What Do Motorcycle Battery Model Names Stand For?

With this post we are going to try to help you make sense of the letters, numbers, and the dashes that can be found in the model names of motorcycle batteries. We promise, once you read through, you will never be confused about these battery models again.

YTX12-BS

The model name seems quite powerful, doesn’t it? Let’s break it up. The first three letters, yes, the ones out there in red, the YTX, represent the manufacturing. There are STX and GTX out there somewhere too, which are also used to represent the manufacturer of the battery.

Thus, when you spot a battery with the same first three letters, i.e. YTX, it is safe to consider the battery to be of the same manufacturer. YT, YTZ and YTX are used by Yuasa for their powersports line, GT, GTX, GTZ if for used by Power Max and ST, STX, STZ by SigmsTek and so on.

YTX12-BS

Now come to the number part in red. The number here represents the series. For instance, the YTX14AH-BS, and YTX14AHL-BS and both have the number 14, this means these two belong to the same series, and just differ a bit in power or maybe size.

Some batteries are different because they have different Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). An ‘H’ is sometimes used in the name of high performance battery models. For instance, lets take a look at the YTX20L-BS, and the YTX20HL-BS, both have the same size, yet differ in terms of their performance, 20HL-BS offers 310 CAA, whereas 20L-BS has 270 CCA.

YTX12-BS

The two letters after the hyphen signify the type of the battery, as in whether it is conventional or sealed. The BS means Battery Sealed. A sealed battery is one that’s filled with acid and sealed after filling. It can be used in any orientation and is offers easier maintenance.

On the other hand, a conventional battery comes in a different way. You will get acid separately and will be required to fill in the acid into the battery, when you install it.

By now, you must have developed a good understanding of what the names of the battery models stand for, and must be able to decipher them easily when you are searching for one for your vehicle.

Lastly, almost all batteries have labeled packaging, which makes it easier to get them replaced in case you get the wrong one. If you are unsure about the battery your application requires, take a look at the current battery installed to find out.

You may also like this article – Various Types of Motorcycle Batteries Revealed

Feel free to browse our selection of powersports batteries. There you can find quality replacements for the most popular brands and models such as the YTX12-BS, YTX14-BS and YTX14AH-BS battery by Yuasa.