Lead-Acid and Lithium YTX12-BS, BTX12-BS, ETX12, CTX12-BS, STX12-BS, PTX12-BS Battery Equivalents, and Cross Reference Charts

YTX12-BS is a very popular Powersports and motorcycle battery, often used in ATVs, smaller boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, power generators, lawn tractors, and similar applications as starting battery for small gas and even diesel internal combustion engines.

YTX12-BS is the most common label used for batteries of this size, but its label also differs among the manufacturers. When looking for a new one, pay attention to details, since there are similarly labeled batteries with different dimensions, terminal orientation, specifications, and other important details.

Updated: April 25, 2021.

The most common label for the battery of this size is YTX12-BS, with other similar battery labels being used, like BTX12-BS, CTX12-BS, STX12-BS, PTX12-BS, ETX-12, etc.

YTX12-BS Battery Dimensions and Features

The physical dimensions of the YTX12-BS battery are (L x W x H) 5.875 x 3.5 x 5.125 inches (150 x 88 x 130 mm), with a positive terminal on the left and a negative terminal on the right side of the battery when observed from the front.

Note: some models come with terminals on both sides, which may be very important for applications where battery wires are too short for '+/-' battery terminals.

The following cross reference chart lists the top 5 most popular Powersports battery models and their most popular brands, YTX12-BS battery included:

YTX12-BS batteries are mostly AGM (rarely Gel-Cell) lead-acid batteries with some manufacturers offering lithium batteries as well.

YTX12-BS Batteries Cross Reference Chart

The following YTX12-BS batteries cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular AGM, Gel-Cell, and Lithium YTX12-BS batteries with their most important features and specifications:

AGM, Gel-Cell, and lithium YTX12-BS are sealed, spill-proof ('BS' - 'Battery Sealed'), maintenance-free batteries that may operate in any position, except upside-down.

Note: some models may even be position upside-down, but these models are mostly lithium YTX12 batteries.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries feature 8-10 Ah 10h nominal capacity and 180-210 CCA Amps and they weigh between 7 and 10 pounds.

These lead-acid batteries are kept charged with vehicle onboard chargers - alternator powered by an internal combustion engine.

When the lead-acid batteries are charged outside of the vehicles, they should be charged using smart lead-acid battery charters that feature several charging modes including analysis, desulfation, and other charging modes required for proper charging of lead-acid batteries.

Lithium YTX12 batteries feature Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors and protects the lithium battery, allowing it to be charged with a 'common' charging system found on most motorcycles, vehicles, and similar.

However, when lithium YTX12 batteries are charged outside of the vehicles, they should be charged using ONLY lithium battery chargers, or intelligent lead-acid battery chargers that feature 'lithium battery charging modes'.

Note: when the AGM battery charger enters desulphation mode, it practically sends spikes of energy into the battery in order to reduce the amount of lead-sulfate. These spikes may damage lithium batteries.

Lithium YTX12 Motorsport Batteries

Lithium YTX12 batteries are not as common as AGM/Gel batteries, but they are gaining in popularity. These batteries are much lighter (2-3x) than lead-acid batteries while offering the same or even better performances.

Also, lithium batteries often cost much more, at least initially, than lead-acid batteries.

The following cross reference chart lists some of the most popular lithium YTX12 battery models:

Few more notes about lithium YTX12 batteries:

- 'Restart Technology': Battery Management System (BMS) monitors battery charge and if the voltage drops below a certain level due to some parasite load, BMS shuts off the battery. In order to start the engine, the user has to 'restart' the battery - although not fully charged, batteries with the Restart option have more than enough charge to successfully crank the engine.

- 'Battery Display': if present, the battery display provides the user with the most important information about the battery, like voltage and remaining charge.

- Actual Capacity vs. Equivalent Capacity: actual capacity is the capacity of the lithium battery in Ah, usually measured at 1C. Equivalent capacity compares lithium battery performances with the 'equivalent' lead-acid battery performances. For example, some lithium batteries with 8 Ah actual capacity, feature 15-18Ah equivalent capacity - that means that they are able to provide cranking Amps just like 15-18 Ah lead-acid battery, despite having 'only' 8 Ah actual capacity.

Of course, there are other details that differ between lead-acid and lithium batteries, but these are perhaps the most important.

As one can see, lithium YTX12 batteries cost more than AGM YTX12 batteries, but they are 2-3x lighter, they often can provide more current (2-2.5x), have a very low self-discharge rate, etc.

Note: lithium YTX12 batteries are safe batteries, just be sure NOT to charge them outside of the vehicle with the lead-acid battery charger that features desulfation mode - proper battery charger must have lithium battery charging mode.

If you for some reason regularly charge your lithium YTX12 or similar battery outside of the vehicle, having a dedicated 1-2 Amps 12 volts lithium-ion battery charger is highly recommended - they are cheap, safe and they do their job well.

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Long Story Short: Lead-acid and lithium YTX12-BS, BTX12-BS, ETX12, CTX12-BS, STX12-BS, PTX12-BS, etc. batteries are strong and reliable source of power, required to crank smaller gas and diesel engines.

While lithium LiFePO4 batteries are initially more expensive, they are lighter, usually are able to provide more Amps, and they last longer if not mistreated. Also, some models, although declared as being YTX12 batteries are actually smaller, allowing the user to pack even some more of the required/desired equipment onboard the vehicle.

Self-discharge rate at lower temperatures of AGM YTX12-BS batteries allow the user to store them for 3-4 months without charge dropping below 80% SoC.

The self-discharge rate of lithium YTX12 batteries often allows the user to store them for up to a year, without adverse effects on the performances.

Which one to choose, AGM or Lithium YTX12 battery? Unless you are a pro-rider, or unless you have a very important reason that requires you to shed off few pounds of weight from your vehicle, go for a good and reliable AGM YTX12-BS battery and don't look any further ...