Description

Overview & Power Delivery

The Yuasa YTX20HL-BS 12V 18Ah AGM battery is engineered specifically for premium motorcycles, touring cruisers, utility vehicles, and powersports machinery requiring sustained, high-surge energy output. Constructed using advanced Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) micro-fiber separators, this unit completely immobilizes its 0.93 liters of liquid electrolyte within micro-porous glass fleece. This internal configuration virtually eliminates free acid sloshing, provides complete spill-proof security, and optimizes ionic conductivity across all six internal 2.0V lead-acid cells for a stable 12V bus output.

Cold-weather reliability is reinforced by Yuasa’s heavy-duty lead-calcium grid geometry. By utilizing high-density calcium alloy plates rather than traditional antimony formulations, internal resistance is minimized while power density is drastically enhanced. This allows the YTX20HL-BS to deliver a true 310 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), ensuring effortless starting performance even when turning over heavy compression strokes in sub-zero winter mornings or under demanding continuous cyclic loads.

Vibration is the primary cause of premature failure in high-displacement V-twin motorcycles and off-road vehicles. To combat mechanical wear, Yuasa integrates through-the-partition cell connectors with compressed, tightly packed internal active materials. This structural design offers up to four times greater resistance to harmonic engine vibration and aggressive road feedback compared to conventional flooded batteries, ensuring maximum plate bonding, structural integrity, and prolonged cyclic service life.

Technical Specifications

Vehicle Compatibility & Applications

The Yuasa YTX20HL-BS is designed to meet and exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards for demanding powersports applications. Modern bikes and off-road machines are loaded with power-hungry parasitic draws, including modern fuel injection systems, heated grips, GPS navigation, and advanced rider aid electronics. This high-capacity 18Ah platform maintains solid reserve capacity under high auxiliary demands.

This battery fits an extensive range of motorcycles, side-by-sides, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. Prominent motorcycle and powersports applications include:

• Harley-Davidson Touring & Softail: Road King, Electra Glide, Street Glide, Road Glide, Heritage Softail, and Fat Boy models requiring high-torque cold starting.
• Honda Cruisers & Touring: Gold Wing GL1800, Valkyrie, and VTX1800 series.
• Triumph & Indian Motorcycles: High-displacement cruiser and performance bagger configurations.
• All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) & UTVs: Polaris Sportsman, Can-Am Outlander, Arctic Cat, and Yamaha side-by-side utility utility vehicles.
• Personal Watercraft (PWC): Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki Jet Ski platforms.
• Snowmobiles: Ski-Doo, Polaris, and Arctic Cat winter trail and mountain sleds.

Installation & Care Guidelines

The YTX20HL-BS features Yuasa’s Fresh Pack bottle filling system. Once the pre-measured 0.93-liter acid pack is filled into the battery cells, allow the battery to breathe for 30 to 60 minutes for complete capillary absorption into the AGM glass mats. Seal the battery permanently using the provided sealing strip. Once closed, the battery is completely sealed, spill-proof, and never requires water replenishment.

For maximum battery longevity, conduct an initial bench charge using an AGM-compatible smart charger set at 1.8 Amps until the absorption voltage reaches 14.4V – 14.7V. Prior to mounting, inspect battery terminal lugs for oxidation, apply a protective coating of dielectric grease, and torque hardware to manufacturer specifications. During prolonged off-season storage, connect the battery to an automated microprocessor-controlled maintenance charger to prevent parasitic discharge and sulfation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Yuasa YTX20HL-BS require periodic water refilling?

No. The YTX20HL-BS is a permanently sealed Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. After initial activation with the included acid pack and sealing with the secure cap strip, the battery recombines oxygen and hydrogen internally and never requires water or electrolyte additions.

What does the ‘HL’ in YTX20HL-BS stand for?

The ‘H’ designates High Performance, delivering elevated Cold Cranking Amps (310 CCA compared to the standard 270 CCA found on standard YTX20L-BS batteries). The ‘L’ designates reversed terminal polarity, placing the negative terminal on the left and the positive terminal on the right when viewed from the front.

What charger should be used for this battery?

Use an AGM-compatible microprocessor-controlled automatic charger. The recommended standard charging rate is 1.8 Amps. Avoid high-amperage automotive chargers over 2.5 Amps or non-regulated continuous chargers, as excessive heat can vent electrolyte through the pressure relief valve and shorten battery life.

How does AGM technology resist vibration better than flooded batteries?

In the YTX20HL-BS, micro-fiber glass separators tightly compress the lead plates inside each cell compartment, keeping the active plate material firmly supported. This immobilized structure prevents internal short circuits and active paste shedding caused by road bumps and severe engine vibration.

How should this battery be stored over the winter?

Store the battery fully charged in a cool, dry area. Disconnect negative battery leads to prevent vehicle parasitic draw, or connect the battery to an automatic float charger/tender that provides an automated maintenance cycle between 13.5V and 13.8V.

Additional information