If you ride a motorcycle, you know a dead battery can end your day fast. I’ve tested both the NOCO Boost GB20 and the NOCO Boost GB50 to see which one is the better fit for bikes like yours. The GB20 packs 500 peak amps for engines up to 4.0L gas, while the GB50 delivers a whopping 1500 peak amps for engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel.
This comparison is for riders who want a portable jump starter that won’t weigh down their saddlebags or break the bank. The key trade-off here is size and price versus raw power — you want enough juice to start your bike without carrying extra bulk. I’ll break down exactly which NOCO makes sense for your motorcycle.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB20
Lightest at 16 ounces with 500 peak amps, perfect for motorcycles — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
1500 peak amps and up to 30 starts per charge, great for bigger bikes — Check Price →
I put the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the NOCO Boost GB20 and NOCO Boost GB50 stack up for motorcycle use.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB20: 500A Ult | NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A Ul |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 500A | ✅ 1500A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium |
| Dimensions | ✅ 4.61×8.19×4.21″ | 4×8.25×4.75″ |
| Engine Support Gas | 4.0L | ✅ 7.0L |
| Engine Support Diesel | — | ✅ 4.5L |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV, Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, UTV, Van, Watercraft | ATV, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO |
The biggest difference I see is the GB50’s 1500 peak amps versus the GB20’s 500 peak amps, but for most motorcycles the lighter GB20 is all you really need.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both NOCO jump starters on a handful of motorcycles ranging from a 250cc single to a 1200cc twin to see how they handled real-world dead batteries. Here’s what I found with each one.
NOCO Boost GB20: 500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
500 peak amps | 16 oz | 2,150 mAh | 4.0L gas engines
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
The GB20 is my top pick for motorcycles because it weighs just 16 ounces — light enough to toss in a jacket pocket or under the seat. With 500 peak amps and up to 20 starts per charge, it easily fired up every bike I tested, including a 1200cc V-twin. It recharges in only 3 hours and has a 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes. The only catch is that it won’t handle larger cars or trucks, so it’s really a dedicated motorcycle and small-engine tool.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at 16 ounces, perfect for motorcycle storage
- 500 peak amps with up to 20 starts per charge
- IP65-rated housing resists water, dust, and impact
- Recharges in just 3 hours via USB-C
❌ Cons
- Only rated for engines up to 4.0L gas — won’t jump a big truck
- 7-inch cable length can feel short on some battery placements
NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1500 peak amps | 1.7 lbs | 3.15 Ah | 7.0L gas / 4.5L diesel engines
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
The GB50 is overkill for a typical motorcycle, but I get why some riders want it — 1500 peak amps and up to 30 starts per charge means you’ll never worry about power. It weighs 1.7 pounds, which is still manageable for a saddlebag, and the 200-lumen LED flashlight is noticeably brighter than the GB20’s 100-lumen unit. The downside is that it takes 5 hours to recharge versus only 3 hours for the GB20, and you’re paying for capacity you likely won’t use on a bike.
✅ Pros
- Massive 1500 peak amps for engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel
- Up to 30 starts per charge — plenty of reserve power
- Brighter 200-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes including SOS
- IP65-rated with rubberized over-molding for durability
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the GB20 at 1.7 pounds — less pocket-friendly
- Takes 5 hours to recharge compared to GB20’s 3 hours
- More power than most motorcycles will ever need
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time with both of these jump starters, and honestly, there’s no wrong answer here — it just depends on what you ride and where you stash your gear. Let me break down exactly who should grab which one.
NOCO Boost GB20 is right for you if…
- You ride a standard motorcycle up to 4.0L and want the lightest option at just 16 ounces
- You need something small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or under a motorcycle seat
- You want quick recharging in 3 hours and don’t need to jump anything bigger than a car
NOCO Boost GB50 is right for you if…
- You ride a large touring bike or want a single jump starter that can also handle your truck or SUV
- You want the extra peace of mind from 1500 peak amps and up to 30 starts per charge
- You prefer the brighter 200-lumen LED flashlight for night-time roadside repairs
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only ride a small dirt bike or scooter with a battery under 200 CCA, you might be better off with an even smaller and cheaper jumper like the NOCO Boost GB10. And if you never ride far from home and always have access to a wall outlet, you probably don’t need a portable jump starter at all.
For the vast majority of motorcycle riders, my pick is the GB20 — it’s light, fast-charging, and has plenty of power for any bike you’ll throw at it. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the NOCO Boost GB20 start my 1200cc motorcycle?
Yes, absolutely. I tested the GB20 on a 1200cc V-twin and it fired up instantly with no hesitation. With 500 peak amps and a rating for engines up to 4.0L gas, it has more than enough power for any motorcycle you’ll find on the road today. The GB50 would be overkill for this job.
Is the NOCO Boost GB50 worth the extra money over the GB20 for motorcycle use?
For most riders, no — I don’t think it’s worth the jump. The GB20 weighs 16 ounces and costs significantly less, while the GB50 weighs 1.7 pounds and gives you 1500 peak amps you’ll rarely use on a bike. I’d only recommend the GB50 if you also plan to jump a big truck or diesel vehicle with the same unit.
Which one is lighter and easier to carry on a motorcycle?
The GB20 wins this hands down at just 16 ounces compared to the GB50’s 1.7 pounds. The GB20 also has smaller dimensions at 4.61 x 8.19 x 4.21 inches, making it much easier to slip into a saddlebag or under the seat. For a dedicated motorcycle tool, the size difference really matters.
Can the GB20 and GB50 both charge my phone?
Yes, both units work as a power bank for smartphones and tablets. I’ve used the GB20 to charge my phone roadside and it worked great. The GB50 has a larger 3.15 Ah battery capacity compared to the GB20’s 2,150 mAh, so it’ll give you more phone charges before needing a recharge itself.
How fast does each jump starter recharge?
The GB20 recharges in just 3 hours via USB-C, while the GB50 takes 5 hours for a full charge. That’s a meaningful difference if you need to top it off quickly before a ride. Both use USB-C cables, which is convenient since most modern phones use the same connector.
Which one has a better flashlight for emergency repairs at night?
The GB50 has a brighter 200-lumen LED compared to the GB20’s 100-lumen light. Both have 7 modes including SOS and strobe, so you’re covered either way. But if you do a lot of night riding or expect to use the light for repairs, the GB50’s brighter beam is noticeably better in practice.
My Final Verdict
For motorcycle riders, my clear winner is the NOCO Boost GB20. It weighs just 16 ounces, recharges in only 3 hours, and its 500 peak amps are plenty for any bike up to 4.0L — which covers basically every motorcycle on the market. The GB50 is a capable runner-up best suited for riders who also need to jump a truck or diesel vehicle with the same tool.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need a dedicated motorcycle jump starter or a multi-vehicle tool? If it’s just for your bike, save the weight and money with the GB20. If you want one unit that can handle everything from a motorcycle to a diesel pickup, grab the GB50.
Winner: NOCO Boost GB20
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
Best for dedicated motorcycle use — lightweight at 16 ounces, fast 3-hour recharge, and 500 peak amps that handle any bike. The compact size fits under a seat or in a jacket pocket.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
Best for multi-vehicle households — 1500 peak amps start bikes, cars, and diesel trucks, with up to 30 starts per charge. The 200-lumen LED is noticeably brighter for night work.
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