If you are a new rider and struggling to figure out all the jargon that is constantly being thrown around, hopefully this will shed some light on the subject, or if you are an experienced rider, this is a bit comical when you know all the real definitions.
This great bit was not written or envisioned by a CanyonChaser. In fact it came from one of the Hawklists most beloved member, Babs. Thanks for letting us post this to our humble site!
From the Hawklist
I'm still in the process of deciphering the whole "motorcycle language." There were certain things that completely baffled me as a "newbie:"
- Forks? On a motorcycle? Saywhat?
- Swingarm? What the hell?
- You mean a "lid" is a helmet?
- No, those aren't half dozen un-necessary zippable pockets. They're called "vents."
- Yes, jackets need to be able to "breathe," especially in warm weather.
- "Two up" isn't a drink or a shortened version of "two thumbs up."
- Guys talking incessantly about "twisties" and "curves" aren't perverts. It's all about the winding roads (sigh of relief).
- "Sweepers" aren't guys with brooms.
- Motorcyclists talking about "strokes" aren't discussing a health condition, the paddling of boats or the lyrics of a Billy Squier song.
- "Road rash" isn't an allergic reaction to asphalt.
- No, they aren't talking about skimpy bathing suits when they mention needing a "speedo."
- "Clip on's" aren't about ear-rings.
- "Mounting" isn't referring to sex.
- When talking about "the pillion," they don't mean a saddle for horseback riding.
- A "damper" has nothing to do with chimneys and "damping" doesn't mean adding water to make it "a little bit wet."
- No, a "naked" motorcycle is nothing to be embarrassed about.
- Allen wrenches are not wrenches that belong to a guy named Allen.
- Don't get excited. Lubrication tools, strap wrenches, screwdrivers, feeler gauges, impact drivers, push rods, rear shock absorbers, rubber seals, shafts, belts, nuts, screws.... have nothing to do with S & M.
- When talking about a "yoke," they are not talking about the yellow part of an egg.
- "Rolling on the throttle" doesn't mean beating someone senseless.
- When talking about "plates," they don't mean the ones in the kitchen.
- A "crimping tool" is not something you use to curl your hair.
- "Feathering" isn't a hairstyle.
- "The Friction Zone" isn't a kinky sexual term.
- "Free Play" has nothing to do with recreational activities or sporting events.
- "Housing" doesn't mean buildings where people live.
- A "jet" isn't referring to an airplane.
- "Changing the pads".... it ain't what you think it is. heh heh
- "Checking the shoe wear"... again, we're not talking about the condition of your Nikes.
- "Bleeding the brakes" isn't an act of malevolence.
- "Adjusting the tension" doesn't have anything to do with lessening the amount of stress in your life.
- "Bearings" doesn't mean "checking a map to see where you are."
- "Squids" aren't eight-legged sea creatures.
- "Salty" has nothing to do with the white stuff you sprinkle on your french fries.
- "Crotchrockets" aren't something you buy at an Adult Toy Store.
- "Cages" are not barred metal boxes that contain animals (or are they? haha!).
- No, giving a wave or a "peace sign" to another motorcyclist doesn't mean you're an ex-hippy or a flirt. (It also has nothing to do with the movie "American Pie")
- "Gravel" is no longer "a harmless pile of small rocks in the road."
- "Sex on Wheels" -- it sounds kinky, but mostly it just means, " THIS BIKE ROCKS!! WHAT A RUSH!! YEAHHH!!!!"