Technology / Motorcycle Glossary

2-Second Rule: The 2-Second Rule is the minimum spacing in seconds between moving motorcycles. While in formation, maintain a 2-second interval from the rider in front of you. Measure the time by counting . . . View Full Definition

2-Stroke: A 2-Stroke is an engine (also known as a Stroker) having two strokes per cycle. The combustion stroke occurs when the piston moves down allowing the exhaust gases to exit through an opening. . . . View Full Definition

4-Stroke: A 4-Stroke is an engine that uses four strokes to complete a complete cycle. The four strokes are: Intake, Compression, Combustion, and Exhaust. During the Intake Stroke, the intake valve op . . . View Full Definition

ABATE: ABATE is a biker organization that promotes more freedom for motorcyclists by limiting restrictive laws that affect riders. ABATE has organizations in most states. The name of the organizati . . . View Full Definition

Aerodynamics: 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 d . . . View Full Definition

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

Air Cleaner: An Air Cleaner is a filtering device with a replaceable cartridge (air filter) that filters the incoming air to the fuel system on the motorcycle engine.

Air Cooling: 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 engin . . . View Full Definition

Airhead: 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 eng . . . View Full Definition

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

Americade: Touring Rally held in early June at Lake George, NY

American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMAL): 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 a . . . View Full Definition

American Motorcycle Association (AMA): 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 orga . . . View Full Definition

Anodize: 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 . . . View Full Definition

Anti-Dive System: A front-end suspension component that reduces how much the forks compress under braking, popular in the late 1980s, but seldom used now.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): The system, popularized on BMW and then Honda ST1100 motorcycles, utilizes a computerized system to sense wheel lockup and then release and reapply the brakes many times per second. The resu . . . View Full Definition

Ape Hangers: If you remember the motorcycles in the movie Easy Rider, you may also remember that the riders held onto handlebars that were above their shoulders. The position of the rider is almost like . . . View Full Definition

Apex: 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.

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