The windshield contains a plastic laminate (coating) which keeps pieces of broken glass from being disbursed into the passenger compartment during an accident. It can also contain a tint to reduce heat in the passenger compartment and protect the eyes from glare (like sunglasses.) Read More »
Lubrication
Four-stroke engines continuously circulate oil which lubricates and cools the engine. Two-stroke engines use separate oil to lubricate the transmission and the crankcase/piston. Read More »
Late Braking
Braking later into the turn, thus moving the bike’s entry point and axis. Read More »
Lease
A contract granting the use of a car for a specified period of time in return for a set fee. Leases may be classified as open ended or closed ended. Read More »
Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)
State and federal governments set standards for automakers developing vehicles that will output lower emission levels. Each state determines their own levels as does the federal government. California and New York have some of the most stringent laws. Once the requirements are met for a specific vehicle, the automaker may call that car or truck a Low Emission Vehicle or ... Read More »
X Liter Engine
The total displacement of an engine expressed in liters. This is the total volume within an engine devoted to the combustion which produces power. Read More »
Limits Of Adhesion
Usually a term used by sports car enthusiasts to describe the point of which a car begins to lose grip on the road while making a turn in a curve. This term can also refer to an emergency maneuver, acceleration, braking and tornadoes and hurricanes. Read More »
Loose
A handling condition in which the car’s rear end wants to swing to the outside of the turn while the car is turned into the turn. Also called oversteer. Read More »
Lowsided
When the bike is leaned over in a turn and the front tire locks and slides sending the bike and rider immediately to the ground. Read More »
Limited Slip Differential
A mechanism that limits the speed and torque differences between the two wheels on an axle (or front and rear axles in the case of 4WD/AWD). Limited slip ensures that some power is always applied to each of the wheels, even when one is on a slippery surface. This is the essential element to avoid getting a vehicle stuck in ... Read More »
