An oil lubrication system for four-stroke and two-stroke internal combustion engines that incorporates an additional oil reservoir as compared to a wet sump system. Rather than the oil being collected in a conventional oil pan, or sump, for engine lubrication, oil is pumped into a secondary reservoir and then pumped to the engine bearings, effectively eliminating the oil starvation a wet sump system suffers when subjected to high-performance acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Street legal motorcycles that provide varying levels of off-road capabilities. Not as focused as pure off-road or pure street motorcycles. Also known as dual-purpose.
This is when a rider revs up the engine and quickly releases the clutch, launching the bike off the line.
Double, having two parts. Applies to frames with two down tubes, and chains with double rows of rollers.
Electric generator that produces alternating current.
A machine used to measure torque and rotational speed (RPM) which can be used to calculate the mechanical power (such as Horsepower) produced by an engine.
Long leading-link forks, ie front suspension by pivoting fork controlled by twin shock absorbers. Designed by Earnie Earles, they were used by many manufacturers in the 1950s.
The famous motorcycle movie, released in 1969, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson.
Controls various aspects of an internal combustion engine’s operation. ECUs control the quantity of fuel injected into each cylinder, with each engine cycle, by monitoring the engine through sensors. ECUs also control ignition timing and other peripherals. A special category of ECUs are those which are programmable. These units do not have a fixed behavior, but can be reprogrammed by the user.
A means of metering fuel into an internal combustion engine. EFI replaces carburetors as a method to meter fuel. (See Fuel Injection).
Off-road competition against the clock and usually over long distances.
Usually located on the right handlebar switch housing, this switch allows the motorcyclist to turn off the engine without removing his or her hand from the handlebar. Also known as the “kill switch.”
A gear that operates around the circumference of another.
The study of body posture, and the positioning of instruments, to create a good human-to-machine interface. “Good ergonomics” refers to how well a motorcycle fits a rider for its intended use.
A series of turns with quick left and right transitions.
A cam system in which the eccentrics are situated on the face of a rotating disc.
An enclosure on the front of the bike containing the windshield and affording wind protection to the rider. Can be attached to the frame and not move or be attached to the fork and move as the handlebars are turned.
Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles (also spelled farkels), to customize their machine. The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of “function” and “sparkle”, hence, farkle. The term is well known in the North American sport touring community. Radar detectors, Global Positioning System receivers, heated grips, and satellite radios are some of those farkles. Other accessories could be aftermarket seats or bar risers, which make the motorcycle more suitable for long miles.
Famous Norton frame design by the McCandless brothers. It was introduced in 1950 and was given its name by factory rider Harold Daniell.
The governing body of the international motorcycle sport. Originally founded in 1904, it represents 90 national motorcycle federations that are divided into six regional continental unions.
There are five motorcycle-racing disciplines that FIM covers, encompassing 34 world championships and prizes:
- road racing
- motocross
- trials
- enduro
- track racing (combining Grass Track and Speedway)
FIM is also involved in many non-racing activities that promote the sport, its safety, and support relevant public policy.
Means of transmitting power to the driven wheel, usually by chain, shaft, or belt.
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