Technology / Motorcycle Glossary

Port Timing: In two-stroke engines the critical moment when ports are covered or uncovered by the piston. Port timing can be modified to enhance a 2-stroke’s power and RPM range.

Poseur: A Poseur is a person who pretends to be what he is not. There are those individuals within motorcycling who are superficially attracted to the image of the biker but who are unwilling to set . . . View Full Definition

Positive Camber: A Positive Camber turn is one that is banked higher on the outside of the turn than on the inside. NASCAR racetracks and Interstate highways are examples of roads that have Positive Camber.

Powder Coating: There are various ways to paint a motorcycle. A popular method these days is powder coating. The paint mixture is normally sprayed on the surface where it clings by electrostatic attraction.

Pre-Unit: An early motorcycle engine architecture where the engine and gearbox are built as independent casings, with their own oil reservoirs. (Compare unit construction).

Pressed Steel: Sheet steel made into curved sections by press forming. It is often used in the construction of motorcycle frames.

Primary Drive: The system of transferring power from the motorcycle engine to the gearbox. Usually achieved by chain or gear.

Privateers: Motorcycle racers who do not have the backing of a manufacturer.

Puck: Knee skids, attached to leathers with hook and loop material, that riders wear to slide their knees through the turns. The riders use their knee skids to judge their angle of lean, and somet . . . View Full Definition

Pushrods: Pushrods are used to connect to rocker arm assemblies which, in turn, open and close valves. In this case, the Camshaft is located near the crankshaft. The rotation of the camshaft causes it . . . View Full Definition

Racing Flags: 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 . . . View Full Definition

Radial Mounted Calipers: 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 t . . . View Full Definition

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

Rake and Trail: Rake is the angle of the fork away from vertical toward the rider. Trail is the distance on the ground between a vertical line dropped straight down from the center of the wheel and a projec . . . View Full Definition

Rally: A gathering of motorcyclists. Could be any number as small as 50 or as large as 500,000.

RAM-Air Intake Ducts: 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: A rat bike is a bike that is usually unkempt and is loaded with all sorts of luggage, tools, tents, bedrolls, flags, pots and pans, clothes, jackets, etc. You can't miss a rat bike. It has e . . . View Full Definition

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

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28