7 Best Batteries for Victory Cross Country Motorcycles I’d Actually Buy

The Victory Cross Country is a big, heavy touring cruiser with a 106 cubic-inch V-twin, and it punishes weak batteries. I’ve owned mine long enough to burn through a few, and I’ve learned that a cheap battery is a false economy on these bikes.

Between the added weight of a fairing, hard bags, and a trunk on the Tour models, plus heated gear in cold months, you’re asking a lot from a small box. I’ve tested everything from budget lead-acid to premium lithium over the years, and the difference is very real.

Below are the batteries I’d genuinely recommend. I’ve grouped them by what they do best, and I’ve been honest about the trade-offs, because not every “best” battery is right for every rider.

1. Yuasa YUAM320BS — My Overall Pick for Reliability

If I had to pick one battery and stop thinking about it, this is the one. Yuasa is the brand that came on a lot of these bikes from the factory, and the YUAM320BS is the AGM upgrade that most Cross Country owners end up with.

It’s a sealed, maintenance-free AGM, so I never have to check electrolyte levels or top anything off. That matters on a bike where the battery sits low and is a bit fiddly to access.

The cold cranking amps are strong enough that my 106 fires on the first push even after sitting for a couple of weeks. I’ve had zero hot-start drama in summer traffic, which was a problem with the cheap battery I tried before this.

The price stings a little compared to budget brands, but over five years it works out cheap. If you’re wondering which battery brand is best for a motorcycle, Yuasa is the answer for most people.

Fit and install notes

Measure your tray first. Most Cross Country years take a Group 18 size, but I’ve seen small variations across the 2008 to 2017 run, so don’t trust the listing blindly. The terminals line up cleanly on the YUAM320BS, and I didn’t have to bend or shim anything.

2. Antigravity ATX20-HD — Best Lithium Upgrade

This is the battery I run when I want the bike to feel lighter and crank harder. The Antigravity ATX20-HD is a lithium pack with an absurd amount of cranking power for its size, and it drops a serious amount of weight off a bike that’s already heavy.

I noticed the difference the first time I lifted the bike off the side stand. It’s not a night-and-day transformation, but every bit helps on a touring cruiser.

It also has built-in jump-starting, which sounds gimmicky until the day you leave your lights on and it saves you. I’ve used that feature once and it paid for the battery in that single moment.

What you should know before buying

Lithium is not for everyone. It needs a lithium-specific charger, it’s more sensitive to cold, and it doesn’t like being drained flat. If you ride below freezing regularly, think hard about this one.

For warm-weather riders who want the best cranking and least weight, though, it’s excellent. This is where the answer to what the best battery for a motorcycle actually is depends entirely on how you ride.

3. MotoBatt MBTX20U — Best Value AGM

MotoBatt is my go-to when someone wants solid performance without Yuasa money. The MBTX20U is a proper AGM with good cranking amps and a genuinely clever design.

The standout feature for me is the quad-terminal setup. MotoBatt puts extra terminals on the battery so you can hook up accessories without cramming everything onto one post. On a Cross Country with heated grips and a USB charger, that’s a real convenience.

It holds voltage well, and I got about four solid years out of mine before it started feeling tired. For the price, that’s a fair deal.

Real-world use

Mine lived through two winters on a maintainer and never let me down on a cold morning. It’s not quite as punchy as the Yuasa on a cold crank, but it’s close enough that most riders won’t notice.

4. Odyssey PC535 — Best for Hardcore Touring Loads

If you run a lot of electrical accessories, the Odyssey PC535 deserves a look. It’s an absorbed glass mat battery with a reputation for taking abuse and deep discharges better than most.

I know riders who run them with auxiliary lighting, heated everything, and a sound system, and the Odyssey just keeps going. It’s built for the kind of punishment a fully loaded touring bike can dish out.

It’s heavier than a lithium and pricier than a budget AGM, but the durability is legit. If your electrical load is heavy, this is the one I’d trust.

Who it’s for

This is for the rider who’s added every farkle imaginable and still wants to start reliably in a parking lot at midnight. It’s overkill for a stock bike, but perfect for a loaded one.

5. Shorai LFX36L3-BS12 — Lightweight Alternative Lithium

Shorai is the other big name in lithium, and the LFX36L3-BS12 is the model that fits many Victory applications. It’s light, it cranks well, and it’s been around long enough to have a solid track record.

I like Shorai because the case design lets it fit in places a conventional battery won’t, and it doesn’t self-discharge as fast as some lithium packs. Sitting over winter, it holds charge better than I expected.

It does cost a fair bit, and like all lithium it wants the right charger. But if weight savings and modern tech appeal to you, it’s a strong pick.

Cold weather reality

Shorai recommends a few priming cranks in cold weather to warm the cells. Once I got used to that routine, cold starts were fine even near freezing.

6. Deka ETX18L — Best Budget Lead-Acid AGM

Deka makes solid American-made batteries, and the ETX18L is a no-nonsense AGM at a fair price. It’s the kind of battery I’d buy if I needed something reliable today without spending premium money.

It’s a straightforward fit on many Cross Country models, and the cranking is adequate for a stock bike. Nothing fancy, but it does the job and it’s widely available.

I’ve used Deka batteries in other bikes and they’ve been unremarkable in the best way. They start the bike and they last a reasonable time.

Where it fits best

Great for a stock Cross Country in a mild climate. If you’re rolling with heavy accessories or brutal winters, spend a bit more.

7. Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS — Cheapest Decent Option

I’ll be honest: this is the budget floor I’d still recommend. The Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS is a sealed AGM that costs very little and will get you riding if money is tight.

It won’t last as long as a Yuasa, and I wouldn’t trust it for years of heavy touring. But for a fair-weather rider who keeps it on a maintainer, it’s a perfectly reasonable stopgap.

I’ve used one as a backup and it started the bike fine every time. Just don’t expect five years, and don’t abuse it.

Pair it with good habits

If you go cheap on the battery, be strict about storage. Throw in a quality fuel treatment while you’re at it — I run a good fuel stabilizer for Victory motorcycles every winter so the whole bike wakes up healthy.

How I Choose a Battery for This Bike

I start with fit, because a battery that doesn’t sit right is a headache. Then I look at cranking amps, because a big V-twin needs real punch when it’s cold.

After that, it’s about how I ride. Heavy accessories push me toward AGM and higher capacity, while weight savings and modern tech pull me toward lithium.

Finally, I think about maintenance discipline. The best battery in the world dies early if you leave it discharged all winter, so a maintainer is non-negotiable for me.

Cross-shopping other cruisers

If you also own other bikes, the logic carries over. I’ve written about the best motorcycle battery for Harley-Davidson, and the best battery for a Harley Sportster, and the same rules about AGM versus lithium apply.

Final Thoughts

For me, the Yuasa YUAM320BS is the safe, smart default for a Victory Cross Country, and it’s what I’d buy again tomorrow. The Antigravity ATX20-HD is my pick if you want lighter and faster, and the MotoBatt is the value champion.

Whatever you choose, measure your tray, buy from a seller with a real warranty, and keep it topped up. Do those three things and your Cross Country will fire up reliably for years.

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