Any type of bruise or wound that is inflicted when you hit the ground, generally in a low-speed crash. A skinned knee is a type of road rash; multiply that by 100 and you get road rash that happens to unprotected motorcycle riders during an accident. High-speed crashes do much more damage. Read More »
Shaft Drive
Similar to the shaft drive on a car, a motorcycle shaft is attached between the transmission output and the rear wheel, and is housed in the final drive gear case. The shaft and its components are bathed in oil, and the oil should be changed periodically. Read More »
Springs
Work in conjunction with shock absorbers or gas/oil; springs extend or compress to cushion road irregularities. Read More »
Shift on the Fly
The ability of a four-wheel-drive vehicle to be shifted between two- and four-wheel drive while the vehicle is in motion. Read More »
Torque
The maximum amount of force produced at a specific speed. Read More »
Twin I-Beam Suspension
Used on most Ford trucks in the last 20 years. This variation does not link the wheels, but uses two long beams, each pivoting on the opposite side of the vehicle. Results in a smoother ride, but creates tire-wear problems. Read More »
Venturi
A secondary carburetor. Read More »
Wholesale Value
The price, based on auction results or retailer trade reports, that a retailer expects to pay for a vehicle. Read More »
Autocross
A timed competition of low-to-medium speed driving, with one driver at a time navigating a small course defined by traffic cones. Drivers compete against one another for the fastest timed lap (sometimes multiple laps) through the course. Read More »
Brake Piston
Pressure from the brake lever (when squeezed) forces the brake fluid to flow from the master cylinder down through the brake line and into the caliper. The pressure of the brake fluid causes the piston to push the brake pad to rub against the disc, thus stopping movement of the motorcycle. Read More »
