A component added to the motorcycle braking system that detects wheel lock up. The system rapidly modulates the brakes to prevent skidding (and attendant loss of traction), allowing the rider more braking control and increased riding safety. (Read More: Anti-Lock Braking System.)
Motorcycle aerodynamics refers to bike designs that have as little air resistance as possible to achieve greater speeds or to improve rider comfort. Wind tunnels aid manufacturers in their development of improved aerodynamic motorcycle models which result in the different configurations of windshields, fairings, body work and other components.
Any items or accessories you buy that are not from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Sanctioning body for vintage motorcycling competition, it’s a member-owned non-profit association dedicated to enhancing the sport of historic motorcycle racing for the enjoyment of riders and spectators.
A method of dissipating heat from a motorcycle engine to keep it at operating temperature by way of air flow. In practice, cooling is effected by air rushing around a moving motorcycle engine and is aided by the use of small engine fins to facilitate heat transfer into the passing air. Compare Water Cooling.
Flat-twin, BMW motorcycles with an air-cooled engine that were built from 1923 up to 1995. The airhead design was replaced by the oilhead, which uses oil, in addition to air, to transfer engine heat to the atmosphere.
System used on early engines in which the inlet valve is held shut by a weak spring and opens by atmospheric pressure when the falling piston creates a vacuum in the cylinder.
The largest motorsports organization in the world, overseeing thousands of professional and amateur events per year. This U.S. organization campaigns for motorcyclists’ legal rights and organizes numerous motorcycling activities. The organization was founded in 1924 and has over 1000 chartered clubs. The AMA also maintains the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Electronic generator that makes alternating current by spinning a magnetic rotor inside a coil-wound stator.
Anodizing, or anodising, is a process used to increase the thickness and density of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts to increase corrosion resistance and wear resistance. It also provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than the bare metal, and can also be used as a cosmetic effect by itself. The process derives its name from the fact that the part to be treated forms the anode portion of an electrical circuit in this electrolytic process. Anodic films are most commonly applied to protect aluminium alloys, although processes also exist for titanium, zinc, magnesium, and niobium.
A front-end suspension component that reduces how much the forks compress under braking, popular in the late 1980s, but seldom used now.
Motorcycle handlebars that are very high and often raise the rider’s hands above his shoulders.
The middle or center point of a turn. This is important to motorcycle riders, since they orient their riding “line” in relation to a turn’s apex.
Protective padding used to reinforce motorcycle apparel. It is designed to absorb energy on impact to help protect the rider in the event of a crash. Armor is available to better protect a rider’s back, shoulders, chest, elbows, hips and knees. (Compare CE Armor).
For more information, see this article on Motorcycle Armor.
A tar-like substance used by road maintenance crews to fill cracks in the pavement. It can be very slick and should be avoided by motorcycles.
A 98cc moped.
An automatic-on headlamp, or a daytime running lamp (DRL), is a motorcycle’s headlamp that automatically turns on when the bike is started. It’s mandatory on all street bikes in North America because it’s proven to be effective in improving visibility of a motorcycle by other vehicles.
