Bands wrap around parts inside the transmission called drums. The drums house the gears and clutches and freewheel until a certain gear needs to be applied. When first gear needs to be applied, the drum for first gear is locked up by the application of the band. By locking up the drum, the gears now drive the wheels rather then ... Read More »
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Chain Drive
Chain drives use a chain connected between a sprocket at the transmission output and a sprocket attached to the rear wheel. Drive chains consist of a number of links that contain pins, rollers, bushings, and plates. O-rings work in conjunction with the pins, plate, and bushings to hold lubrication inside the pins and rollers. Rollers and pins have the same ... Read More »
Cordura
The brand name for a heavy-duty, synthetic material made by DuPont that feels like canvas. It is often used in the manufacture of lightweight clothing, backpacks and camping gear. Read More »
Dummy Lights
On the BMW F650, the dummy lights are the green light that signifies the bike is in neutral, the blue light that lets you know your high beam is on, the turn signal light and the oil light. Read More »
Flickability
Handling — the ease with which the bike can be leaned to the right or left around turns. High flickability means it leans quickly and easily, acting like a sportbike. Low flickability is how a cruiser handles — not really designed for fast riding through the canyons. Lighter, smaller bikes are generally more flickable through turns. Read More »
G-Loads
Gravitational loads, expressed in multiples of the force of gravity acting on an object. In a car, these can be felt in acceleration, braking or cornering. In most passenger cars, these loads seldom exceed 0.3 or 0.4 Gs in any direction, unless in an urgent situation. Race cars can achieve several Gs, due to excellent tires and prepared racing surfaces. Read More »
Hydraulically-Activated Clutch
The clutch is engaged/disengaged via hydraulic fluid instead of a cable. When the lever is squeezed, hydraulic fluid forces the pushrod to disengage the clutch. A master cylinder that contains the hydraulic fluid sits on the handlebar near the clutch lever. Read More »
Inline Engine
Configuration where all cylinders are in a single row. Most common in four-cylinder engines, but there are currently high performance six-cylinder (BMW, Lexus), economy-three cylinder (Suzuki), and low vibration five-cylinder (VW, Audi and Volvo) engines in modern cars. 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 »
Monocoque
The basic structure of a Champ Car consists of a tub or monocoque, made of a blend of carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb. This tub is a one-piece construction which provides the primary protection for the driver. Read More »
