Motorcycle-Glossary.com » R

Racing Flags

admin — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:00:26 +0000

Checkered Flag – First across wins: race over
Black Flag – Rider disqualified or problem with motorcycle
Green Flag – Race start signal, race in progress when all is “go”
Red Flag – Race stopped, sometimes to be restarted
White Flag – One lap left to race
Yellow Flag – Caution, do not pass if flag is waving
Yellow and Red Striped Flag – Caution, indicates debris, fluid or hazard

Radial Mounted Calipers

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:00:37 +0000

A transfer of technology from road racing machines to street bikes of today. The brake calipers attach to the front fork with bolts aligned with the caliper centerline (as opposed to bolts through the side). This change increases braking performance and reduces weight.

Rake

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:12 +0000

The angle the forks are from perpendicular, usually expressed in degrees. (Compare trail).

RAM-Air Intake Ducts

admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:20 +0000

Inlets in the front of the fairing, connected to ducts leading to the airbox, force fresh, cool air into the intake system, creating a supercharging effect.

Rat Bike

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:00:40 +0000

A motorcycle that’s been kept running by any means possible, usually with mismatched parts and minimal maintenance

Rear Sets

admin — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:00:29 +0000

Racing-style footrests fitted towards the rear of the machine to allow the rider to adopt a racing crouch.

Rectifier

admin — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:00:39 +0000

An electrical component in motorcycle charging circuits that converts alternating current into direct current.

Redline

admin — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:00:03 +0000

The maximum number of revolutions per minute an engine can run before damage occurs. The name is derived from the actual red line manufacturers typically put on the tachometer.

Reed Valves

admin — Mon, 26 May 2008 20:00:39 +0000

Reed valves are commonly used in high-performance versions of the two-stroke engine, where they control the fuel-air mixture admitted to the crankcase. As the piston rises in the cylinder the resulting vacuum opens the valve and admits the fuel-air mixture. As the piston descends, it raises the crankcase pressure causing the valve to close to retain the mixture and pressurize it for its eventual transfer through to the combustion chamber

Rev Limiter

admin — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:00:34 +0000

Also known as an “RPM Limiter”: A rev limiter reduces the power of an engine when a certain RPM is reached. As an engine safety device, a rev limiter is placed in the electronic circuitry to prevent the engine from over-revving. For example, if you have a motorcycle throttle wide open and miss a shift, the rapid increase in RPM’s could damage engine parts.