Handlebars that are clamped around the top of the fork tubes, rather than bolted to the top triple-tree. This lowers a rider’s upper body on the front of the motorcycle for a racier body position.
A mechanism for transmitting rotation, which can be engaged and disengaged. There are many different vehicle clutch designs but most are based on one or more friction discs, pressed tightly together or against a flywheel using springs. On most motorcycles, the clutch is operated by the clutch lever, located on the left handlebar. No pressure on the lever means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while pulling the lever back towards the rider will disengage the clutch plates, allowing the rider to shift gears.
In an internal combustion engine, the measurement of the difference between cylinder volume at BDC and TDC. This is the ratio of the maximum-to-minimum volume within the cylinder, between the piston and cylinder head, containing a combination of fuel and air being compressed. A high compression ratio results in more mechanical energy that an engine can squeeze from its air-fuel mixture. High ratios place increased oxygen and fuel molecules into a reduced space; thus, they allow increased power at the moment of ignition. Compression ratio is a single number that can be used to predict engine performance.
The spring switch in the low-tension ignition circuit that controls the timing of the spark in the high-tension circuit. Operated by a cam, contact breakers are sometimes called points.
The spot in which the tire of a bike is in contact with the road’s surface.
A brake in which a band is tightened around a rotation drum.
A weight in the engine that spins with the rpm to smooth out engine vibrations.
The input a motorcyclist gives to the handlebars in order to steer: push the right handlebar to go right, or push the left handlebar to go left.
Motorcycle frame with two tubes passing under the engine (Compare Open Cradle Frame).
The main rotating shaft running through the length of the engine. As the pistons move up and down, they work together to spin the crankshaft. The rotating motion of the crankshaft is transmitted to the gear cluster which is eventually used to rotate the rear wheel of the motorcycle.
A motorcyclist’s protective clothing, especially abrasion-resistant and impact absorbing riding gear and helmet.
A term some people use to describe a high performance sport-bike motorcycle.
A style of motorcycle generally equipped with a low seat and pullback handlebars. This style of bike predominantly stems from the customizing of standard American motorcycles in the ’60s and ’70s.
A transmission shock absorber, usually a rubber cushion in the rear hub.
For many motorcyclists, the choices provided by the motorcycle manufacturers do not provide enough variety to match the personalities of the riders. For this reason, many customize their bikes or hire customizers to do the work for them. Many of these customs are entered in shows and win prizes. Customs can easily cost twice the selling price of the original bike.
The tube-shaped sleeves that house the pistons in an engine and where the fuel/air mixture is drawn for combustion.
A casting that caps the cylinder and contains the valves and combustion chamber.
Vital MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS
Motorcycle Links
- Camping-Rider.com
- Motorcycle Personality Test
- Motorcycle-Gifts.com - Motorcycle Gear, Gloves, Boots, Jackets, Helmets, Tires, Tools, Apparel & More!
- Motorcycle-Intelligence.com
- Motorcycle-Safety-Tips.com
- Safe-Riding.com
- Sport-Tourer.com
