BMS is supposed to help, I’m curious how it’ll hold up when the mercury drops.
I’ll keep you posted after my first winter with it, but for now, it’s a minor “what if” in my book.
Maintenance Tips For Your NOCO Lithium Battery
- Use the Right Charger: I can’t stress this enough—get yourself a lithium-specific charger. The NOCO Genius line works like a charm with this battery, and it’s worth the investment. It’s got a lithium mode that keeps the BMS happy and ensures you’re charging safely and efficiently. I use mine every couple of weeks just to top off, and it’s been flawless.
- Store It Smart: If you’re not riding for a while—like over the winter—store your battery in a cool, dry spot. I keep mine on a shelf in my garage, away from direct sunlight or freezing temps. Lithium batteries hold their charge way better than lead-acid, but a little TLC goes a long way. Aim for about 50-60% charge if you’re stashing it for months.
- Check Connections Regularly: Those beefy terminals are a dream, but I still peek at them every month or so. Make sure they’re tight—use that Allen key—and free of corrosion. I’ve had zero issues so far, but a quick check keeps everything humming along. You don’t want a loose connection throwing off your ride.
- Avoid Deep Discharges: Try not to let this battery drain all the way down. The BMS is there to protect it, but running it to zero too often can shorten its lifespan. I plug mine in if I notice it’s getting low after a long day of riding. It charges so fast anyway, there’s no excuse not to keep it topped up.
- Clean and Inspect: Even though it’s maintenance-free, I give mine a quick wipe-down now and then to keep dust and grime off. A clean battery just feels right, you know? While you’re at it, eyeball the casing for any cracks or damage. Mine’s held up great, but it’s good to stay ahead of any surprises.
Comparison of NOCO Lithium Battery With Other Brands
- NOCO Vs. Shorai
I’ve got a Shorai on my Yamaha R1, so I can compare these two firsthand. Shorai’s a premium name in lithium batteries, and it’s been rock-solid—holds a charge for months and cranks like a beast. The NOCO NLP14, though, gives it a run for its money at half the price.
Shorai’s a bit lighter and has a slicker design, but NOCO’s 500 amps and rapid charging keep it in the fight. For me, NOCO wins on value without sacrificing much performance.
- NOCO Vs. Yuasa
My old Yuasa was a lead-acid workhorse—reliable for years until it wasn’t. NOCO’s lithium tech blows it out of the water with weight savings and cranking power.
Yuasa’s cheaper upfront and doesn’t need a special charger, but it’s heavier and dies faster. If you’re stuck on traditional batteries, Yuasa’s fine, but once you go NOCO, you won’t look back—I sure haven’t.
- NOCO Vs. Antigravity
Antigravity’s another lithium contender I’ve heard plenty about. They’re known for crazy lightweight builds and solid BMS tech, much like NOCO. From what I’ve seen, Antigravity might edge out NOCO in raw weight savings, but NOCO’s universal fitment and included spacers make it more versatile.
Plus, NOCO’s 5-year warranty feels more reassuring than Antigravity’s shorter coverage. It’s a close call, but I’m sticking with NOCO for now.
- NOCO Vs. Battery Tender
Battery Tender makes solid lead-acid batteries and chargers, and I’ve used their stuff for years. Their lithium options are newer, but they don’t match NOCO’s 500-amp punch or 50,000-start claim.
NOCO feels more engineered for powersports, while Battery Tender’s a jack-of-all-trades. If you’re all about raw power and longevity, NOCO’s the clear champ here.
Also Read: Alternatives To STACYC Battery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nope, NOCO’s proudly American. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, they’ve been in the battery game since 1914. I love knowing my gear comes from a company with over a century of experience—it’s not some fly-by-night operation. You can feel the quality in their stuff, and it’s nice to support a homegrown brand.
For me, the biggest headache with lithium batteries is their sensitivity to charging. You’ve got to use the right charger, or you risk damaging them—or worse, starting a fire. The BMS in the NOCO helps a ton, but it’s still something to watch. Compared to lead-acid, they’re trickier to manage if you’re not paying attention.
Tough call, but I’d put NOCO right up there. Shorai and Antigravity are killer too, each with their own strengths—Shorai for longevity, Antigravity for weight. NOCO’s my pick for the balance of power, price, and versatility. It’s hard to beat 500 amps and a 5-year warranty at this cost. You might lean differently depending on your ride, but NOCO’s got my vote.
The holy grail? A battery that’s dirt-cheap, feather-light, and lasts forever with zero downsides. We’re not there yet, but NOCO’s NLP14 is close—insane power, long life, and no maintenance. The dream would be squeezing even more capacity into that tiny frame without jacking up the price. For now, this is as good as it gets in my garage.
Conclusion: Get Your NOCO Lithium Battery Now
After riding with the NOCO Lithium NLP14 for months, I’m sold—it’s a no-brainer buy. The lightweight design, monster cranking power, and hassle-free upkeep make it worth every penny.
Sure, it’s pricier upfront and needs a specific charger, but the performance and longevity seal the deal. If you want a battery that’ll outlast your old lead-acid relics and start your ride like a dream, grab one. You won’t regret it—I sure don’t.
