Here is the list of motorcycle terms beginning with the letter “G.”
Gas: A state for matter, but more commonly the short form of gasoline i.e. petrol, usually used by those in the American continents.
Gear Ratio: The ratio between the number of teeth on two meshing gears in the transmission. Gear ratios determine the relationship between engine speed (RPM) and the motorcycle’s speed. Lower gear ratios provide more torque at lower speeds, while higher gear ratios allow higher speeds at lower engine RPM.
Gearbox: Also known as transmission. This “box” or unit contains the gears, hence ratios for the rider to select the appropriate gear or “speed” for different riding conditions.
Giggle Gas: Defined as a slang term meaning nitrous oxide or “NOS” connected to the fuel system to boost acceleration performance. The reason it is called “giggle gas” is because it was first intended as a gas to relax patients into a state of euphoria, which includes laughter.
Gixxer: Suzuki GSX-R series of motorcycles.
Gore-Tex: Gore-Tex is a waterproof and breathable fabric is highly regarded for its advanced membrane technology. This membrane is designed to prevent water from penetrating while allowing sweat and moisture to escape, making it an ideal material for motorcycle rain gear. Gore-Tex is known for its durability and is commonly used in high-performance outdoor apparel. Its ability to keep riders dry and comfortable during wet rides has made it a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts.
GPS (Global Positioning System): A navigation system that uses satellite signals to provide accurate positioning and navigation information. GPS devices or smartphone apps can be used by riders to navigate unfamiliar routes or plan rides efficiently. Currently, there are a total 31 GPS satellites in the higher geosynchronous orbit 18,000km above the Earth. The position of the GPS device is triangulated by 3 satellites at any given time.
Gremlin: An unknown and persistent mechanical issue in a motorcycle.
Grey Market Bike: A term that describes a bike model never officially sold in a particular market locale but later privately imported in the “grey market.” Also known as parallel imports.
We have published the Glossary of Motorcycle Terms for the letters A, B, and C, so we continue to the next letter, D.
Dirt Bike:
Also known as the off-road motorcycle. Dirt bikes can be divided into two distinct categories as motocross and enduro. The former is for closed circuit racing only, while the enduro has lights and turnsignals thus can be registered for road use.
Displacement:
The general term for engine capacity. In layman example, it is how much air and fuel mixture is displaced when the piston moves.
DOHC:
Double overhead cam, a camshaft configuration where there are two camshafts that sit in the cylinder head to activate the valves.
Drag bars:
A type of handlebar commonly used in drag racing motorcycles. They are characterized by their short and straight design, providing riders with a specific hand position ideal for maximizing control and aerodynamics during high-speed drag races.
Drag pipes:
Low, short exhaust pipes running along the motorcycle’s frame.
Dresser:
A slang term used to describe certain types of motorcycles designed for long-distance touring and equipped with specific features, including rigid luggage containers. Also known as “Baggers,” Dressers are typically big-bore cruisers that combine comfort, convenience, and storage capacity to cater to riders who enjoy extended rides and touring adventures. Examples are the Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, BMW K1600.
Dual Density Armor:
The least expensive and most common form of armour in motorcycle riding gear such as jackets, pants, and suits, designed to provide impact protection in vulnerable areas of the body, typically the shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Dual Shocks:
Traditional suspension setup commonly found on motorcycles with two separate shock absorbers, one on each side of the rear wheel, to provide suspension and damping capabilities.
Dual-Purpose:
Also known as a dual-sport motorcycle. Versatile and can be ridden on and off-road. It combines the capabilities of an off-road dirt bike with the necessary features and equipment to be road-legal, allowing riders to enjoy the best of both worlds. Examples are the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, BMW R 1300 GS, KTM 1390 Super Adventure, etc.
Dyno:
Short for dynamometer, a device used to measure and analyze a motorcycle’s engine power and torque. Dyno testing provides valuable information about the motorcycle’s performance and helps tuning and optimising the engine.
We had published the Glossary of Motorcycle Terms (A-B) previously, so let us continue with the series, this time for terms beginning with the letter “C.”
Café Racer:
The café racer style of motorcycle originated in the 1960s and is known for its stripped-down appearance, low-slung handlebars, and rear-set footpegs. It is said that they were modified from standard bikes for racing between cafés.
Cage:
Bikers refer to a car as a “cage” since it traps the occupants inside rather being exposed to the environment.
Caliper:
Refer to “Brake Caliper” in the previous article. Anyway, the caliper consists of several other parts including the piston(s) that push the brake pads against the brake disc (a.k.a. rotor).
Camshaft (cam), cam lobes:
A spinning metal shaft with oval cam lobes to open the valves in a four-stroke engine.
cc:
“CC,” written in small letters as “cc” refers to the engine’s displacement in cubic centimetres. It is also the measurement for the amount of fluids.
ci:
CC is a metric measurement, so the imperial measurement is “ci” (cubic inch). It was formerly used by many motorcycle makers, but it is now only limited to Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. 1 ci = 16.39 cc.
Harley-Davidson’s new Milwaukee-Eight engine, the ninth Big Twin in the company’s history, delivers more power and an improved riding experience while retaining the iconic look, sound and feel of its predecessors. (PRNewsFoto/Harley-Davidson)
Carburetor/Carb:
A carburetor is a mechanical device for mixing air and fuel in the correct ratio for combustion in an internal combustion engine. Virtually all motorcycles are fuel injected these days, apart from a few budget ones that still use the carb.
CE protector:
Also known as CE-certified motorcycle armour, it refers to protective paddings in motorcycle gear. CE stands for Conformité Européene in French, which translates to European Conformity. CE certification ensures the armour meets specific safety requirements and has undergone testing to validate its protective qualities.
Center stand:
Colloquially called the “full stand” here, a center stand is the large, double-legged, fold-out motorcycle stand, mostly found on small cc, adventure, sport-touring, and touring bikes.
Chain drive:
The chain connecting the front small sprocket on the bike’s transmission output shaft to a larger sprocket mounted to the rear wheel hub, to transfer the engine’s torque and power to the rear wheel.
Chassis:
The frame or structure of a motorcycle that act as the central component to where various components such as the engine, suspension, wheels, and bodywork are connected.
Chatter:
Mechanical oscillation or vibration with a bike. Also a term that describes oscillation or vibrations from the tyres.
Chicken strips:
The untouched outer sections of the motorcycle’s tyres, due to lack of cornering angle. “Chicken” here alludes to being less than brave.
Choke:
A mechanism or plate in a carburetor that restricts the airflow during cold engine starting and warm-up. Limiting the air amount of air “enriches” the air-fuel mixture (more fuel). The choke must be deactivated when the engine is sufficiently warm to run smoothly.
Chopper:
A motorcycle with its non-essential parts “chopped” (stripped) to lighten it, making it faster. However, the chopper styling now includes lengthened and raked forks.
Clip-ons:
Motorcycle handlebars clamped around the top of the bike’s fork tubes instead of being bolted to the top triple-clamp. Usually for sportbikes and café racers.
Clutch:
The device that engages and disengages the power transfer from the engine to the transmission. It allows for smooth gears changes plus control of power delivery to the driving wheel.
Compression damping:
Rate the suspension (forks and rear shock) compresses when contacting a bump.
Compression ratio:
In simple terms, it describes how much the fuel-air mixture gets compressed when the engine’s piston rises to its highest point (TDC/top dead centre). The ratio is derived by dividing the cylinder’s volume at the piston’s lowest point in the stroke (BDC/bottom dead centre) to the volume when the piston is at TDC.
Compression release:
Also known as a decompression valve or a decompressor, this mechanism is used to reduce compression pressure for easier starting. It is commonly found in large single-cylinder engines (a.k.a. thumpers).
Counterbalancer:
Also known as a balance shaft, it is mounted in then engine to reduce vibrations and improve engine smoothness, by counteracting vibrations in engines with unevenly spaced cylinders, such as (narrow spaced) V-twins, triples, and parallel-twins.
Countersteer:
Counter-steering is the technique to initiate a turn. It involves briefly steering the handlebars in the opposite direction of the intended turn, causing the motorcycle to lean in the desired direction and initiate the turn. In other words, push left to go left, push right to go right.
Cowl/Cowling:
Also known as the fairing, it is a piece of bodywork to cover certain parts of a motorcycle. It serves multiple purposes, including enhancing the aesthetics of the bike, improving aerodynamics, insulate the rider from wind blast, and protect internal components.
Crash bars:
Engine guards, or frame sliders, are protective bars mounted to a motorcycle’s frame to minimise damage to the motorcycle in the event of a tip-over, low-side, or other types of accidents.
Cruiser:
A style of motorcycle known for its laid-back and relaxed riding posture. It is designed with a comfortable riding position, low seat height, and emphasis on style and aesthetics. Cruisers are often associated with a classic and timeless look.
We put together a glossary of motorcycle terms for your ease of reference.
You may have heard of the terms and wondered what they actually meant.
We start with those under the alphabets A to B.
We often hear our riding buddies talk about “horsepower,” “compression ratio” or “aspect ratio.” Or you may have read them in our reviews and articles. But what do those terms really mean? That’s why we decided to put together this Glossary of Motorcycle Terms.
We decided to stick to the major components on a bike and stuff that are directly related to a motorcycle. We shall probably publish another glossary for other things such as types of tools, for example.
I took us many months to compile all these, so we hope you would take a look. Plus, it’s cool to be smarter, trust us. But do check back once in a while, as we will update it from time to time.
A
ABS
Anti-lock Braking System. The system prevents tyres from not rotating when hard braking pressure is applied. It allows the wheel to turn a certain degree, preventing skidding and enabling the rider to control the bike.
Airbox
Stores air pressure so there is always positive pressure when the throttle bodies’ and carburetor butterflies are opened. The airbox also contains the air filter.
AC
Alternate current. As opposed to DC (direct current), AC oscillates back and forth. The motorcycles stator (generator) produces AC, which is then directed through the regulator/rectifier to convert it into DC.
Alternator
Almost all motorcycles do not use alternators to generate a supply of electricity like cars do. See “stator,” instead.
Aspect ratio
Tyre’s nominal sidewall height as a ratio of the tyre’s width, in percentage. A 70 aspect ratio means 70% of the tyre’s width.
The aspect ration is the second number i.e. 70 in this case
ATTGATT
All The Gears All The Time. That’s right, never ride without proper safety gear.
Axle
The metal shaft which holds the wheel up and links the both sides of the forks and swingarm.
B
Bash plate (also skid plate)
A piece of plating, in aluminium or steel which is mounted to the bottom of the engine’s crankcase. It protects the crankcase from being “bashed.” Usually found on adventure and off-road bikes.
Bash plate – Photo credit touratech-usa.com
Battery
Device which stores electrical energy. Batteries have come a long way from lead acid types to maintenance-free activated glass material (AGM) and lithium-ion types.
BHP
Brake horsepower. It measures the engine’s power output without any losses. Conversely, HP (horsepower) is measured by hooking the engine to a dynamometer. BHP is measured in a controlled environment without attaching anything to the engine. Hence, BHP figures are bigger. See also “horsepower.”
Bike
The other term for motorcycles, although it originated from bicycles.
Binders
No, we don’t mean the glue that hold the pages of a book together. See “brakes.”
Bleed
Act of removing air bubbles from hydraulic circuits, such as the brakes, cooling system, etc.
Block
See “engine block.”
Bore
Represents the diameter of the cylinder in which a piston travels. The bore and stroke determine the displacement/capacity of the engine.
Boxer (engine)
A Boxer engine has its cylinders mounted opposing each other, hence it’s also called “opposing twin” or “flat-twin” for two-cylinder machines such as the BMW R-series. The reason it’s called a “Boxer” is because the pistons appear like a Boxer extending his arm outwards and inwards. The Honda Gold Wing is a flat-Six, so you can call it a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine.
Brakes
The apparatus which helps you to set your speed, slow down and come to a stop. Almost all motorcycles now use hydraulic disc brakes, with just a few using the traditional cable actuated drum brakes.
Brake caliper
A brake caliper carries the pistons that push the brake pads onto the brake disc. There are a variety of types, such as the two-piston sliding pin and the latest four-piston “monobloc.” There was a brief flirtation with six-piston calipers but the concept has since been abandoned in the advent of better disc and pad material.
2018 KTM 790 Duke’s front brakes
Brake disc
The disc is mounted to the wheel, thus brake forces that act on it slows down the wheel, hence the bike.
Brake fluid
The “blood” of the hydraulic brake system. It’s the medium which transfer the force from your fingers to the brake pads. Contained in the reservoir.
Brake hose
If the brake fluid is the blood of the system, the brake hose is the blood vessel that carries the fluid.
Brake master cylinder
It applies pressure to the brake fluid when the brake lever is squeezed.
Brake pads
The material which rubs against the brake disc or drum housing, converting kinectic energy to heat
Burnout
Burnout – Photo credit rokbagoros.com
The act of keeping the bike stationery or near stationery while the rear tyre spins freely and pours out white acrid smoke. A sure way of shortening the lifespan of your tyre.
Butterfly
Butterfly – Photo credit offcamberautosport.com
The “valve” which sits in the throttle body (fuel-injection) or constant velocity carburetor. Opening the butterfly opens the intake tract to a vacuum which pulls in air. In a fuel-injected system, the fuel-injector sprays fuel into the airflow. As for carburetors, the vacuum sucks fuel from the float bowl through jets that atomise the fuel.
