Question 1

Lane splitting

Accepted Answer

The practice of riding a motorcycle between rows of stopped or slow-moving cars.

Question 2

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

The technique used to turn a motorcycle: push the handlebar in the direction you want to go.

Question 3

High-side accident

Accepted Answer

Type of motorcycle accident caused when the rear wheel loses then regains traction, causing the bike to flip.

Question 4

Low-side accident

Accepted Answer

A type of motorcycle accident that occurs when the motorcycle loses traction and falls onto its side.

Question 5

Choke

Accepted Answer

A device on a carburetor that reduces the amount of air in the fuel mixture to help start a cold engine.

Question 6

Brake fade

Accepted Answer

The reduction in stopping power that can occur after repeated or sustained use of the brakes.

Question 7

Dry clutch

Accepted Answer

Type of clutch more common in sport bikes, provides direct feel for the transmission but may wear out quicker.

Question 8

Wet clutch

Accepted Answer

Type of clutch immersed in cooling lubricating fluid, quieter and generally last longer than dry clutches.

Question 9

Stoppie

Accepted Answer

A stunt maneuver that involves braking hard and lifting the rear wheel off the ground.

Question 10

Wheelie

Accepted Answer

A stunt maneuver that involves accelerating hard and lifting the front wheel off the ground.

Question 11

Throttle blip

Accepted Answer

A quick twist of the throttle used to match engine speed with road speed during downshifting.

Question 12

Feathering the clutch

Accepted Answer

The practice of partially engaging the clutch to modulate power to the wheels.

Question 13

Trail braking

Accepted Answer

The technique of continuing to brake into a corner to improve stability and control.

Question 14

Apex

Accepted Answer

The point in a curve or turn that should be hit to take the most direct line and maintain maximum speed.

Question 15

Contact patch

Accepted Answer

The area of a tire that is in contact with the road.

Question 16

Drag coefficient

Accepted Answer

A measure of how much a motorcycle (or other object) resists air flow.

Question 17

Lean angle

Accepted Answer

The angle at which a motorcycle leans when taking a corner.

Question 18

Rev-matching

Accepted Answer

A technique used to match the speed of the engine to the speed of the wheels when downshifting.

Question 19

Slipstreaming

Accepted Answer

The practice of riding behind another vehicle to reduce wind resistance.

Question 20

Squid

Accepted Answer

Derogatory term for a reckless motorcyclist who overestimates their skills or rides without appropriate gear.

Question 21

Chicken strips

Accepted Answer

Unworn outer edges of a motorcycle tire, sometimes used to mock a rider's lack of cornering bravery.

Question 22

Triple tree

Accepted Answer

Part of the motorcycle's frame that connects the front fork to the rest of the frame.

Question 23

Back torque

Accepted Answer

The force that tends to make a motorcycle's rear wheel skid when downshifting rapidly.

Question 24

Endo

Accepted Answer

A stunt where the rear wheel is lifted off the ground by abruptly applying the front brake.

Question 25

Pillion

Accepted Answer

The seat for a passenger on a motorcycle.

Question 26

Scrape bar

Accepted Answer

A metal bar attached to the back of the motorcycle to prevent damage during wheelie stunts.

Question 27

Burnout

Accepted Answer

A stunt maneuver where the rider spins the rear wheel while keeping the motorcycle stationary.

Question 28

Rolling burnout

Accepted Answer

A burnout performed while the motorcycle is moving.

Question 29

Sweeper

Accepted Answer

A long, fast bend in the road.

Question 30

Hairpin

Accepted Answer

A very tight, steep curve in the road, usually 180 degrees or more.

Question 31

Power-to-weight ratio

Accepted Answer

A measure of a vehicle's performance, calculated by dividing the total power by the weight.

Question 32

Final drive

Accepted Answer

The last set of gears in the transmission, which transfers power to the wheel.

Question 33

Counter shaft

Accepted Answer

The shaft in a motorcycle's transmission that holds the gears and transfers power from the engine.

Question 34

Snatchy throttle

Accepted Answer

A throttle that reacts too quickly or strongly to small inputs, leading to jerky acceleration.

Question 35

Tank slapper

Accepted Answer

A dangerous condition where the handlebars oscillate violently, often due to high speeds or abrupt changes in direction.

Question 36

Rake angle

Accepted Answer

The angle of the motorcycle's front fork, affects stability and handling.

Question 37

Trail

Accepted Answer

The distance between the point where the front tire touches the ground and the point where the steering axis hits the ground.

Question 38

Steering damper

Accepted Answer

A device that reduces unwanted steering movement, such as tank slapper.

Question 39

Swingarm

Accepted Answer

The main component of the rear suspension, holding the rear axle and allowing vertical movement.

Question 40

Sprocket

Accepted Answer

Toothed wheel that engages with the chain to transfer power from the engine to the rear wheel.

Question 41

Master link

Accepted Answer

A special link in the chain that can be removed for chain maintenance or replacement.

Question 42

Full face helmet

Accepted Answer

Helmet that covers the entire head and face, with a clear visor for visibility.

Question 43

Open face helmet

Accepted Answer

Helmet that covers the head but leaves the face exposed.

Question 44

Modular helmet

Accepted Answer

A type of helmet that can be converted from full-face to open-face by lifting up the chin bar.

Question 45

DOT, ECE, Snell

Accepted Answer

Different safety standards that motorcycle helmets can be certified under.

Question 46

Motorcycle jacket

Accepted Answer

A protective garment that covers the torso and arms, often with built-in armor for safety.

Question 47

Motorcycle boots

Accepted Answer

Footwear designed to protect the feet and lower legs while riding.

Question 48

Motorcycle gloves

Accepted Answer

Handwear designed to protect the hands and improve grip while riding.

Question 49

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Accepted Answer

A system that prevents the wheels from locking up (skidding) during braking.

Question 50

Traction Control

Accepted Answer

A safety feature that prevents the wheels from spinning, improving control under acceleration.

Question 51

Engine Displacement

Accepted Answer

The total volume of all the cylinders in a motorcycle's engine, measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or liters.

Question 52

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance

Accepted Answer

The process of cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the motorcycle's chain to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Question 53

Engine Compression Ratio

Accepted Answer

The ratio of the cylinder's volume at BDC (Bottom Dead Center) to its volume at TDC (Top Dead Center).

Question 54

Fuel Injection

Accepted Answer

A system that introduces fuel into an internal combustion engine, replacing carburetors in modern motorcycles.

Question 55

Catalytic Converter

Accepted Answer

A device that converts harmful gases from the engine's exhaust into less harmful substances.

Advanced Motorcycle Terminology and Concepts for the California Motorcycle License