Best Motorcycle Jump Starters: Quickly Revive a Dead Batter
Don’t let a dead battery ruin your day of two-wheeled touring.
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You’re all suited up and ready for an epic day of touring your favorite winding roads only to try to fire up your motorcycle and be greeted by the telltale groans of a dead battery. Of course, if you’re like me, you’re already running about 15 minutes behind schedule. But if you’ve got a motorcycle jump starter handy, your day doesn’t have to be derailed.
I’ve sifted through the fodder and come up with a list of my top picks for you to help make shopping for your motorcycle jump starter as painless as possible. Also check out my list of what to look for when purchasing a reliable, user-friendly option.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
- Powerful and portable
- Multifunctional
- Wireless battery function
- Battery clamps may be too small for some terminals
- Initial operation can be somewhat confusing
Arteck 800A Peak Portable Jump Starter
- Highly affordable
- Wireless function
- Compatible with many different batteries
- Included operating instructions are vague and somewhat confusing
- Not as heat and temperature resistant as some other choices
TopVision 2200A Peak 21800mAh Portable Jump Starter
- Super lightweight
- Extremely powerful
- Highly affordable
- Takes six to eight hours to reach a full charge
- Operation manual is not the easiest to understand
Our Methodology
The motorcycle jump starters that made this list are those that offer the latest in technology. I considered devices that were specifically made for motorcycle use as well as other jump starters that could work for any type of vehicle. Those that offered lots of built-in safety features and came from reputable, well-known manufacturers were my top picks. To assess how reliable, trustworthy, and convenient these devices were in real-life settings, I also looked at user reviews. For more info about strict selection criteria, check out this link to The Drive’s Gear About page which explains our methodology further.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn moreBest Motorcycle Jump Starter Reviews & Recommendations
Summary List
Best Value: Arteck 800A Peak Portable Jump Starter
Honorable Mention: TopVision 2200A Peak 21800mAh Portable Jump Starter
Best Heavy Duty: NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000 Amp 12-Volt Lithium Jump Starter
Best with Air Compressor: Duracell 900 Peak Amp Portable Emergency Jump Starter with Compressor
Best Lithium: Michelin Jump Starter and Portable Power Bank
Best Portable: Schumacher 800A Lithium Jump Starter + Power Pack
Best Motorcycle Jump Starter Overall
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump StarterSEE ITSpecs
- Brand: NOCO
- Model: GB40
- Peak Power: 1,000 amps
Pros
- Powerful and portable
- Multifunctional
- Wireless battery function
Cons
- Battery clamps may be too small for some terminals
- Initial operation can be somewhat confusing
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter gets my vote for the best overall motorcycle jump starter. In terms of durability, user-friendliness, multifunctionality, power, and portability, it’s tough to beat. Even better, it’s offered at a super reasonable price point. It provides a generous 1,000 amps of peak power that can start gasoline engines as large as six liters or diesel engines as large as three liters. It’s also equipped with a bright, 100-lumen LED flashlight and can function as a portable power bank for your smart devices.
This jump starter features an integrated lithium battery that can be fully charged in as little as three hours and provide you with up to 20 jump starts on a single charge. The unit is rated IP65 waterproof and weighs only 2.4 pounds, making it a great option for your onboard roadside emergency kit. The terminal clamps are substantially built, but may not be large enough for some bigger battery terminals. This shouldn’t be an issue with any motorcycles, UTVs, ATVs, etc., however. It can also be a little confusing to operate the first couple of times until you get the hang of it.
Specs
- Brand: Arteck
- Model: JS08
- Peak Power: 800 amps
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Wireless function
- Compatible with many different batteries
Cons
- Included operating instructions are vague and somewhat confusing
- Not as heat and temperature resistant as some other choices
If you want a budget-friendly choice that still packs a solid punch, the Arteck 800A Peak Portable Jump Starter is my pick to click. With 800 amps of peak power, this unit is capable of jump-starting 4.0-liter diesel engines or 6.0-liter gasoline engines, making it a very versatile choice. That said, the battery may not hold a charge powerful enough to start larger vehicles, but it’s still a great, affordable option for motorcycles and the like. It can be fully recharged in 4 hours.
This unit features a bright LED flashlight that can be left on for up to 120 hours and has a handy SOS function. It also comes backed by a decent two-year warranty for added peace of mind. It is bulkier than some others but does come with a convenient storage bag to keep it protected and organized. One thing to note is that this jump starter doesn’t seem to be as durable as some others on the market. Also, user manual instructions are confusing.
Specs
- Brand: TopVision
- Model: G26
- Peak Power: 2,200 amps
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Extremely powerful
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Takes six to eight hours to reach a full charge
- Operation manual is not the easiest to understand
The TopVision 2,200A Peak Portable Jump Starter doesn’t mess around in terms of powerful jump starting capability and affordability. For less than $100, you get a jump starter that’s capable of starting a 7.0-liter gas engine or a 6.5-liter diesel engine, making it one of the most powerful jump starters on the list. Like many other modern jump starters, this one functions wirelessly and acts as a portable battery bank for your smart devices and other USB-compatible items.
It also comes equipped with an LED flashlight with an SOS function. Weighing only 1.56 pounds, it’s also one of the most lightweight jump starters on the list. It has multiple safety features, including over-current, short-circuit, overload, over-voltage, over-charge, and reverse-polarity protection. One drawback to this unit is that it takes up to eight hours to reach a full recharge, which is more than double what some other competing models require. Its operations manual also loses points for being difficult to decipher.
Specs
- Brand: NOCO
- Model: GB70
- Peak Power: 2,000 amps
Pros
- Extra durable, rugged housing
- Powerful jump starting capability
- Equipped with large, substantial alligator clamps
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier and bulkier than some other options
The NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000 Amp 12-Volt Lithium Jump Starter gets a nod for being a heavy-duty, durable jump starter that packs a punch. With 2,000 amps of peak power, it can jump start a 6.0-liter diesel engine or an 8.0-liter gasoline engine. Once fully charged, you can get up to 40 jump starts without needing to recharge it again. It does take up to six hours to fully recharge, though. Unlike a lot of other motorcycle jump starters, this one is equipped with large and rugged alligator clamps that are capable of fitting most terminals easily.
This unit can also be used as a portable power bank that can charge any 12-volt or USB compatible devices. Since it features 12-volt compatibility, you can use it to power tire inflators, inverters, and more, making it one of the most versatile units on the list. It’s also equipped with a built-in 400 lumen LED flashlight that features seven different light modes, including emergency SOS and strobe. One drawback to this well-designed unit is its hefty price tag. It’s also heavier and somewhat bulkier than most other choices.
Specs
- Brand: Duracell
- Model: DRJS30C
- Peak Power: 900 amps
Pros
- Capable of charging engines up to eight cylinders
- Provides up to 160 PSI for inflating tires and other items
- Allows up to 27 jump starts on a single charge
Cons
- Bulky and less portable than other units
- Tire inflator hose is very short and doesn’t include adapters for other items
If you want the convenience of a jump starter and a tire inflator in one unit, the Duracell 900 Peak Amp Portable Emergency Jump Starter with Compressor is a decently priced and user-friendly option. It plugs easily into any AC outlet and can provide up to 27 jump starts on a single charge. One downside is that it doesn’t come with an adapter to power it through your car’s 12-volt cigarette lighter. The copper-clad 6 AWG jumper cables are rugged and large enough to attach to larger terminals, making this a good choice not just for motorcycles, but cars, trucks, and SUVs as well.
This unit also features a 2.1-amp USB port that you can use to charge your smartphone or other USB-compatible devices up to 11 times on a single charge. It’s equipped with an LED emergency flashlight for use at night. The compressor is capable of inflating tires up to 160 PSI, although it does take some time to inflate a tire from flat. The compressor function also takes away from the compact portability that other motorcycle jump starters offer. The inflator hose and adapter is somewhat short and can’t be used to inflate other sporting equipment unless you purchase adapters separately.
Specs
- Brand: Michelin
- Model: 2110
- Peak Power: 500 amps
Pros
- Provides up to 10,000 mAh of battery power
- Includes convenient storage bag and 12-volt car adapter
- Straightforward and easy to use
Cons
- Less power to charge larger engine capacities
- Doesn’t include a flashlight for nighttime use
The Michelin Jump Starter and PortablePower Bank is an advanced 3-cell lithium-ion jump starter that features an impressive 10,000 mAh of high-capacity battery power. It offers 500 peak amps that are capable of jumpstarting 4-, 6-, 8-cylinder, or 12-volt vehicles with up to 3.0-liter engines. This is a very straightforward and easy to use jump starter that includes several built-in protection features, including reverse polarity protection.
It offers enough reserve battery life to fully recharge your smartphone from completely drained up to three times on a single charge. This unit features a distinctive, ergonomic, yet durable design. It comes with a handy storage bag, 12-volt car charging adapter, and a micro USB to USB charging cord for added versatility. Unlike many other choices on the list, however, this one doesn’t include a flashlight for easy nighttime use. It’s also somewhat less powerful than most others, but still offers plenty of juice for jump starting your motorcycle.
Specs
- Brand: Schumacher
- Model: SL1638
- Peak Power: 800 amps
Pros
- Super compact and portable
- Surprising charging capacity
- Can charge your mobile devices faster than other competing models
Cons
- No flashlight functionality
- No LED display
For the ultimate in portable jump starting capability, you have to check out the Schumacher 800A Lithium Jump Starter + Power Pack. This surprisingly small device measures only 5.04 x 3.62 x 8.11 inches. That’s roughly the size of your smartphone. However, it possesses a surprising 800 amps of charging power. That’s enough to jump start an engine up to 6.0 liters in size. Thanks to the lithium battery power of this unit, you can also use it to recharge your smartphone or other USB-powered device up to 15 times on a single charge.
As an added bonus, this tiny unit will actually charge your mobile device up to two times faster than a standard USB charger. The unit itself can charge from zero to full in as little as four hours. Like many others, this unit features reverse polarity protection. The terminal clamps leave a little to be desired in terms of size and ruggedness. This unit is also missing an LED flashlight and LED display for nighttime use and emergency protection.
Our Verdict on Motorcycle Jump Starters
In terms of durability, user-friendliness, multifunctionality, power, and portability, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter is tough to beat. Even better, it’s offered at a super reasonable price point, making it the best overall motorcycle jump starter.
For a super reliable and affordable budget-friendly choice, check out the Arteck 800A Peak Portable Jump Starter. With 800 amps of peak power, this unit is capable of jump-starting 4.0-liter diesel engines or 6.0-liter gasoline engines, making it a very versatile choice.
What to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle Jump Starter
When it comes to choosing a reliable motorcycle jump starter, it’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. There are several factors that you’ll want to consider to ensure that you’re getting the right unit to best suit your needs.
Key Features
Amperage
Amperage measures how quickly the charge enters your battery. Generally, the more amperage your jump starter features, the larger the charge and the faster it will fire up your motorcycle engine. Many of the more affordable, budget-conscious choices will offer between 500 and 900 amps, while the more powerful and heavy-duty choices can offer between 1,000 and 2,200 amps. If your bike has a 12-volt battery, you should be good with any charger that offers more than 300 amps.
Voltage
All motorcycle jump starters should be rated for 12-volt use. Be sure you don’t purchase anything larger than this. Jump starters that are compatible with 24-volt systems can work, but aren’t necessary.
Built-In Protections
Using a jump starter can be confusing and it’s easy to make a very dangerous and damaging mistake if you’re new to it. That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase a unit that offers reverse-polarity protection at the very least. You can also get units that protect against over-charging, short-circuiting, overloading, over-current, and over-voltage.
Pricing
Most decent motorcycle jump starters will run you between $50 to $100. These are portable, reliable, and durable choices that often have multifunctional features and one-year warranties. If you’re looking for a higher charging capacity, extra features like a tire compressor, LED digital display, or heavy-duty construction, expect to spend between $150 and $200.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How long will a motorcycle battery last without charging?
A: Typically, a battery will die within four months if you don't use it, but that depends on its age. Older batteries may die in one to two months.
Q: How many amps are needed to start a motorcycle?
A: That depends on the engine's condition, its size, and the starting components. If you have a 12-volt battery, it takes about 200 amps to start the bike.
Q: Can I overcharge my bike’s battery?
A: Yes. This may cause it to die faster. Don't leave a charger continuously connected to the battery or it will eventually drain it so it will no longer work.
Q: Can you jumpstart a motorcycle with a dead battery?
A: Yes. Most of the devices on this list are designed to jump start your motorcycle from completely drained. However, these are not meant to be a fix for an aging battery that ultimately needs replacing, but they’re a good emergency or temporary solution.
Q: How long will a motorcycle jump starter last?
A: You can expect most good quality motorcycle jump starters to last four years or more with regular charging and proper care. Most come with warranties that last one or two years, but that’s usually to protect against unforeseen defects.
