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| A - D E - H
I - L M - P
Q - T U - Z |
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Mag Alloy
Magnesium alloy, a strong lightweight metal used for many components, particularly
wheels.
Megaphone
An outwardly tapered high-performance exhaust.
Mesh Jacket
An open-weave, protective apparel for motorcycle riders that allows air to circulate
through the garment offering ventilation and cooler riding for hot, summer temperatures.
Most notably used in motorcycle jackets, although also available as construction
for protective motorcycle pants.
Monocoque Frame
A motorcycle frame in which the structure is made as one unit from a sheet material
(ie alloy or steel). It may also include bodywork or fuel container in the structure.
A Grand Prix motorcycle racing monocoque motorcycle was developed in 1967 by Ossa,
a Spanish motorcycle brand. Honda also experimented with a monocoque motorcycle
in 1979 with its NR500. More recently the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 sport bike was introduced
for the 2006 US model year with an aluminum monocoque frame.
Motocross
Off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed, rough circuits. Motocross is derived
from the French, and traces its origins to British Scrambling competitions. The
name “motocross” is a contraction derived from the words “Motorcycle” and “Cross
Country.” (Also known as MX or MotoX).
MotoGP
The premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The sport combines high-speed
motorcycles, which feature revolutionary technology, piloted by some of the most
skillful riders in the world. It costs millions of dollars to get a MotoGP bike
on the track. The bikes are purpose-built, racing machines - prototypes - that are
neither available for general purchase nor can they be legitimately ridden on public
roads. Engines for current MotoGP race bikes must be four-strokes with no more than
800 cc’s. |
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Naked Bikes
Sport or standard motorcycles with minimum bodywork, fairings or windshields.
This is a motorbike in its most basic form. The emphasis is on functionality and
ergonomics rather than aerodynamic body panels and exaggerated riding positions
that are most common on sport bikes.
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OHC: Overhead Camshaft
A camshaft in an internal-combustion engine that is mounted within the cylinder
heads, above the combustion chambers, and drives the valves or lifters directly
instead of using pushrods.
OHV: Overhead Valve
A type of piston engine that places the camshaft in the cylinder block and uses
pushrods or rods to actuate rocker arms above the cylinder head to actuate the
valves. Lifters or tappets reside in the engine block between the camshaft and
pushrods.
This contrasts with an overhead cam (OHC) design which places the camshafts
above the cylinder head and drives the valves directly or through short rocker
arms. In an OHC engine, the camshafts are normally part of the cylinder head
assembly, while in an OHV engine the camshaft (rarely more than one) is part of
the main engine block assembly.
Also called “pushrod engine” or “I-head” engine.
Open Cradle Frame
Motorcycle frame without tubes running under the engine. The engine unit bolts
into place between the front downtube and the swingarm pivot area as a
semi-stressed or stressed member.
Open Frame
Motorbike frame layout with a low structure between the seat and the steering
head often associated with scooters. Also known as a Step-Thru.
Over Square
An engine with a greater cylinder bore than piston stroke.
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Parallel Twin
A two-cylinder engine configuration in which both cylinders are mounted
side-by-side and across the frame.
Pinion
A small gear
Pin It
To go full throttle: Reference to pinning the tachometer and/or the speedometer
needle all the way to the right of the gauge. “Coming out of the last corner, I
just pinned it and won.”
Pit Board
A large sign a mechanic writes on and shows to his rider as he goes past. Pit
board signs can be used to show a rider’s position, how far he’s ahead or
behind, to encourage him or even to remind him to breathe.
Pit Lane
The lane on the inside of the track, usually adjacent to the main straight,
where riders come in to have quick work or tire changes on their motorcycles.
Pits
Where the racing teams park their trucks and set up makeshift garages to work on
the bikes and house the riders.
Primary Drive
The system of transferring power from the motorcycle engine to the gearbox.
Usually achieved by chain or gear.
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