How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Motorcycle Battery?

Much like cars, motorcycles need batteries, too. However, unlike a car, replacing the battery on a motorcycle can be a little more complicated than just popping open the hood, disconnecting the old battery, and reconnecting the new one.

Every bike is a little different, so changing the battery on some might be a straightforward experience while others will have you dealing with a nightmare of wires and brackets. A fairly straightforward cruiser like a Honda Rebel will have the battery in a compartment under the seat. A big cruiser, like a Honda Goldwing that has more accessories and larger frame, might have its battery on the side of the frame, making things a bit more complicated. Regardless, it's sometimes worth having a reputable shop do the swap for you to eliminate the potential for user error. 

The price of a motorcycle battery is actually not too different than a car battery. If you want a really high-end battery from a brand like Optima, then you could spend somewhere around $300. However, most options from budget-oriented brands like Walmart's Everstart sell them for around $100.

If you want a shop to replace your motorcycle battery for you, it's absolutely worth calling ahead and getting a number in front of you before bringing the bike in. Some shops do battery installs for free (if you buy the battery from them), or will even work with you to see if you need a battery in the first place. 

Other shops will charge a battery install fee. It all depends on where you take it and what kind of bike it is. For example, taking a Harley Davidson Street Glide to a Harley shop will likely yield better results than if you bring your Honda Goldwing there, and vice-versa.

For example, in the Baltimore, Maryland area, many shops estimated that the price would come out to around $250 to $400, including labor and the cost of the battery. Due to variability across shops, it will likely save you money if you shop around. Prices will, of course, vary by region, too. And it's an unfortunate reality of the industry (motorcycle and automotive alike) that flat prices are not often listed online. As such, you'll likely need to make a few calls to figure out the best price.