The following is a list of commonly used terms in motorcycling.
- Aftermarket is the name used for additional parts that are fitted to a motorcycle after purchase that are not made by the motorcycle’s manufacturer.
- A Basketcase is the name given to a job lot of Motorcycle parts sold to motorcycle restoration mechanics.
- A Camshaft is a component that is found in four stroke motorcycles. The camshaft rotates and controls the opening and closing of the valves in the engine.
- Dual Sport is the name given to street legal motorcycles that are also suited for off road use.
- Fairing is the name given to the front part of a motorcycle that houses the windshield and any other wind protection.
- Hard Tail is the name given to a motorcycle without any rear suspension.
- Integrated Braking Systems are used to connect the front and back brakes to reduce the chance of overusing the back break which can result in the rider losing control.
- Jump Starting is a way of starting a motorcycle with a dead battery. Jump starting can be achieved by placing a live battery in parallel with the dead one and should only be used in emergencies.
- Killswitches are fitted to some motorcycles as a safety measure. When the killswitch is open it prevents the motorcycle from starting.
- Lid is a commonly used name for a crash helmet.
- Motorcross is an outdoor motorcycle competition. Motorcross is also used to describe the types of motorcycles used. Also known as Moto-X.
- A Naked Bike is the term used to describe a motorcycle with the minimum bodywork or panels removed.
- Oil Filters are a vital component in the engine of a motorcycle. Oil filters remove impurities in the oil preventing them from clogging the engine.
- Pillion is the name given to an additional back seat for passengers on a motorcycle. When motorcyclists are carrying passengers they are also referred to as pillion.
- RPM stands for revolutions per minute. The RPM is displayed as a figure that tells us the speed of the motorcycle.
- A Snell Rating denotes the efficiency of a helmet to protect the rider from injury in the event of an accident.
- The Tachometer on a motorcycle measures its RPM.
- Underbraking is a term used to describe an overly long stopping distance caused by applying to little pressure to the brakes.
- VIN stands for vehicle identification number. All vehicles have a VIN to ascertain their authenticity.