Even if you have been in the motorcycle racing stream for a while you might have heard some motorcycle racing terms that sound unfamiliar or confusing. What is a chicane, a slipstream, or a wheelie?
We've compiled a list of crucial terms in motorcycle racing for you to glance at before engaging a fellow rider in a track day conversation!
Chicane: A series of tight turns in opposite directions that force the riders to slow down and change direction quickly. Chicanes are used to reduce the speed of the motorcycles and increase the difficulty of the track.
Slipstream: The area of reduced air resistance behind a moving object. In motorcycle racing, riders can use the slipstream of the rider in front of them to gain speed and overtake them. Slipstreaming is also known as drafting or tailgating.
Wheelie: A maneuver in which the front wheel of the motorcycle is lifted off the ground while accelerating. Wheelies can be done for fun or to reduce the drag of the front wheel. However, wheelies can also be dangerous and illegal on public roads.
Blip: A quick twist of the throttle to match the engine speed with the rear wheel speed when downshifting, also known as rev-matching.
Brake Fade: A loss of braking power due to excessive heat, moisture, or wear in the brake system.
Chicken Strips: The unused portion of the tire treads on the edge of the tire, indicating a lack of lean angle. A term often used to mock riders who are afraid to lean their bikes in corners.
Endo: A stunt in which the rear wheel of the motorcycle is lifted off the ground by applying the front brake. Also known as a stoppie.
Flickability: A term used to describe how easily a motorcycle can be leaned from one side to another in quick succession, such as in a chicane.
Highside: A type of crash in which the rear wheel loses traction and then regains it abruptly, causing the rider to be thrown over the high side of the bike.
Knee Down: A technique in which the rider touches the ground with their knee while leaning in a corner, using it as a gauge of lean angle and a pivot point for body position.
Lowside: A type of crash in which the motorcycle slides out from under the rider while cornering, usually due to a loss of traction on the front or rear wheel.
Marbles: Small pieces of rubber that are shed from the tires and accumulate on the edge of the racing line, making it slippery and hazardous.
Naked Bike: A motorcycle that lacks a fairing or windscreen, exposing the engine and frame. Also known as a standard bike.
Paddock: The area where the teams and riders park their vehicles, set up their equipment, and prepare for the race.
Pit Board: A sign held by a crew member at the side of the track, displaying information to the rider such as lap times, gap to the next rider, or instructions.
Pit Lane: The area where the riders enter and exit the track, and where they can refuel, change tires, or make adjustments to their bikes during the race.
Lean Angle: The degree to which a motorcycle is tilted from the vertical when cornering. The greater the lean angle, the more the rider has to counteract the centrifugal force that tries to push the bike outward.
Line: The path or trajectory that a rider follows through a corner or a series of corners. The line can affect the speed, safety, and efficiency of the rider.
Neutral: The position between the first and second gears in a motorcycle’s transmission, where no power is transmitted to the rear wheel. Neutral is usually indicated by a green light on the instrument panel.
Nose Dive: The tendency of the front end of a motorcycle to dip or compress when the brakes are applied. Nose dive can be reduced by using a stiffer front suspension or an anti-dive system.
Oversteer: A condition in which the rear wheel of a motorcycle turns faster than the front wheel, causing the bike to turn more sharply than intended. Oversteer can result from excessive throttle, braking, or steering input, and can lead to a highside crash if not corrected.
Powerband: The range of engine speeds (rpm) where the motorcycle produces the most power. The powerband can vary depending on the engine type, tuning, and gearing. Riders often try to keep the engine within the powerband for optimal performance.
Redline: The maximum engine speed (rpm) that a motorcycle can safely sustain without causing damage. The redline is usually indicated by a red mark on the tachometer or a rev limiter that cuts off the ignition or fuel supply.
Squid: A derogatory term for a reckless or inexperienced rider who wears little or no protective gear, often on a powerful sportbike. The term may originate from the acronym SQUID, which stands for Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, and Imminently Dead.
Stoppie: A stunt in which the rear wheel of a motorcycle is lifted off the ground by applying the front brake. Also known as an endo or a nose wheelie.
Tank Slapper: A violent oscillation of the handlebars caused by a wobble or instability in the front wheel. Also known as a speed wobble or a death wobble. Tank slappers can be triggered by hitting a bump, braking hard, or accelerating too quickly.
Rake: The angle of the steering head of the frame, measured from the vertical. The rake affects the handling and stability of the motorcycle, with a smaller angle resulting in quicker steering but less stability, and vice versa.
Trail: The distance between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground and the point where the front wheel touches the ground. The trail affects the handling and stability of the motorcycle, with a longer trail resulting in more stability but slower steering, and vice versa.
Suspension: The system of springs, dampers, and linkages that connect the wheels to the frame of the motorcycle. The suspension allows the wheels to move up and down to absorb bumps and road irregularities, while also providing support and control for the motorcycle.
Swingarm: The rear part of the frame that pivots on the main frame and holds the rear wheel and axle. The swingarm is connected to the rear suspension and allows the rear wheel to move up and down.
Throttle: The device that controls the amount of fuel and air that enters the engine. The throttle is usually operated by a twist grip on the right handlebar, or by a thumb lever on some off-road motorcycles.
Tire: The rubber covering of the wheel that provides traction and cushioning. Tires have different tread patterns, compounds, and profiles to suit different riding conditions and preferences.
Traction Control: An electronic system that detects and prevents excessive wheel spin, especially during acceleration or cornering. Traction control can improve safety and performance by optimizing the grip of the tires.
Transmission: The system of gears and shafts that transfers the power from the engine to the rear wheel. The transmission allows the rider to select different gear ratios to match the engine speed and the road speed.
Wheelbase: The distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels. The wheelbase affects the handling and stability of the motorcycle, with a longer wheelbase resulting in more stability but less maneuverability, and vice versa.
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