8 Best Batteries for a 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Motorcycle

I’ve owned my 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail since 2003, and in that time I’ve burned through more batteries than I care to admit. Some died from neglect over winter. Others just couldn’t handle the compression of the Evo-era V-twin on a cold morning. A few were flat-out wrong for the bike.

After all that trial and error, I’ve settled on a short list of batteries I actually trust. This isn’t a spec sheet dump. It’s what I’ve run, what I’ve killed, and what I’d buy again tomorrow. If you want the broad picture first, the folks over at perfect battery for a harley davidson softtail motorcycle cover the general fitment rules well.

1. Yuasa YTX20L-BS — My Overall Pick That Just Keeps Working

If I had to buy one battery for the rest of my life for this bike, it would be this one. The Yuasa YTX20L-BS is the OEM-style AGM battery that fits the 1998 Softail’s stock tray without any fuss.

Mine cranks the 1340cc Evo motor on a 30-degree morning without hesitation. That’s the whole point of a battery, and Yuasa nails it.

Why I keep coming back to it

The AGM construction means no acid to top off, no spills, and it handles vibration better than a flooded lead-acid unit. Sealed, maintenance-free, and rated around 270 cold cranking amps.

Yuasa also supplies a lot of OEM batteries, so the fit is truly drop-in on my 1998 Heritage Springer. No bracket hacking, no terminal shimming.

The downsides

It’s not the cheapest option, and it’s heavy — around 14 pounds. But honestly, I’ve never noticed the weight on a 700-pound cruiser. What I notice is that it starts every time.

If you want a full rundown of what makes a Harley battery good in the first place, this guide on the what is the best battery for a harley davidson motorcycle is worth a read before you buy.

2. Odyssey PC535 — The Cold-Weather and Accessory King

This is the battery I run when I know I’ll be riding late into fall and starting the bike in near-freezing temperatures. The Odyssey PC535 is an absorbed glass mat battery with a reputation for punching well above its size.

It’s rated at 200 CCA but throws out of a much higher pulse cranking amp figure — around 535 amps for five seconds. That surge is what actually spins the motor over.

Where it shines

If you’ve added heated grips, an upgraded headlight, or a sound system to your Softail, this thing keeps up. It recovers fast from deep discharges too, which matters if you accidentally leave the ignition on.

I’ve had mine for four years now with zero issues, and it still reads strong on a load test.

Where it falls short

It’s physically smaller than a stock Group 20 battery, so you’ll need the adapter that Odyssey sells or shim it with foam. That’s a minor annoyance, but worth knowing upfront.

3. Antigravity ATX20-HD — My Lithium Pick for Weight Savings

If you’re chasing every pound on a Softail, this is the one I’d point you toward. The Antigravity ATX20-HD is a lithium-ion battery that weighs less than four pounds — roughly a tenth of what a lead-acid unit does.

On a bike that already runs heavy, dropping ten pounds off the top of the frame is noticeable. It also has a built-in jump-start button, which saved me once at a gas station in rural Virginia.

Real-world performance

It delivers 480 cranking amps in a tiny package and holds charge far longer than lead-acid if you let the bike sit. I’ve gone three months without a tender and it fired right up.

For a deeper look at lithium options, this guide on the best lithium motorcycle battery for harley davidson covers the chemistry differences and charging caveats.

The catch with lithium

Your 1998 Softail’s charging system needs to stay under about 14.6 volts, and cold-weather cranking is slightly weaker until the battery warms itself. I’ve never had a starting problem, but it’s worth mentioning.

4. Shorai LFX21A6-BS12 — The Featherweight Alternative

The Shorai LFX21A6-BS12 is the other lithium battery I’ve run, and I like it almost as much as the Antigravity. It’s a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) pack that weighs around 2.5 pounds.

Shorai uses a proprietary cell chemistry that’s more stable than standard lithium-ion, which gives me peace of mind on a bike with an older charging system.

What I like about it

It has excellent shelf life and low self-discharge. I’ve also found it holds voltage more consistently through the season than the AGM units I’ve owned.

Shorai sells a “case” that lets you mount it using OEM-style brackets, so the install looks clean rather than cobbled together.

What to watch for

You’ll want to check your regulator/rectifier output first. If it’s pushing over 15 volts, fix that before installing any lithium battery, or you’ll cook it.

5. Deka Sports Power ETX20L — The Solid Budget AGM

When I want a reliable AGM without paying Yuasa prices, I reach for the Deka ETX20L. It’s built by East Penn, an American manufacturer, and it delivers around 270 CCA like the Yuasa.

I’ve run one of these for three seasons on a friend’s Fat Boy, and it held up fine. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest.

Specs that matter

Sealed AGM, maintenance-free, roughly 13 pounds, and a direct fit for the 1998 Softail’s battery box. The terminals are the standard post-style configuration Harley uses.

Price-wise, it usually lands a good bit under the Yuasa, which makes it a smart choice if you’re replacing a battery that died unexpectedly and you’re on a budget.

Where it loses ground

Cold cranking is adequate but not spectacular. In deep winter, I’d still rather have the Odyssey. But for three-quarters of the year, it’s plenty.

6. MotoBatt MBTX20U — The One With the Extra Terminals

The MotoBatt MBTX20U is an interesting one because it ships with four terminal posts instead of two. That’s surprisingly handy if you’re running accessories and don’t want to stack ring connectors.

It’s a sealed AGM battery rated at 240 CCA, and it’s been a solid performer in my experience.

Why the extra posts matter

If you’ve added a battery tender lead, a USB charger, or anything else, having dedicated posts keeps things tidy. No more loosening the main cable to add one more ring terminal.

For a 1998 Softail with aftermarket electronics, that alone can justify the choice. For a broader view of what works across the brand, this best motorcycle battery for harley davidson roundup is a good companion read.

Minor gripes

The terminal layout is slightly different from stock, so double-check clearance against your battery cover before you commit. It fit my bike fine, but I’ve heard of tight fits on some Softail variants.

7. Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS — The Value Play

I’ll be honest: I was skeptical of the Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS at first because of the price. But I’ve now had one running in a friend’s 1998 Fat Boy for two seasons without a single complaint.

It’s a sealed AGM unit rated around 270 CCA, and it fits the stock tray directly. No surprises, no fitment drama.

Why it’s worth considering

It comes with a decent warranty, and the price is genuinely low compared to the premium brands. If you’re flipping a bike or you just need something dependable for a few seasons, it delivers.

Chrome Battery also ships these well-packaged and pre-charged, which means you can install it the day it arrives.

Where I’d hesitate

Longevity is the question mark. I’ve seen Yuasa and Odyssey units last six or seven years. Budget AGMs tend to fade around year three or four.

That’s not a dealbreaker. It’s just something to weigh against the savings.

8. Interstate Batteries MTX20L — The Local Pickup Option

The Interstate MTX20L is what I grab when I need a battery today, not in three days. Interstate has dealers everywhere, and the MTX20L is a sealed AGM rated around 270 CCA that fits the 1998 Softail directly.

It’s not a glamorous choice, but it’s a practical one, and the convenience of local warranty service is real.

What makes it stand out

If a battery fails, I can walk into a dealer the same day and get it swapped. With mail-order brands, you’re shipping it back and waiting a week.

Performance-wise, it’s right in line with the Yuasa and Deka — about 270 CCA, sealed AGM, maintenance-free.

One thing to keep in mind

Not every Interstate dealer stocks motorcycle batteries, so call ahead. I’ve driven to two shops before finding one that had it on the shelf.

How I Choose a Battery for My 1998 Softail

After eight-plus batteries, I’ve landed on a few simple rules. Fitment first, cranking amps second, chemistry third.

The 1998 Softail takes a Group 20L style battery, and getting a physically correct unit matters more than any spec sheet claim. A 300-CCA battery that doesn’t fit is useless.

Beyond that, I factor in how I ride. If it’s cold-weather touring, I want the Odyssey. If it’s garage-kept and fair-weather, a Yuasa or Deka is plenty.

Don’t forget the rest of the bike

A battery is only as good as the charging system feeding it. While you’re in there, check your voltage regulator output and clean your terminals.

And while you’re doing maintenance, don’t neglect the oil side of things — this guide on the best oil for a harley davidson motorcycle covers what I run in my Evo motor.

Buy a tender, seriously

Every battery I’ve killed early died from sitting discharged. A $40 maintainer is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a $150 battery.

Plug it in when the bike sits, and you’ll get years more life out of any of the batteries above.

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