Also known as “liquid cooling,” this system includes a radiator and fluid to dissipate heat. Liquid is constantly circulated between the radiator and motorcycle engine cylinders when the engine is operating. A small fan (controlled by a thermostat) has a cooling effect on the liquid passing through the radiator. Water-cooled bikes are less likely to overheat, compared to air cooled engines, especially when traffic may be slow or jammed, which minimizes the heat transfer of rapid air circulation that air cooling provides.
A clutch that contains many plates that are in the oil spray of the transmission and the oil gets between the plates. The plates on wet clutches have a tendency to stick together when the bike sits. So, when you start the bike in the morning, before you put it in first gear to move off, depress the clutch lever for about 30 seconds to allow the oil on the plates to drain off and the plates to separate. Otherwise, you’ll get a decided clunk and slight movement forward when you put it in first. (Compare Dry Clutch)
As part of the lubricating system of an internal combustion engine, a wet sump is a built-in oil reservoir at the base of the engine. From there oil is pumped into various engine bearings and then drained back down to the sump.
A benefit of a wet sump, as compared to a dry sump, is its simple internal design, using a single pump with no external reservoir or connecting hoses or tubes which may leak. On the other hand a wet sump is unsuitable for high-perfomance applications, such as racing through corners, where the oil may slosh around inside the sump and briefly deprive the system of oil which could damage the engine.
The horizontal distance between the ground contact points of the front and rear wheels. Wheelbase is a function of motorcycle frame length, steering axis angle, and fork offset. Wheelbase has a major influence on the longitudinal stability of a bike (along with the height of the center of gravity). Short bikes are much more likely to perform wheelies and stoppies and have the quickest handling characteristics. On the other hand, a motorcycle’s straight-line stability improves with longer wheelbase. For example, sport bikes have a shorter wheelbase and tourers have longer wheelbases.
An act of raising the front wheel of a motorcycle off the ground and keeping it in the air while continuing to ride the bike.
A set of short arms that project several feet from the rear of a motorcycle to prevent or control the amount of front-end lift during massive acceleration.
Also known as whoop-de-doos. A section of track with a row of dirt mounds or moguls. Whoops are one of the most difficult obstacles on a Supercross track, as timing, throttle control and body positioning are crucial. Whoops are usually good places for fast riders to pass. “I was having a bad race until I figured out the fast line through the whoops.”
A simple triangular-shaped piece of cloth or leather worn around the neck of a motorcyclist for wind protection.
Racing machines built and operated by the factory.
System for turning rotational movement through 90°, in which a pinion is turned by a spirally cut gear.
Vital MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS
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