Motorcycle Glossary
Technology / Motorcycle Glossary
Block Pass: Going into a turn, a rider attempting a block pass will accelerate before the apex and slip his motorcycle on the inside of the leader, then quickly pivot and make the turn directly in front . . . View Full Definition
Blue Knights: The Blue Knights® is a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth wireless technology utilizes short-range communications technology for both voice and data transmissions over short distances from fixed and/or mobile devices. This creates a wirel . . . View Full Definition
BMW: A BMW is a brand of motorcycle. BMWs were first made in 1923 with the R32 boxer. If you mention BMW to most non-riders, you will almost always hear, 'I didn't know BMW made motorcycles.' Act . . . View Full Definition
Body English: A method used by motorcycle riders to help control lean angle or direction independent of the handlebars by moving body position on the motorcycle.
Boinger: 1) Suspension. Example: I tested various boinger components to improve my bike’s front-end handling. 2) A piston engine. (Compare to rotary engine.)
Boneshaker: A late 19th century bicycle, and later, a very early motorcycle based upon the same frame. “Boneshaker” refers to the extremely uncomfortable ride, which was caused by the stiff frame and w . . . View Full Definition
Bore: The measurement of a cylinders diameter (see also stroke).
Bottom Dead Center (BDC): The point during crankshaft rotation at which the piston is in its lowest possible position. (Compare TDC).
Bottom End: Bottom End refers to the bottom portion of a motorcycle engine including the crankshaft, connecting rods and bearings, primary chain, cam sprockets, seals, and other components that support . . . View Full Definition
Bottom Out: When the suspension runs out of travel and bumps against its internal stops. “My rear suspension bottomed out over the big bump after turn five.”
Bow Wave: A wave of water pushed ahead of a tire, similar to the wave pushed ahead of a boat moving through water.
Boxer: Refers to the BMW R-Series engine that has two horizontally opposed cylinders.
Boxer Twin: A horizontal engine configuration with the two pistons opposing each other, commonly found on BMW twin-cylinder motorcycles. The term comes from the resemblance of fists coming towards each other.
Brake Horsepower (BHP): The measure of an engine’s horsepower without the loss in power caused by the gearbox, generator, differential, water pump, and other auxiliary components. Horsepower delivered to the rear w . . . View Full Definition
Brake Marker: A track indicator placed off to the side of the track, marking a spot where a rider may wish to begin braking for a turn.
Bungee Cord: Bungee cords or nets are used to secure cargo to a bike. There are U-shaped hooks at the ends of the cords that fasten around various parts of the bike as anchors.
BuRP Rally: BuRP stands for Blue Ridge Parkway and You. The BuRP Rally is a motorcycle rally founded by members of the Motorcycles forum. The rally was first held in 2002, basically as a ride by forum m . . . View Full Definition
Bus Stop: A slow first-gear corner.
Cafe Racer: A style of motorcycle popularized in London in the ’50s where bikers wanted a fast, personalized and distinctive bike to travel from cafe to cafe. Many Cafe Racer bikes have distinctive smal . . . View Full Definition
Cage: A car, truck, van, RV or other vehicle that confines the inhabitants within an enclosed space.
Cager: The driver of a car, truck, van, RV or other vehicle that confines the inhabitants within an enclosed space.
Caliper: A Caliper is the non-rotating portion of the disc brake that contains the hydraulic components including the brake pads. The Caliper is positioned on both sides of the Rotor such that as the . . . View Full Definition
Cam: An eccentrically shaped rotor that converts rotational movement into linear movement. Cams are used in the operation of valves, contact breaker points, and drum brakes.
Camber: Sideways angle or slant of the pavement.
Word of the Day:
Chromogenic Materials: Color photographic materials which form dyes during processing.