Rise up to hurry with our complete dictionary of motorbike slang

Welcome to The Handbook’s dictionary of motorbike slang. This unofficial glossary was created by those that choose to journey on “twos” to show individuals the lingo of the street. Studying this language may not solely deliver you a brand new degree of enjoyment, nevertheless it additionally might guarantee your security.

Robert M. Pirsig captures this concept deftly in his e-book,

, when he writes, “It’s the edges of the mountain which maintain life, not the highest.” Winter is the proper time to arrange for plenty of driving in spring, and what higher manner to try this than study the ins and outs of motorbike lingo?

Motorcycling, identical to every other specialised exercise, has its personal vocabulary. This bike jargon will make it easier to sound like a veteran rider and supply useful ideas, like what to know when you must tune your motorcycle and what to search for when buying your first bike.

Whether or not you already personal one of many best motorcycles on the road or are pondering of purchasing a new bike, now’s the appropriate time to get a greater understanding of motorcycling. You may know the distinction between a trike and a bobber, however have you learnt what a panny or a tiddler is? That’s what this cheat sheet is for. Let’s dive in!

A-E

AMA: American Motorcyclist Association. This monumental driving group places on races, rallies, and extra annually. It additionally lobbies politicians on behalf of riders and presents companies comparable to roadside help. Some riders love the AMA; some don’t. It’s your name on the worth of becoming a member of.

Airfence: Again within the day, racers might anticipate to slip right into a tire barrier once they crashed in a nook on the observe. Guess what? Tires aren’t that mushy, and lots of riders received injured. Enter Airfence, an airbag system for racetracks. When a rider hits an Airfence, it quickly deflates, absorbing the power of the crash and lessening the probabilities of damage. Utilization: “Did you see Bob’s crash? Good factor there was some Airfence in that nook; he walked away.”

Ape hangers/”Apes”: Very tall handlebars sometimes discovered on cruisers.

Apex: In a automotive or truck, you go round a nook. On a motorcycle (particularly when racing), you search for the apex of a nook or the purpose closest to the curb/shoulder between the entry and exit of a nook. “Hitting the apex” appropriately helps carry pace via a nook. It’s additionally a helluva lot of enjoyable.

ATGATT (“AT-GAT”): Riders who crash and grind off giant elements of their pores and skin whereas sliding down the street have didn’t observe the ATGATT rule. Which is to say, if you wish to keep away from pores and skin grafts, traumatic mind damage, damaged ankles, and myriad different accidents sustained in a crash, you ought to be sporting All The Gear, All The Time.

B

Bike: A suitable time period for nearly any bike, which can also be typically referred to as a trip, sled, beast, the previous girl, sweetheart, my valuable, That Damaged Down Outdated Piece of … and so forth. Utilization: “Candy trip. How lengthy have you ever owned it?”

Massive twin: Any giant displacement Harley-Davidson. Sorry, Sportsters and Road fashions don’t depend.

Biker: Watch out with this time period. On the whole, it means somebody who rides a motorbike, however on this planet of those that truly trip bikes, it extra exactly means somebody who’s in a motorbike membership. A Hell’s Angel is a biker, however your Uncle Bob who scoots round on his Harley Sportster on the weekends isn’t. Uncle Bob’s a rider or motorcyclist. Bikers don’t thoughts being referred to as “bikers” — that’s what they’re — however they typically don’t wish to be referred to as “motorcyclists.” However motorcyclists (non-bikers) could take umbrage at being referred to as a “biker.” Received it? There might be a quiz later. See additionally: rider, one-percenter, motorcyclist.

‘Busa: Nickname for the enduring Suzuki Hayabusa sportbike. Pronounced both “Bee-you-saw” or “Boo-saw” relying on to whom you’re talking. Utilization: “I used to pilot F-18s, so with a purpose to get the identical thrill, I’m gonna get a ‘Busa.”

Bobber: Bobbers are/had been bikes which have been personalized in a sure manner. Typical options embrace a stripped-down look, no entrance fender, low handlebars, a solo seat, and really spare, if any, instrumentation. You may flip nearly any bike right into a bobber with sufficient time, cash, and instruments. The title comes from the early observe of trimming, or “bobbing,” the fenders and seat on a motorcycle to the naked minimal. From there, the minimalist aesthetic simply sort of took over. Now, some bike makers truly promote manufacturing bobbers.

Bonnie: Normal nickname for Britain’s iconic Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, not that widow down the road hassling you for a trip (or extra). Utilization: “I’ll meet you on the pool corridor for some darts in a few hours. Climate appears to be like good so I’m gonna trip the Bonnie the good distance.”

Bonneville: This time, we’re speaking about a spot, not a motorcycle, besides to say that the Triumph Bonneville bike is called after the place. That place is the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the place riders and drivers take their machines to seek out out simply how briskly they’ll go. Simply name it “Bonneville,” and different riders will know what you’re speaking about. It’s also called “The Salt.” Utilization: “Bob has his turbocharged Vespa prepared for Bonneville. He could even get a category pace file.”

Bullet bike: That is an outsider’s time period for a sportbike, typically utilized by media and non-riders to get consideration. Utilization: “I’m gonna go get some dashing tickets and perhaps crash my bullet bike,” stated no sportbike rider ever.

C

Café racer: Again within the day in England, riders generally known as rockers would modify their bikes for pace (in fact) with decrease handlebars, rear-set footpegs, loud pipes, and extra, driving rapidly from nightspot to nightspot — normally a café — to indicate off and decide up ladies was a part of the scene. Guess I can beat ya there! Thus, the café racer. As we speak, modifying classic bikes into “café racers” is a well-liked development. (See additionally: The Ton)

Cage/cager: Motorbike slang (normally derogatory) for a automotive and the driving force. Utilization: “Some fool cager on his telephone almost ran me off the street.”

Carb/carbs: No, not a plate stuffed with pasta. This refers to “carburetors” — a part used to combine gas and air collectively for many years earlier than gas injection turned a factor. They’re finicky, inefficient, and susceptible to clogging, which is why they aren’t used a lot anymore. Some smaller bikes and dust bikes nonetheless include them, however most likely not for lengthy. (See additionally: petcock)

CB: Slang for an previous Honda, not CB radio, so keep away from the confusion. Most classic Honda fashions begin with CB, as in CB750, CB550, CBX, CB1100F, and so forth (and on and on and on). Many present Hondas nonetheless begin with CB, however typically, it means “generic previous Honda.” Utilization: “I’d love to do a cool bobber challenge so I’m searching for an previous CB.”

CB750: Probably the most iconic of all Honda bike fashions and a game-changer for the general motorcycling trade. Launched in 1969 after it was developed by Honda as a race bike, the CB750 featured the primary mass-produced transverse inline-four engine on a motorbike, a entrance disc brake (nearly unparalleled on the time), large energy, reliability, and refinement that made high-performance bikes from Britain, America, and Europe out of the blue appear to be oil-soaked relics of a bygone period. Subsequently, the Honda CB750 and its mechanical spawn are roundly pointed to because the loss of life knell of the British heavyweight bike trade — they usually almost killed off Harley-Davidson, too. All trendy inline-four-powered sportbikes can hint their DNA to the CB750. Honda made a zillion CB750s through the years and lots of nonetheless ply roadways at present in varied types. Nevertheless, the early years — particularly these from 1969 — are very coveted, very costly collector bikes, though you possibly can nonetheless trip them with confidence.

Choke: The carburetor “choke” disappeared from automobiles way back (together with carburetors), nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly widespread on bikes. In case your bike has carburetors, it’s received a choke someplace, and also you’re going to want it when beginning up your bike if the engine is chilly. A choke does simply that: it chokes off the air going into the engine, so it has extra gasoline within the combination, easing beginning and chilly working. Fashionable bikes with gas injection simply do that mechanically after you push the starter button. Chokes are variable, so some bikes want “full choke” to begin or perhaps only a smidge if it’s a scorching day. In case your bike has one, you’ll study to make use of it as a matter in fact.

CC/CI/displacement: On the whole, bike engines are a lot smaller than automotive engines (though, these days, the hole is narrowing). For bikes made in Asia and Europe, engine dimension (“displacement”) is expressed in “cc” — or cubic centimeters. If you recognize about automobiles, you’re aware of issues like a “3.6 liter V6.” In bike slang phrases, that will be a 3,600cc V6. On the whole, bikes vary from 50cc on the smallest to 1,800cc or so on the largest. In fact, there are exceptions (instance: Triumph makes a line of bikes with 2,300cc engines). Alternatively, U.S. bike makers Harley-Davidson and Indian (owned by Polaris) measure their motors in cubic inches (ci). A typical Harley motor can vary from 53ci to 110ci, relying on the mannequin. Indian makes use of a 111ci engine. That converts to a spread of 883cc to 1,819cc. Usually, something beneath 500cc is taken into account a “light-weight” bike, whereas something over 1000cc is a fairly large rig. Between them are “middleweight” bikes, normally 600, 700, 750, 800, or 900cc, though there’s no steadfast rule or dimension information.

CL: “CL” normally refers to Craigslist, the worldwide market of bikes (and far more). Whereas websites like eBay and Cycle Dealer was the go-to locations to discover a used bike, Craiglist is now the place to sift for that dream bike, uncommon half, or used gear. Utilization: “I don’t know anybody promoting a classic bike so that you may need to test CL.”

Chopper: Any cruiser bike with prolonged forks, actually. There are not any particular standards for what makes a chopper, however typical components embrace prolonged forks, a stretched gasoline tank, fats rear tire, V-twin engine with loud pipes, and maybe a customized paint job, though a chopper could have some, all, or none of these points. Normally, there are some lengthy forks holding the entrance wheel and loads of noise, in order that’s just about a useless giveaway.

Cog/cogs: Slang for the gears within the transmission. Utilization: “Try my new Harley. It’s received that new 103 engine and 6 cogs within the field.”

Countersteering: When you’ve got by no means ridden a motorbike, it might shock you to study that one of the best ways to make a motorbike flip whereas it’s in movement is precisely the other of what you’ll anticipate. Countersteering is the strategy of pushing on a handlebar within the route you need to go. If you happen to attempt to “flip” the bars within the desired route, you’ll go the other manner (and sometimes, proper into no matter you are attempting to steer round — a typical rookie mistake). That’s simply how physics works on a motorbike. You truly do the identical factor on a bicycle. You simply don’t understand it as a result of the impact may be very slight. Discover some open area, pedal your bicycle as quick as you possibly can, then coast whereas steering with only one finger on every handlebar. Now push very, very flippantly on the appropriate handlebar. You’ll go to the appropriate, not the left. Congratulations, you at the moment are consciously countersteering. However do watch out, because it takes some time to get used to it.

D

DILLIGAF: You might even see this most frequently as a sticker on a fellow rider’s motorcycle helmet, bike, and even as a tattoo. It’s an acronym for Does It Look Like I Give A F*ck. It’s pronounced “dill-eh-gaff,” or just about like what it appears to be like like. Utilization: Sportbike man says, “Dude, take a look at my ‘Busa!” Leathered-up biker replies, “Dilligaf?”

Dresser: Motorbike slang for “touring bike,” not the place the place you retain your lingerie in your bed room. Again when bikes just about all seemed the identical, some riders added on windscreens or saddlebags for extra consolation and carrying capability. Bike makers took be aware and began making such add-ons accessible as legit manufacturing unit choices, permitting consumers to “costume up” their bikes. Thus, the “dresser” was born. As we speak, bikes just like the 2023 Honda Goldwing and Harley-Davidson Extremely Traditional are the last word examples of a dressed-up touring bike and embrace issues like heated seats, highly effective stereos, intercoms, navigation, powered windscreens, cruise management, and extra. Utilization: “This sportbike is simply too uncomfortable, so I believe I’ll commerce it in on a dresser.”

Twin entrance disc brakes: If you happen to’ve by no means ridden a motorbike or are new to the game, you’ll have observed that some bikes have two disc brake rotors on the entrance wheel. Why? Fairly merely, extra braking energy. Additionally, the 2 discs break up up the braking forces so any slight “pull” from the braking mechanism is offset. Nevertheless, brakes are heavy (and costly), so many bikes with much less efficiency potential or decrease costs have only one entrance disc brake. With the appearance of higher brake techniques and anti-lock braking techniques (ABS), most bikes cease simply high quality with one disc up entrance. Nevertheless, top-tier efficiency bikes or very heavy bikes will normally have a pair of rotors to maximise stopping energy.

Twin sport: A comparatively new kind of motorbike that could be a purpose-made mixture of a avenue bike and dust bike and may be legally ridden each on public roads or off-road/on dust. Twin-sport bikes are also called “journey bikes” (see additionally: ADV ). Twin sportbikes may be bone-simple (Honda XR650L, and so forth.) or extraordinarily high-tech (BMW GS1200 Journey, Ducati Multistrada), and there are many them to select from. They’re an evolution of early “enduro” (see additionally: enduro) bikes, which had been mainly avenue bikes with knobby tires and completely different exhaust pipes. However after BMW launched the extra purpose-built GS1000 and Kawasaki provided the KLR650, each within the Nineteen Eighties, the dual-sport area of interest has grown to turn into a significant a part of the driving expertise. Many riders really feel dual-sportbikes are each essentially the most sensible and hardest sort of bike and sometimes take them on epic rides. See additionally: Lengthy Approach ‘Spherical and Jupiter’s Travels.

Duck/duc: Slang nickname for Ducati (“doo-caw-tee” or “doo-cat-ee,” relying on who you ask), the Italian maker of among the costliest, highly effective, sweet-handling, and delightful bikes on this planet. Utilization: “I’ll meet you and George Clooney on the racquet membership in a couple of hours. I’m going to go wring out the Duck whereas the climate is nice.”

E

Enduro: An older time period that has largely been changed by “dual-sport” however continues to be utilized by older riders when referring to street-legal dirtbikes or enduro (pronounced “endure-oh”) racing, which is the place the time period originated. Classic dirtbikes which are street-legal are commonly known as enduros. Utilization: “Try this cool previous Honda CL350 enduro I discovered on the swap meet.”

F-J

Sooner (the film): No, not the film with The Rock. Even for those who’re not into bike racing, the film Faster is required viewing for any rider. Chronicling the rise of Valentino Rossi, it provides an inside view of what it takes to succeed at racing’s highest level, known as MotoGP. And it takes a lot, together with loads of ache, health, mastering of balky million-dollar bikes, navigation of underhanded shenanigans by different racers, a fistfight or two, and balls the dimensions of melons. Rossi and different riders wrestle 200-plus-hp, 200-plus mph terror machines world wide’s premier racetracks inside hundredths of a second of one another for victory. The talent, bravery, and willpower concerned make sure four-wheeled sports activities appear to be go-cart racing together with your buddies in a vacant lot. Simply don’t go trip proper after you watch it. (See additionally: On Any Sunday)

Idiot’s gear: Again within the Seventies, many dealerships displayed an iconic poster about driving referred to as “Full Gear/Idiot’s Gear” that confirmed the right security gear to make use of versus what not to put on (T-shirt, shorts, sandals, no helmet). It made a giant impression on loads of riders and has lately been up to date to “Cool Gear/Idiot’s Gear.” Nobody actually talks about it, however nearly each seasoned rider is aware of what it’s. Right here’s the original and the new version.

G

Hole, or The Hole: Refers to The Darien Gap, a roadless stretch in Central America about 100 miles in size bordering Columbia and Panama. No roads undergo The Hole; it’s a hostile mixture of swampland, mountains, and thick jungle. Lots of the critters and vegetation there can kill or injure you. Properly-armed rebels inhabit some areas of The Hole, and crossing paths with them may be deadly. As such, it’s the Mount Everest of dual-sport driving challenges. Few have made it. One couple managed to drive throughout it in a Jeep — as soon as. It took them two years to go the 100 miles.

Storage rot: One of many worst issues you are able to do to a motorbike is to not trip it. It’s one factor for those who’ve received a super-rare classic bike in your lounge as an artwork set up. However for those who depart your bike within the storage gathering mud subsequent to your Stairmaster for 2 years, the brake fluid goes to go unhealthy, brake pistons might stick, piston rings might rust, rust could kind within the gasoline tank, and so forth. That’s generally known as storage rot. Both trip it or retailer it correctly. (I say simply trip it).

Gearbox/field: Slang for the transmission on a motorbike.

Get-off: Get your thoughts out of the gutter — that is one other time period for “crash” and normally denotes a minor crash. It’s referred to as a “get-off” as a result of the rider “will get off” the bike in the course of the crash (which is what you need to occur). Utilization: “I had a get-off in flip three on the observe nevertheless it solely scuffed up my leathers and bent the handlebars.”

Gixxer: Slang for any Suzuki GSX-R sportbike. Legendary for his or her excessive efficiency, GSX-Rs are uncomfortable for essentially the most half however ungodly quick with good dealing with. A favourite of the too-much-testosterone set, they’ve a excessive fee of demolition (see additionally: squid) however are rightful favorites of membership racers and observe day riders. Utilization: “I’ve been pondering of hitting some observe days so I’m searching for a very good used Gixxer 750.”

GS: Nickname for BMW GS dual-sport fashions, the de facto honor guard of dual-sport driving. Most individuals are referring to the large GS fashions, such because the GS1200 Journey once they say “GS.” BMW additionally makes smaller GS fashions as effectively, and they’re extremely competent journey bikes. Utilization: “My wealthy uncle handed away and left me a small fortune, so I’m shopping for a GS and driving to South America and again subsequent 12 months.

H

Hairpin: A really tight flip. (See additionally: Twisties)

Hardtail: Any bike with no rear suspension. The earliest bikes had been all hardtails since they had been primarily powered bicycles however finally, somebody received sick of getting their backbone realigned by potholes and determined some springs would assist easy out the trip. Thank goodness for that concept as a result of whereas driving a hardtail could show you’re a “actual man,” it might additionally result in getting fillings and/or organs changed from all of the jarring your physique takes.

Harley: Quick for Harley-Davidson, the enduring American bike maker. (See additionally: Hog/hawg and biker)

Excessive-side: A really harmful sort of crash the place the rear tire of the bike loses traction, begins to rotate across the bike’s heart axis, out of the blue regains traction, after which flips the rider into the air (over the “excessive aspect” of the bike), all whereas transferring at a very good clip. Extra widespread in racing (at the least it was earlier than traction controls). Belief me, you don’t want to this to occur to you. It appears to be like like this.

Hog/hawg: Nickname for nearly any Harley, however normally reserved for the larger bikes within the lineup (as in, not Sportsters). Additionally, HOG is the acronym of the Harley Owners Group. Utilization: “I’ll meet you on the pool corridor for some nine-ball in a few hours. Climate appears to be like good so I’m gonna trip my hog.”

Hyperbike: Normal time period for the world’s highest-performing sportbikes, normally of the 1000cc selection and able to astronomical speeds. Utilization: “My spouse says I’ve to have a million-dollar life insurance coverage coverage earlier than I can purchase a hyperbike.”

I

“I needed to lay it down to reserve it”: If you happen to ever encounter somebody saying this phrase whereas regaling you with tales about their many driving adventures, simply smile, nod and say “good factor you had been OK!” As a result of the reality is, just about nobody — ever — has had sufficient time to lock their brakes after which gently “lay down” their delight and pleasure right into a managed slide down the asphalt to keep away from some higher disaster. Identical to in automobiles, bike crashes occur within the blink of an eye fixed with little to no warning. Moreover, in case you have time to “lay it down,” you then most likely have time to hit the brakes and keep away from the crash altogether. When you’ve got POV cam footage of your self “laying it down to reserve it,” please ship it my manner. However I received’t maintain my breath. Principally, it actually means, “I crashed however am too embarrassed to confess it, so right here’s a heroic story I made up.”

“It’s a Honda”: A phrase typically uttered by riders (normally on a Honda) in reference to the model’s legendary reliability. Utilization: “I discovered this previous CB750 in a man’s barn. I cleaned the carbs out, put some gasoline in, and it began proper up. It’s a Honda.”

IOMTT: Acronym for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race, which takes place on a small island (the Isle of Man, as you may think) annually. It is likely one of the most fun, insane, and insanely harmful races on this planet. Riders pilot 200-hp sportbikes at as much as 200 mph round a 37-mile street course that’s made up of metropolis and nation roads. There’s little margin for error, and lots of riders have died on the course. Additionally recognized merely as “the Isle of Man” or the “IoM.”

J

Jupiter’s Travels: Important studying for anybody with a bit (or so much) of wanderlust, Jupiter’s Travels is Ted Simon’s chronicle of his wonderful four-year journey across the globe within the Seventies on what was primarily a barely modified Triumph bike. Many individuals give it partial credit score (or extra) for uplifting the dual-sport motion. (See additionally: Lengthy Approach ‘Spherical)

Ok-O

Katoom: Pronounced “kah-toooom.” Slang for bike maker KTM.

Kawi: Pronounced “cow-ee.” Quick for Kawasaki. Utilization: “I used to be a Honda man for a very long time till I received this loopy Kawi.”

“Maintain the rubber aspect down”: A typical solution to say goodbye to a different rider. Principally, it means to remain secure (the “rubber aspect” being the tires).

Package: A Britishism and basic time period for “gear” that’s catching on within the U.S. Utilization: “Did you see Bob’s new panniers? That’s some good package.”

KLR: Quick for the Kawasaki KLR 650, one of many first purpose-built twin sportbikes. Not quick, difficult, or particularly fashionable, it’s the Jeep of the dual-sport world and has been in manufacturing for about 30 years in just about the identical kind. Riders have circled the globe on their trusty KLRs, which have a well-deserved repute for toughness, simplicity, and low value. Utilization: “I used to be fascinated with getting a BMW GS, however I believe I’ll get a KLR and trip it to Africa and again with the cash I’ll save.”

L

Laguna: Quick for Laguna Seca Raceway, a well-known racetrack in California. For some time, MotoGP races had been held there, however not. Nevertheless, loads of different races do happen there. The observe encompasses a very extreme flip referred to as “The Corkscrew.” A lot of the motion (and crashing) in this video is on stated Corkscrew.

Leathers: Just about what you’d anticipate, this can be a basic time period for protecting gear, each jackets and pants or one-piece racing fits. You may get non-leather driving gear (generally known as “textile” gear), however even then, most riders simply name all driving gear “leathers.” Utilization: “We’re heading for the canyons, so depart the denims at house and put on your leathers.”

Lengthy Approach ’Spherical: Lengthy Approach ‘Spherical is a multi-part video sequence hosted by actors Ewan McGregor and Charles “Charlie” Boorman, two (wealthy) buddies who overloaded some large BMW GS1200 dual-sport fashions and rode them world wide the “good distance.” That’s, they rode throughout Europe, Russia, and quite a few different international locations over a interval of a number of weeks, typically on primitive or barely-there roads. Whereas the present chronicles many hardships and challenges (and enjoyable moments), additionally they had a relatively huge help group, together with a GS-mounted cameraman and two extra autos. Lengthy Approach ‘Spherical gave the dual-sport phase of motorcycling a enormous increase, and BMW is endlessly of their debt (KTM handed on supplying bikes for the present as a result of they didn’t suppose the 2 might truly full the journey … oops). The sequence is vastly entertaining and impressed two equally inspiring sequels, Lengthy Approach Down, by which the 2 trip from Britain to the southern tip of Africa, and Lengthy Approach Up, which sees the duo journey on totally electrical bikes from Patagonia to Los Angeles. It’s must-see viewing for anybody who rides, dual-sport or in any other case.

Low-side: A considerably much less harmful sort of crash that just about all the time takes place throughout a flip. Sometimes, the entrance wheel loses traction, and mainly, the bike simply falls down and slides (on its “low aspect”). Typically, the rider “detaches” from the sliding bike (see additionally: get-off), which is what you need to occur, until you’re not sporting security gear (see additionally: street rash and Idiot’s Gear). It appears to be like like this.

M

Magic button: Slang for the starter button. For many years, bikes had been kick-start-only machines. Whereas they weren’t the primary by an extended shot, Honda made electrical beginning commonplace on bikes. Utilization: “I’ll always remember that 1973 Honda CB450 I had. It was the primary bike I owned that had the magic button.”

Mod or mods: Two issues right here. “Mods” as describing a rider is a British time period for somebody who rides a scooter, normally as a part of a membership. A pointy sense of favor and a candy personalized Vespa or Lambretta scooter are required. Mods typically fought with their motorcycle-riding enemies, the Rockers. “Mod” or “mods” because it applies to equipment is one other manner of claiming you’ve personalized (modified) one thing in your bike. Utilization: “This previous Gixxer works fairly good, however I’ve received some mods in thoughts to deliver it up to the mark.” (See additionally: Rocker, Quadrophenia)

Moped: A small bike that additionally has bicycle pedals — and may be pedaled. Mopeds normally have 50cc or smaller engines, and so aren’t very quick. Nevertheless, there’s a entire hop-up tradition round mopeds, so you possibly can truly see some fairly insane customs right here and there. Some individuals name the lightest of the light-weight scooters “mopeds,” however until they’ve pedals, they’re nonetheless technically scooters.

Motard: Pronounced “moe-tard.” A motard bike is basically a dirtbike or dual-sportbike that has been transformed to avenue use and solely avenue use. It’s not a dual-sport. Motards retain the tall stance, lengthy suspension, skinny profile, and light-weight of a dust bike, however have sportbike tires, reworked suspension, lights, indicators, and so forth. As soon as a fringe bike kind pieced collectively by storage builders, motards are loopy enjoyable to trip as a result of they’re so mild, quick, and maneuverable. That makes them nice as metropolis bikes, however not so nice for distance, though many individuals package them out for lengthy journeys as a result of they’re a lot enjoyable to trip. You may get manufacturing unit motards from a couple of main bike makers, together with Ducati, which makes the rightly named Hypermotard.

MotoGP: MotoGP (Motorcycle Grand Prix) is the highest tier of motorbike racing. A lot as Method 1 or IndyCar is to automotive racing, MotoGP is the place the very best of the very best, each when it comes to bikes and riders, meet to do battle. The races are held all around the world at the very best tracks and persistently appeal to 100,000 or extra followers on race days. Solely within the U.S. is MotoGP comparatively unknown and overshadowed by car-based motorsports comparable to NASCAR and Indy racing. There’s normally one MotoGP race a 12 months within the States: at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. If you happen to can go to a race, you should definitely do it. And convey earplugs. Different in style racing leagues embrace Moto2 (600cc machines) and World Superbike, which is also called SBK.

Motorcycle: Time period for a motorbike used largely throughout the pond.

Motorcyclist: Politically appropriate and all-encompassing time period for individuals who trip bikes, sometimes utilized by individuals exterior the driving sphere. Like “biker,” some riders don’t thoughts being known as motorcyclists, whereas others do. It is perhaps simpler to simply say “bike rider.” Motorcyclist can also be the title of a preferred bike journal, which was initially referred to as American Motorcyclist.

MSF: MSF stands for Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Shaped within the Seventies, the MSF presents fundamental and superior driving instruction. In some states, it’s obligatory that riders attend and move an MSF class earlier than getting their bike endorsement on their driver’s license. The MSF provides the bike (normally 250cc newbie bikes) and teaches confirmed driving abilities. It’s not as straightforward as you may suppose! When you move the newbie class and have a couple of hundred miles beneath your belt, take some superior MSF lessons to up your talent degree. It’s effectively value it.

N

Bare/bare bike: A current time period that has come to explain bikes that don’t have plastic bodywork masking them up. Earlier than about 1980, nearly all bikes had been “bare” as a result of that’s simply the best way it was — for many years. However when bike makers started providing purpose-built sportbikes within the picture of their race bikes, they got here coated in sporty plastic fairing panels. Fairly often, as soon as a plastic-covered bike was flippantly crashed, the proprietor (or new proprietor) would simply strip off all of the munged-up plastic stuff and maintain driving it. Thus the “bare” and “streetfighter” bike segments had been born. Now, most main bike makers promote a unadorned bike in some kind. Utilization: “Bob offered me that Gixxer he crashed, so I’m going to show it into a unadorned.”

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On Any Sunday: Fairly presumably the very best film about motorcycling ever made, On Any Sunday was launched in 1970 and is as a lot enjoyable to look at at present because it was then, particularly since loads of the bikes concerned at the moment are classic machines that sit in collections. However in OAS, they get ridden — and ridden onerous at that. Plus, it’s a cavalcade of stars from when the Golden Age of motorcycling was simply starting, together with the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, out desert racing with a bunch of regular blokes, no entourage or fun-crushing legal professionals in sight. If you happen to haven’t seen it, see it. Different must-see bike motion pictures embrace Take It to the Limit, Faster (talked about above), and the newer Why We Trip. OAS lately received a worthy and updated sequel.

OFR: Not used a lot anymore because of the technical evolution of bikes and driving gear, nevertheless it was that for those who had been out on the street in driving rain, at evening, sporting soaking moist gear, and primarily risking life and limb for nothing, you had been the Only Fool Riding whereas extra smart individuals had been secure, dry and heat at house or of their automobiles.

One-percenter: Hundreds of thousands of individuals trip bikes and most are atypical people you cope with each day. Then there are the outlaw bikers most individuals wish to keep away from, aside from Hollywood varieties, who take pleasure in consistently making motion pictures and TV reveals about them (Born Loser, The Wild One, Sons of Anarchy, and so forth, advert nauseam). Riders check with them as “one-percenters” as a result of, regardless of their excessive profile within the public eye that common riders are consistently making an attempt to live down, they make up a tiny, tiny fraction of the particular driving inhabitants. On the whole, riders/bikers who many individuals would contemplate one-percenters typically check with themselves as such, so to them, it’s not an insult. Utilization: “I used to be going to go to the rally over in Smithville, however Bob stated loads of one-percenters are going to be there, so I believe I’ll move.”

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Quadrophenia: A Seventies film chronicling the life and occasions of a younger British scooter rider, or “Mod.” Price seeing if just for the blazing soundtrack by The Who, for which the movie is made. Sting makes an look as effectively, wanting all of about 16.

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Rally: An enormous group trip, typically organized round a location with tenting/lodges and loops to native scenic rides. Rallies may be you and 10 buddies on an annual trip, or an occasion just like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with hundreds of riders. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, however attempt attending at the least one — or plan your personal with buddies. It’s an effective way to be amongst others who like to trip as a lot as you hopefully do.

Rat bike: A rat bike is any bike in good to crappy situation that you simply don’t actually care about. That stated, some individuals care lots about their rat bikes. However for essentially the most half, rat bikes are machines for simply gettin’ round, and if it will get crashed, tipped over, snowed on, or some drunk fool pukes on it, oh effectively. Simply hose it off, and it’s good to go. You’ll want to personal at the least one rat bike in your driving profession. They develop on you.

Rear-sets: The place you set your ft whereas driving is necessary and ranges broadly relying on what sort of bike you trip. Cruisers have a tendency to put the ft ahead (ostensibly for consolation and the appropriate look) whereas your ft are up excessive and again on a sportbike. Different bikes put your ft someplace in between these extremes. Many sportbike house owners buy customizable “rear units,” which permit them to maneuver the footpegs and bike controls round a bit relying on what sort of driving they’re doing (comparable to up excessive and again for a observe day session, or decrease and extra snug for commuting). Rear seats may be artistic endeavors on their very own and are sometimes straightforward to put in.

Rider: Anybody driving a motorbike. You drive automobiles. You pilot airplanes. You trip bikes. Maintain it straight. Utilization: (Newscaster’s voice) “Police lastly caught a fleeing bike rider final evening after a high-speed chase on the interstate.”

Ring-ding: Slang for a two-stroke bike, which was widespread however is now largely resigned to classic standing after being legislated out of existence (they’re fairly good at polluting the air of their quick neighborhood). The time period comes from the “ringing” sound the engine makes. Also called buzz bombs, skeeter bikes, and fog machines. Trip behind one, and also you’ll perceive why.

Highway rash: What’s left after the stripping away of pores and skin from unprotected elements of your physique as you slide down the roadway throughout a crash. Carrying the right gear prevents street rash, which is painful, takes endlessly to heal, leaves scars, and will provide you with a nasty an infection. It additionally tells everybody you foolishly didn’t gear up for your ride.

Rocker: Classic British time period for a motorbike rider, versus a scooter rider (or “Mod”). For a extra prolonged clarification, watch the film Quadrophenia. (See additionally: Mod and Quadrophenia)

Rubbie: Pronounced “rub-ee,” not “ruby.” Not used as a lot because it was, “rubbie” is considerably derogatory slang for Rich Urban Biker, or these riders who purchase costly Harleys after which trip them solely to espresso retailers, bars, or hardly in any respect.  Rubbies will generally even name themselves such, so it’s not prefer it’s a horrible factor to be referred to as. At the very least they trip. Generally. Utilization: “Paul stated he has to wax his Porsche so he can’t trip at present. He’s such a rubbie.”

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Salt/The Salt: Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the place you go to see how briskly your trip is… by driving it large open on a low-grip dry lake mattress product of salt.

Skins: Slang for tires.

Slicks: A particular sort of tire with no tread sample. Utilized in racing, slicks afford the utmost quantity of contact and traction between a tire and the racetrack. They aren’t avenue authorized and put on in a short time (normally solely lasting for one race) and are not any good within the rain.

Squid: This can be a mocking time period for sportbike riders who’re lengthy on discuss and brief on talent, and customarily means “fool rider.” Additionally, squids sometimes don’t put on security gear when driving. The time period comes from what occurs when stated fool piles his hyperbike into the again of a dump truck whereas exhibiting off for the women, breaking each bone in his physique (thus, a physique like a boneless squid). Utilization: “Whoa, did you simply see that fool trip by sporting shorts and no helmet? Benefit from the street rash, squid.”

Stoppie: A reverse wheelie. Whereas a wheelie stands the bike up on the again wheel, a stoppie stands it up on the entrance. Made potential by advances in braking expertise, it’s nonetheless enormously tough to do a stoppie. Do it flawed, and also you trash your bike and presumably injure your self. Do it proper, and also you’re a god amongst women and men. It’s presupposed to look like this.

Sturgis: Quick for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, however ostensibly, it’s the small South Dakota city that hosts one of many largest and most well-known bike rallies on this planet. About 250,000 riders sometimes attend annually, so e-book these resort rooms early (like, 10 years early) or put together to camp. Sturgis is primarily a Harley/cruiser-dominated occasion, however all bikes and riders are welcomed. Convey earplugs. And cash. And aspirin. Utilization: “Now that I’ve received Dad’s previous Harley up and working, I believe I’ll go to Sturgis this 12 months.”

Sportster/sporty: The “entry-level” Harley-Davidson (earlier than the Road line appeared). Sportsters started manufacturing in 1957 as a lighter-weight pace machine and have been in HD’s lineup since. Whereas they’re smaller than the full-size (or “big-inch”) Harleys, they aren’t precisely small, with the smallest Sportster mannequin coming in at 883cc. There’s additionally a 1200cc model and 883cc bikes may be up-converted to 1200cc fairly simply. Sportsters have historically been essentially the most inexpensive Harleys to purchase and a favourite of ladies riders, though, for those who’re a man, don’t have any disgrace in getting a Sportster. They’re (comparatively) mild, lean, and quick for a Harley and are nice for cruising within the metropolis whereas additionally having some long-distance functionality.

Normal: A “common” bike that isn’t specialised for one kind of driving. Till the Nineteen Eighties, most all avenue bikes may very well be described as “requirements.” Now, they’re fairly uncommon, however they’re making a comeback.

Sweeper: An extended, broad, fixed flip. There are lots of sorts of seems on the street or on the observe, however a sweeper lets riders keep excessive pace and push their cornering abilities to the restrict. Ask any efficiency rider, they usually’ll possible let you know a sweeper is the sweetest sort of nook.

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The ton: Lately, even the smallest of sportbikes can simply high 100 miles an hour. However manner again when, proudly owning a motorcycle that would go that quick — recognized then as “doing the ton” — meant you had one thing fairly particular. It’d blow itself to bits for those who went that quick for lengthy (or at the least some elements may fall off), however having the ability to hit triple digits when most bikes might barely do 80 was an accomplishment. Utilization: “I simply received my ’66 Bonnie again from the store they usually turned it up excellent. I took it out final evening and it did the ton — simply barely.”

Tiddler: A considerably derogatory time period that means “small bike” or “newbie bike.” Sometimes, avenue bikes beneath 250cc qualify as tiddlers. Utilization: “My buddy needed to get a Gixxer for his first bike, however I don’t need him to die so I informed him to study on a tiddler.”

Observe day: Observe days are organized driving occasions at precise race tracks. It doesn’t matter what you trip, contemplate getting your bike out on a race observe. Whereas observe days are dominated by riders on amped-up sportbikes, observe days are nice for studying the bounds of your bike — any bike — and bettering your driving abilities. Instructors will assist diagnose your driving issues and provide you with ideas to enhance your expertise. Observe day abilities translate on to improved avenue driving, and there’s nowhere else you possibly can safely push the bounds to the utmost with out worry of cops, dumb-ass automotive drivers, obstructions, and pace limits. Properly well worth the time and funding and fairly presumably essentially the most enjoyable you possibly can have whereas clothed. Examine together with your closest observe or a neighborhood driving membership to see the place observe days are happening close to you – after which go attend one, it doesn’t matter what you trip.

Trike: A bike with one wheel in entrance and two within the again, identical to that trike you rode as a child. Newer rigs with two wheels upfront and one within the again are sometimes known as “Spyders.”

Torque: Engines/motors make energy primarily in two distinct methods: horsepower and torque. Torque is the “twisting pressure” an engine is ready to obtain versus a measure of labor, which is the horsepower determine. You may have a zillion horsepower, however in case you have no torque, you’re not going to get going in a short time. Torque can also be referred to as “grunt” as a result of it normally lives within the decrease registers of an engine’s powerband and may be felt at low revs, particularly in single and twin-cylinder engines. Sportbikes are likely to have much more horsepower than torque to realize excessive speeds; cruisers flip that equation for higher acceleration (grunt) and “cruise-ability” at legal-ish speeds. Each engine is a mixture of horsepower and torque, however loads of riders will let you know {that a} bike can by no means have an excessive amount of torque.

Twisties: Slang for roads with loads of curves. Utilization: “I’m gonna trip the Gixxer if we’re heading for the twisties.”

Two-stroke: A selected sort of engine that made loads of energy mixed with light-weight and ease. Downside is, they pollute like loopy, so that they had been primarily legislated out of existence in america and the EU. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless utilized in many Asian international locations. Within the U.S., some small units nonetheless use two-stroke engines, like weed eaters, however even these are changing over to extra eco-friendly four-stroke designs.

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Issues bikers by no means need to hear