Motorcycle-Glossary.com » A

ABS: Antilock Brake System

admin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:00:18 +0000

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.)

Aerodynamics

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:00:37 +0000

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.

After-Market

admin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:00:57 +0000

Any items or accessories you buy that are not from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

AHRMAL: American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association

admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:00:30 +0000

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.

Air Cooling

admin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:00:09 +0000

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.

Airhead

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:00:09 +0000

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.

AIV: Atmospheric/Automatic Inlet Valve

admin — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:00:35 +0000

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.

AMA: American Motorcycle Association

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:00:31 +0000

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.

Alternator

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:00:22 +0000

Electronic generator that makes alternating current by spinning a magnetic rotor inside a coil-wound stator.

Anodize

admin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:00:55 +0000

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.