54 | MARCH 2026 QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENT
MOTORCYCLE BATTERIES 101
LET’ S LEAN INTO how batteries manage to keep up with the most prolific developments in motorcycle features of the 21st century: electronics.
Although true of all modern machines, large- displacement touring motorcycles in particular are laden with digital electronic features virtually unheard of a generation ago. EFI, ABS, and electronic ignition alone nearly double the demands on the battery. Touring bikes add cruise control, audio, GPS, ride modes, heated grips, USB charging, and more – and the list will expand as time goes on.
For decades, if you wanted to run lights and accessories galore, you wanted amp hours. If you wanted to start bigger, beefier engines, you wanted cranking amps. Today, you need both.
Yuasa, for decades the acknowledged master of AGM( absorbent glass mat) technology and OEM supplier for the vast majority of motorcycles, is very aware of this increased demand. It is also in fierce competition for replacement batteries. Over a decade ago, Yuasa cleverly engineered a line of batteries aimed squarely at the modern touring motorcycle and its special requirements. The Yuasa GYZ series is constructed in a unique fashion that improves amp hours and cranking amps, as well as the reliability and durability required for these machines, especially Harleys, Indians, and metric dressers.
Take a peek at the cutaway illustration of the GYZ series battery below. A quick study shows most of what you need to know, but let’ s delve deeper into those two critical characteristics that aren’ t so obvious.
CCA( cold cranking amps) is the rating of starting ability. The numerical value refers to the number of amps( current) a 12- volt battery can produce and sustain for 30 seconds at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining at least 7.2 volts. Higher ratings mean better starting of big- inch and / or high- compression hot- rodded engines.
AH( amp hours) is the equally important, if less understood, rating of reserve power. Literally, one amp per hour. In actual usage, a rating of 20 AH with a batch of accessories and equipment that needs 10 amps to function gives two hours of usable power. Change that to 2 amps to operate them, and you get 10 hours. Amp hours are what prop up
Deep thought and clever refinement make Yuasa’ s American- made GYZ series the finest AGM batteries ever offered. the charging system’ s ability to provide DC power so the engine runs and electronics operate.
Both CCA and AH are where the Yuasa GYZ series really shines. Compared to other AGM batteries, they have 20 % more starting power and up to 23 % more amp hours. According