Technology / Motorcycle Glossary

E-ZPass: Motorcyclists have always had a problem at toll plazas. They have to slow down, push up their face shields, stop, shift into neutral (sometimes even put the sidestand down and kill the engin . . . View Full Definition

Earles Forks: Long leading-link forks, ie front suspension by pivoting fork controlled by twin shock absorbers. Designed by Earnie Earles, they were used by many manufacturers in the 1950s.

Easy Rider: The famous motorcycle movie, released in 1969, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson.

Electric Motorcycle: Motorbikes with two (or three) wheels that use electric motors powered by batteries, or fuel cell technology, as a source of locomotion.

Electrics: Many motorcyclists ride in all kinds of weather conditions. Thus, riding is not just for fair weather. Some motorcyclists ride when it gets cold and sometimes regular apparel just isn't enou . . . View Full Definition

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI): Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is a fuel delivery mechanism that eliminates the need for a carburetor. A computerized control system accounts for elevation changes and delivers the necessar . . . View Full Definition

Enduro: According to the rules of the AMA, 'An Enduro is a meet in which speed is not the determining factor and a time schedule must be maintained. It takes place on a variety of terrain, little-us . . . View Full Definition

Engine Control Unit (ECU): Controls various aspects of an internal combustion engine’s operation. ECUs control the quantity of fuel injected into each cylinder, with each engine cycle, by monitoring the engine through . . . View Full Definition

Engine Cut Off Switch: Usually located on the right handlebar switch housing, this switch allows the motorcyclist to turn off the engine without removing his or her hand from the handlebar. Also known as the “kill switch.”

Engine Guards: See Frame Sliders

Enrichener: The Enrichener is a device that restricts the air intake to result in a richer fuel mixture which assists in starting the engine. This is a term used by Harley-Davidson. Another, more common . . . View Full Definition

Epicyclic Gear: A gear that operates around the circumference of another.

Ergonomics: The study of body posture, and the positioning of instruments, to create a good human-to-machine interface. “Good ergonomics” refers to how well a motorcycle fits a rider for its intended use.

Esses: A series of turns with quick left and right transitions.

Evolution: Evolution is the name of the Harley-Davidson engine used from 1984-1999, sometimes called the EVO. The engine is a 45 degree V-Twin displacing 80ci/1340cc.

Face Cam: A cam system in which the eccentrics are situated on the face of a rotating disc.

Fairing: An enclosure on the front of the bike containing the windshield and affording wind protection to the rider. Can be attached to the frame and not move or be attached to the fork and move as t . . . View Full Definition

Farkles: Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles (also spelled farkels), to customize their machine. The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of “function” and “spa . . . View Full Definition

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