Talk the Talk
30 Second Board: A sign used by the starter to indicate time to the start of the race, 1 minute, then 30 seconds, then sideways over the head to indicate 2 to 5 seconds before the gate will drop.
Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity or speed. Velocity is steady and is measured in distance per time (e.g., feet per second, miles per hour, kilometers per hour). Acceleration keeps increasing and is measured in velocity per time (e.g., feet per second per second or feet per second squared)
After Market: Any bike part that that did not come on a production bike.
Air box: The plastic box that contains the air filter, protecting it from the elements.
Air filter: Foam piece that removes dirt and water from the air before it reaches the intake system.
Amateur: Any rider not being paid, or earning money to ride.
Arm pump: Forearm fatigue caused from the strain of riding for an extended period of time. Muscle tension restricting the flow of blood in the forearm.
Attack Position: The forward body position a rider has when he is accelerating or air borne.
Axle: Shaft that holds the wheel on the bike. Attached to the front suspension on the front of the bike and the swing arm on the rear.
Backflip: A freestyle trick in which the rider loops out 360 degrees and lands it.
Backward Falling Gate: Starting gate that falls towards the riders.
Bail: A bundle of hay. Also, a rider that purposely ditches the bike to avoid injury.
Banging Bars: Is when you and an opponent are having an intense battle for position and there may be contact involved.
Bark busters: For riding in dense tree areas, metal pieces on handlebars that protect hands from trees.
Bar Mount: Metal clamp that connects the handlebars to the triple clamp.
Bar Pad: The protection device made of foam found on the crossbar of the handlebars.
Bars: Handlebars.
Base Gasket: The gasket directly below the cylinder and between the cylinder and crankcase.
Beginner: The lowest amateur skill level of racing. Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert
Berm: A berm is the built up outside edge of a corner on the track.
Bigbike open: A racing class. Big Bike, any skill level rider.
Big bikes:Any dirtbike that is 125cc or larger with the adult size frame.
Big Wheel:Any motocross bike that is bigger than an 80, but smaller than a 125. This term usually refers to the Kawasaki 85cc big wheel and the newer 100cc bigwheel.
The Bike Died: Any time the bike’s engine stops running unintentionally.
Bike stand:A metal device used to hold up a dirtbike when it is stationary. Also called a stand.
Black Flag: The disqualification flag. If you see this flag, you are automatically scored in last place.
Bleed the brakes: Removing air from brake lines by irrigating brake fluid.
Blip the Throttle: When a rider gives the bike a quick, short burst of throttle. Can be used to control bike in drastic situations.
Block pass: Racing term. Used when one rider passes by aggressively cutting in front of another. In some cases, physical contact is made.
Blown Fork Seal: Fork seal that is visibly leaking fork oil.
Blue flag, Yellow stripe: Shown to a rider who must move over as he is being lapped by a leading rider.
Blue Groove:When the dirt on the track is very dry and hardpacked and it appears blue or black from the rubber worn off of tires.
Bobble: When a rider falls or makes a mistake while riding.
Bogging: Term referring to the low pitch sound of a bike engine that is not getting full power.
Bogging down: When you are trying to accelerate and your bike is not in the power band.
Bottom Dead Center: (BDC) The lowest point of the piston and connecting rod travel in a cylinder.
Bottomed Out: When a bike’s shocks are completely compressed due to a hard landing.
Brain Bucket: Helmet
Brain Fade: Occurs when a rider has not trained properly, causing him to lose mental stamina while racing. Riders with brain fade lose energy and feel worn out, not wanting to ride 100% for the entire race.
Brake check: Racing term. Front rider quickly applies brakes, causing back rider to slow down or possibly rear end the front rider.
Brake pads: The friction material or lining which is secured to metal plates. They press against the brake disc or rotor to enable the wheel to stop.
Brake Pin: Metal piece on the brake caliper that holds the brake pads in place.
Brake Slide: When you enter a corner and the back tire slides out due to locking up the back brake.
Braking Bumps: Places on track just before corners where riders have continually used brakes, creating small bumps.
Cable Luber: Device used to lubricate the clutch cable.
Caliper: 1. The apparatus on disc brakes which hold the disc pads and straddles the disc. When actuated the pads press against the disc to stop or slow the vehicle. 2. An adjustable measuring tool that is placed around (outside caliper) or within (inside caliper) an object and adjusted until it just contacts. It is then withdrawn and the distance measured between the contacting points.
Can-can: A freestyle trick in which a rider puts one foot over the seat in front of the other and replaces it for the landing.
Came in Hot: Racing term. When rider carries a high amount of momentum into a corner.
Came Up Short: When a rider fails to completely clear an obstacle, (jump).
Camelback: A jump built into the track. One bigger ramp in the center of two smaller ramps.
Carburetor: A device that vaporizes fuel and mixes it with air in proper quantities and proportions to suit the varying needs of the engine. A filter screens the air which is drawn into the carburetor. Here the gasoline mixes with the air and this fuel vapor enters the combustion chamber through the intake valve where it is compressed and burned.
The Card: A rectangular board, usually a pit board, used by the starter to countdown to the start of the race. When the starter turns the board sideways, the riders know that the gate will drop within five seconds.
Case: 1. The bike transmission. 2. When the rider misjudges the distance of a double jump and the bike hits the face or top of the landing jump.
CC: Stands for cubic centimeters. A metric form of measurement used to measure volume. 1.) amount of oil in the gear box 2) amount of space in the cylinder. This determines the size of the motorcycle. ie: 125cc = stroke x bore of the cylinder.
Chain: A piece of linked metal that runs from the front sprocket to the back sprocket. Makes the rear wheel turn.
Chain Adjuster:Bolt found on the rear of the swingarm which is loosened or tightened to change the slack on the chain. When adjusted, the rear wheel moves forward and backward.
Chain Lube: Liquid used to protect the chain from dirt, rust, and wear.
Chain Roller: Keeps the chain from hitting the frame and the swing arm.
Chain Slider:A rubber piece that protects the swingarm from the chain.
Charging a Corner: When a rider approaches a corner very quickly and aggressively.
Chassis: Generally, chassis refers to the frame, engine, front and rear axles, springs, steering system, and fuel tank. In short, everything but the body or cab and fenders.
Checkered flag: Waved by track official to signal the end of the race.
Choke: A butterfly valve or plate located near the top of the carburetor that limits or restricts the amount of air allowed to enter the carburetor, thus enriching the fuel-air mixture and enabling the bike to start and run more easily when cold.
Chop the throttle: Suddenly letting off of the throttle while accelerating.
Circlip: Small circular metal piece that holds the wrist pin in place inside the piston.
Class:Division of skill level between riders eg. “Novice Class”,or a Class can be a division of bike sizes eg. “85cc Class”
Clicker: An adjuster on both the shocks and forks to adjust suspension settings
Clutch: A device that disconnects the engine from the transmission, to allow the vehicle to change gears, and then allows the engine and transmission to resume contact and turn together at a new speed. The clutch consists of a series of parts: clutch lever, clutch cable, clutch perch, clutch adjuster, pressure plate, springs, basket, fiber and metal plates.
Clutch Adjuster: A system that tightens or loosens the the clutch lever. It is located on the clutch cable and on the clutch perch.
Clutch Basket: Metal piece in the transmission that holds the clutch plates.
Clutch Cable: Line running between the clutch lever and the transmission. Allows the clutch to engage and disengage.
Clutch Cover: A metal piece on the side of the transmission that covers the clutch components.
Clutch Cover Gasket: Rubber piece that forms a seal between the clutch cover and the transmission, keeping oil in and maintaining pressure.
Clutch Lever: A metal piece attached to the left side of the handlebars. Engages and disengages the clutch.
Clutch Perch: The metal piece that holds the clutch lever onto the handlebar and connects the clutch cable to the clutch lever.
Clutch plate: Discs that remove the force of the motor from the transmission. Made of metal or fiber.
Clutch Spring: Metal device used to keep pressure between the clutch basket, clutch plates, and the pressure plates. Located in the transmission.
Coil: A pulse-type transformer for increasing the voltage to fire the spark plugs.
Compress: aka: Seat Bounce, Technical style of ramp jumping in which the rider utilizes the suspension to jump higher.
Compression: One of the essential factors in internal combustion engine (fuel, air, proper proportion of mixture, compression, timing, spark). It is the squeezing of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder of a spark-ignition engine. Compression makes the process of combustion more effective and increases engine efficiency.
Compression Stroke: The second stroke of the four-stroke cycle, in which the piston moves upward from bottom dead center to top dead center, compressing the fuel-air mixture.
Concrete Start: Starting pad that is made of concrete.
Conditions: The state that the track is in–muddy, tacky, or hardpacked.
Confidence: A feeling a rider gets just before they fully appreciate the situation.
Conventional Forks: A form of suspension more commonly used in the past, female component holds the axle, male component is held by the triple clamp.
Coolant: Liquid in the cooling system. Usually a mixture of water and antifreeze (ethylene glycol). This mixture lowers the freezing point of the water in the cooling system, prevents rust and corrosion, lubricates the water pump, and picks up heat from the engine and transfers it to the air passing through the radiator.
Cordova:A freestyle trick in which the rider puts his feet up to the bars and does a backbend, then replaces his feet back onto the pegs for the landing.
Crossbar: A part of the handlebar that gives it added support.
Cubic centimeter: See CC.
Cylinder: Metal piece that sits on top of transmission, allows the piston and rings to operate along with the spark plug to make the engine fire.
Cylinder bored: Widening the cylinder to give more space for a larger piston and ring.
Cylinder Head: The detachable metal (aluminum or iron) section that is bolted to the top of the cylinder block. It is used to cover the tops of the cylinders, in many cases the cylinder head contains the valves, it also forms part of the combustion chamber. It has water and oil passages for cooling and lubrication.
Cylinder Sleeve: When a factory cylinder gets to damaged, they used to bore (drill) it out larger and insert a sleeve. Cylinders have become inexpensive enough on new bikes to just replace them today.
Dash for Cash: A race held during intermission at some events where riders pay to enter and the first place finisher wins all of the entry fees.
Decompress: Technical style of jumping where the rider tries to stay as low as possible over the jump so that he can get back on the ground as soon as possible.
Disc brake: A type of brake that has two basic components: a flat rotor (disc) that turns with the wheel and a caliper that is stationary. When the brake pedal is depressed, linkage (mechanical or hydraulic) causes the caliper to force its heat-resistant brake pads against both sides of the rotating disc thus slowing or stopping the wheel.
Ditch the Bike: When a rider for any reason jumps off his bike.
DNF:Scorekeeping term, stands for “did not finish”.
DNS:Scorekeeping term, stands for “did not start”. As in the rider did not start the race.
Docked a Lap: When for any reason a rider is penalized by losing a lap on the field. Could be caused by double jumping on a yellow flag.
Double jump: Jump made of two ramps. Rider should clear both ramps and land on the downside of the second.
Drop the clutch: When a rider quickly lets out the clutch.
Dust Bowl: When the track is very dusty and causes limited vision for riders.
Dyno: A machine used to measure the horsepower and torque of an engine.
Endo: When rider pitches forward at an angle on bike. Could lead to a face plant.
Exhaust Port: Part of the cylinder where the exhaust fumes leave the cylinder and enter the exhaust pipe.
Expansion Chamber: The widest part of an exhaust pipe.
Expert: The highest skill level of amateur racing. Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert
Face plant: When rider crashes and lands on his face.
Factory Bike: A “one off” bike produced by the manufacturer, usually for the factory rider, with parts being tested for future models. These parts are un-obtainable.
Factory Rider: A professional level rider hired by the Manufacture to ride their bike.
Fade: When a rider gets worn out and drops back in the field.
Fender grab: A freestyle trick in which the rider grabs one of the fenders.
Filter Oil: Product put on the air filter to help keep dust and debris from entering the engine.
Finesse: When the rider lets the bike work for him to be as smooth as possible in his technique.
First turn:The first corner in the track following the drop of the gate. Also the point where the holeshot is determined.
Flagger: Track workers that are placed on the side of the track and look for hazards on course such as crashes or animals. When a hazard is spotted they wave a yellow flag.
Float Bowl:That part of a carburetor that acts as a reservoir for gasoline and in which the float is placed. The float controls the amount of fuel moving through the fuel valve.
Flooded: When too much fuel enters the cylinder and drowns out the spark plug, causing the bike not to start.
Fly wheel: A relatively large and heavy wheel that is attached to the back of the crankshaft to smooth out the firing impulses. It provides inertia to keep the crankshaft turning smoothly during the periods when no power is being applied. It also forms a base for the starter ring gear and, in manual transmission, for the clutch assembly. Also called “engine flywheel.”
Foot peg: Metal piece connected to the frame that the rider stands on.
Fork guards: Plastic cover for the male section of the front suspension, protects it from dirt and debris.
Fork Oil: Product used for pressure and lubrication in the front suspension of a motorcycle.
Fork Seal: Rubber piece on front suspension which keeps fork oil from leaking out and creates an air tight seal within the suspension system.
Fork Spring: A spring found in each tube of the front suspension. Used to absorb impact and rebound the suspension.
Fork Tube: Hollow metal part of the front suspension which holds the spring and allows the male section to operate.
Four stroke: An engine requiring two complete revolutions of the crankshaft to fire each piston once. The first stroke down (intake stroke) pulls fuel and air into the combustion chamber. The second stroke up (compression stroke) compresses the mixture. The third stroke down (power stroke) comes about through the rapid burning of the compressed fuel mixture. The fourth stroke up (exhaust stroke) expels the exhaust gases from the cylinder. It is also called the “Otto cycle.”
Frame Guard:A metal or plastic piece that attaches to the frame above the foot pegs. It protects the frame from wear and tear.
Free Sag: A term used when setting race sag. Also none as Static Sag. This is the measurement of how much the suspension droops without the rider and is one way of measuring whether the spring is too light or too stiff for the rider.
Freestyle: Style of riding in which riders perform tricks over jumps.
Front Brake Cable: Line running between the front brake reservoir and the front brake master cylinder. Transfers pressure produced by the brake lever through the line to the master cylinder.
Front Brake Master Cylinder: The part of the hydraulic brake system which stores the brake fluid. As the brake pedal is applied pressure is forced against a small movable piston in the master cylinder to push hydraulic fluid through the lines to the wheel cylinders and force the brake linings against the drum (in the case of drum brakes) or force the brake pads against the disc (in the case of disc brakes).
Front end washes out or pushes: When the front end of the bike slides sideways due to loss of traction while in motion. Can cause a crash.
Front Number Plate: Plastic piece on the front of the bike used to block debris and display racing number.
Front Suspension: Two metal pieces that connect from the triple clamp to the axle, that absorb the impact of the track terrain.
Full waffle grips: Grips which are fully textured.
Gas Cap: The lid on the gas tank which is removed to check level of fuel or in order to add fuel.
Gas Tank: The container for holding or storing fuel, located between the seat and the radiator shroud.
Gasket: A material made of asbestos, cardboard, cork, paper, rubber, or soft metal placed between two metal parts to insure proper sealing.
Gate: Refers to the starting gate or the gate which encloses the entire track grounds.
Gate House: The box which holds the mechanism that drops the starting gate. Located in the middle of the starting line.
Gate Opens: The designated time that the track grounds are open to the public.
Gate Pick: The order in which riders choose which gate they will start in.
Gear: Wheel-like part with teeth cut into the rim. When one gear meshes with another gear, it causes the second gear to drive the other and in this way transmits power. When the gears are different sizes (different number of teeth on each gear) the mechanical average is changed. Can also refer to riding apparel.
Gear Bag: Bag used to carry any gear or items used when riding.
Gear box:The device in the drivetrain consisting of an input shaft, a system of gears, and an output shaft that multiplies engine torque. A manual transmission consists of a clutch assembly plus a gearbox; and automatic transmission generally consists of a torque converter plus gearbox.
Gear Ratio: The relationship between the number of turns made by a driving gear to complete one full turn of the driven gear. If the driving gear turns four times to turn the driven gear once, the gear ratio would be 4 to 1. In most instances, the gear ratio is not even like 4:1 because the same teeth would be meshing with each other. Thus a ratio of 4.11:1, for instance, means that a particular tooth on one gear may eventually mesh with every one of the teeth on the other gear. Changing the tire size will change the effective gear ratio.
Goggle Lens: (Lens) Transparent plastic part of goggles that shield eyes from debris. Come in several types: orange, gradient, clear, yellow, mirror, gray, smoke, hologram, fog resistant, double pane.
Goggles: Eye protection used by motocross racers.
Going Big: When a rider jumps especially high on a ramp.
Goon:An outdated, inappropriate, dangerous, or squarely rider. AKA: Spode, Nerd, Dork, Squirrel
Grab holes: Holes found under the seat which freestyle riders use to hold on to the bike when doing certain tricks.
Graphics: Stickers on the plastic of the bike used for looks and advertisement.
Green flag: Held by a track worker on the finish line to indicate to riders that the first lap of the race has been completed.
Greasey: A track section that is very slippery
Grips: Rubber pieces which cover the ends of the handlebars. Provide traction and impact absorption.
Half Waffle Grips: Grips which are half smooth and half textured.
Hand guards: Plastic covers connected to the front of handlebars which protect rider’s hands from dirt and debris.
Handlebars: The part of the bike that you hold on to. Found under the grips.
Hardpack: Track condition in which the ground is dry and firm.
Head:A part of the engine which covers the piston and creates the combustion chamber. The proper name is cylinder head.
Head Gasket: The gasket at the top of the cylinder and sits between the cylinder and the head. It keeps the coolant out of the cylinders and retains compression in the cylinder.
Head milled: To remove metal from the bottom of the head of the engine through the use of a rotating toothed cutter. Decreases air space in the engine and increases compression.
Heat Race: Qualifying race. When a track only has 40 start gates, it can only start 40 riders in each race. When a “Class” has more riders then the track has gates, “heat” races are run to determine which riders will ride in the Main. From each heat race, a certain number of top finishers will qualify for the main race, the rest will go to the LCQ (last chance qualifier) In the “Professinal” races, the riders that do not qualify go home. In Amateur races, the promoters typically add “Mains”. “A Main” for the riders that qualified, “B and C Mains for the riders that did not qualify.
High RPM: When the engine is running in mid to full throttle. RPM stands for rotations for minute. 1 rpm is when the crankshaft makes 1 full rotation.
High side:When a rider loses balance on a turn and tips towards the outside of the turn, causing him to crash.
Holeshot: The rider in the lead around the first turn at the start of the race.
Hub: The center of a wheel consisting of a shell to which spokes attach and contains an axle along with two sets of bearings.
Idle: The engine speed when the vehicle is not moving. The engine’s slowest practical speed.
Idle Screw: On a motocross bike it is normally the choke. If you turn it you can adjust the idle of your bike.
Indian air: A freestyle trick in which the rider puts his legs behind the bike and crosses them, then replaces them for the landing.
Indoor: Any event held inside a stadium or covered arena, out of the elements.
Inside line: Part of the track that is on the inner curve of a turn.
Intake Boot: Plastic piece that channels the air from the air box to the carburetor.
Intake valve: The valve that opens to permit the fuel mixture into the cylinder. It closes during the compression and combustion strokes. Some engines have more than one intake valve to each cylinder. Also called the “inlet valve.”
Intermediate: The amateur skill level of racing just below expert. Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert
Inverted Forks: Commonly called “upside down forks”. Male component holds the axle and female component is held by the triple clamp.
Intake Port: Opening in the cylinder where fuel enters.
Jet: A fuel tube or pipe in the carburetor, into which air is admitted through one or more holes to compensate for a tendency of the main nozzle to deliver too rich a mixture as the air velocity through the carburetor increases. Also called “air bleed.”
Jetting: When you adjust the size of components in your carburetor to get the proper mixture of gas and air.
Jump: Anything that a motorcycle can catch air off of
Jump the Gate: When a rider takes off before the starting gate drops and possibly becomes caught.
Kick it Over: When you attempt to kick start a bike.
Kick Starter: Metal lever on the right hand side of the bike that is used to start the engine.
Kicker: A short jump that has a sharp angle to the ground on the launch. Kicker jumps are notorious for bucking riders over the bars.
Kidney Belt: A protective wrap worn around the waist the guards the kidneys from injury.
Kill Switch: A button located on the left side of the handlebars. When pushed turns off bike.
Knee Brace: Device used to give the knee support when riding. Made of metal, hard plastic, and fabric.
Knee Pads: Protective pads used to guard the knee from injury when riding.
Knobby: A motocross tire.
Lap: One full run around a track that ends at the finish line.
Lapper: A rider that gets a full lap behind in a race and is being passed by the leader.
Last Chance Qualifier:(LCQ) In the main event style racing format this is the last opportunity for the racer to advance to the main event.
Lever: A simple machine comprising an arm and a pivot. Can be found on the handlebars (clutch lever, brake lever).
Lifter: A lifter that uses hydraulic oil pressure to maintain no clearance between metal parts so that valve noise is reduced. Also it reduces wear on the valves and eliminates periodic valve adjustments.
Line: This describes the path of the motorcycle as a rider goes through a section of track or around a turn. Riders think hard about the best lines to take, lines that can be used for passing, and lines to be used later in a race when the track surface has changed.
Linkage:A series of rods, yokes, levers, bars or links used to transmit motion from one unit to another. Connected from the swingarm to the rear shock.
Look back: When a rider glances behind him to assess where the other racers are in relation to him. Also can be a freestyle trick done by a goon.
Loopout: When a rider is in the air and the front end goes too high. Can cause panic rev or a crash. Can be corrected by tapping the back brake.
Lottery: A means to determine the riders gate pick order.
Low End:Lower section of the powerband. Also can refer to the lower part of the engine. Connecting rod and crankshaft.
Low RPM: When the engine is running at mid to low throttle. RPM stands for rotations per minute. 1 rpm is when the crankshaft does one full rotation.
Magneto: An electrical device which generates electrical current when it is rotated by an outside source of power. It needs no outside source of power such as a battery. It may produce either low or high tension current.
The Main: (Main Race) The race that counts for the riders. Each class has 1 or 2 “Mains” in a race day.
Main Jet: Metal piece located inside the carburetor used to mix air and fuel.
Marbley: Track condition. When the track consists of small clots of dirt that are dry and hard.
Master cylinder: The primary component for pressurizing fluid in a hydraulic system. Used in the braking system, it supports a reservoir for holding brake fluid and is activated each time the driver depresses the brake pedal.
Master link: A special link on a chain that can be opened by flexing a plate, removing a screw, or some other means besides driving out a rivet. The retaining spring clip is shaped like a fish with a round head and twin tails.
Match the cases: Engine modification where both parts of the transmission are aligned perfectly to increase engine performance.
Midrange:Middle section of the powerband.
Mini: Another name for an 80cc dirt bike or an 80cc racing class.
Modified: Any bike that has after market parts on it or has had work done on the engine or suspension. This is also a racing class where only modified bikes may enter.
Motocross Bike: KTM. - Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Husky, Gas Gas, TM all come in a close second.
Mud Flap:A plastic cover connected to the airbox. Protects the shock from debris.
Nac-nac: A freestyle trick in which the rider brings one leg over the seat and then puts his foot back on the peg for the landing.
Needle: Is a shaft with a pointed end. When the needle is fully seated in the seat, no gasoline can enter the float bowl. As the needle is lifted off the seat some gas pours into the float bowl. The needle moves when the float in the float bowl drops below a set height.
Needle Bearing: A roller type bearing in which the many rollers have a very narrow diameter in relation to their length. The design makes them particularly useful in situations where there is limited space such as the rod bearings on some pistons. Also called “Quill-type bearing.”
Nipple: Small metal part of the wheel that connects the spoke to the rim.
Nose down: Term used when a rider jumps a ramp and lands on the front wheel first.
Novice:An amateur skill level of racing just after beginner. Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert
Off Camber: A turn where the outside of the curve is sloped downward.
Oil: A substance that lubricates and cools the moving parts of the engine and reduces the formation of rust and corrosion. It contains additives which fights the corrosion of bearings, keeps small particles in suspension, reduces engine wear, and reduces oxidization, minimizes carbon, lacquer, and gum formation. Oil comes in varying viscosity weights suitable for efficient operation in cold and hot weather and for engines in varying states of wear.
Oil Drain Bolt: Bolt that is removed to drain oil located on the bottom of the transmission.
On the pipe: When a rider or bike is going very fast. This expression refers to when a dirt bike’s two-stroke engine is operating at optimum rpm. Exhaust pipes for these motorcycles are designed to work best at certain engine speeds. When a motorcycle is on the pipe, it is running at the rpm that gives maximum horsepower.
Open: Any skill level rider.
Outdoor: Refers to races held outside in the elements.
Paddle Tire: Tire that is used for riding in the sand.
Panic rev: The typical reaction when a frightened rider sees that his front end is low in the air. Can sometimes bring the front end up. If you hear this at the track, look quick cause you’ll probably see a crash!
Parade lap: Typically done by pros at larger events. The winner of the race takes an extra lap around the track for the fan’s entertainment.
Paid Class: Classes that do not win trophies – determined by the race promoter
Payout : Prize money paid to the paid classes, varying amounts for each rider based on their finishing position.
Peewee: A 50cc dirt bike, also a class of racing.
Petcock: A small valve or tap which is used to control the flow of liquid. A petcock may also be found on the line coming from the fuel tank.
Petroleum: See Petroleum Oil.
Petroleum oil: Raw material from which gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oils, propane, diesel fuel, etc. are refined. Consists primarily of hydrogen and carbon; but also contains other elements. Its source is decomposed organic matter which has been buried.
Pile up: A single crash in which multiple bikes are involved.
Pilot Jet: Metal piece located inside the carburetor used to mix air and fuel.
Pinned: Term referring to a bike that is at its maximum RPM.
Pipe: Part of the exhaust system connected to the cylinder and the silencer. Transfers exhaust from the cylinder to the silencer. Also known as the exhaust pipe.
Pipe Hanger:Metal piece that connects the exhaust pipe to the frame of the dirtbike to stabilize it.
Piston: Metal piece located in the cylinder. Connected to the rod and the ring. Used to support the ring and create compression in the engine.
Piston pin: See wrist pin.
Pit Board: Board shown to riders during a race to motivate them or send a message.
Pit riding: When a racer rides his bike or a pit bike through the pits, illegal at some events and tracks.
Pitched: When the bike or the rider is thrown awkwardly due to changes in the terrain.
Pits: Outer section of the race track where riders park their bikes when they are not racing.
Plastic: Refers to the radiator shrouds, fenders, side panels, and front number plate.
Play ride: A recreational form of riding that is not training for racing.
Plus 25: A class of racing for people over 25 years old.
Plus 30: A class of racing for people over 30 years old.
Plus 40: A class of racing for people over 40 years old.
Plus 50: A class of racing for people over 50 years old.
Plus 60: A class of racing for people over 60 years old.
Port: Openings in engine cylinder used for fuel entrance and the exit of exhaust.
Porting: An engine modification where the cylinder’s intake and exhaust ports are widened to increase flow into and out of the engine.
Power Valve: A valve in a carburetor or in the cylinder that is operated by vacuum or mechanical linkage to provide more fuel at wide open throttle.
Power Valve Cover: Metal piece that covers the power valve. Attached to the side of the cylinder.
Powerband: The point at which a two stroke engine’s power engages.
Practice: The time a rider spends on his bike preparing for a race. Also, a specific time set aside just before a race where riders can familiarize themselves with the track.
Premix oil: Lubricant which is mixed with the gasoline in order to lubricate the cylinder. Also called 2-stroke oil.
Pressure: One rider riding closely behind another in a race to try to find a good opportunity to pass.
Pressure plate: That part of a clutch assembly that through spring pressure, squeezes the clutch disc against the flywheel thereby transmitting a driving force through the assembly. To disengage the clutch, the pressure plate is drawn away from the flywheel via linkage.
Privateer: Non-factory or heavily sponsored rider. A rider that mostly pays their own expenses.
Pro: The highest skill level of racing. (Supercross and Nationals)
Production Bike: The bike anyone can buy off the showroom floor.
Pull Rod:Metal piece found in the linkage which connects rear shock to the swingarm.
Purse: Prize money that the pros win when they win.
Race gas: Refined gasoline, usually with a higher level of octane which helps the bike engine to run cooler.
Race Sag: The amount that the seat drops when a rider sits on the bike. Used to correctly adjust suspension for rider’s weight.
Radiator: A device that cools the liquid in the cooling system by allowing it to circulate through a series of water channels, which are exposed to air ducts. Found under the radiator shroud.
Radiator Shroud: Plastic piece connected from the radiator to the gas tank which protects the radiator.
Rail: Allowing your wheels to settle into a berm or rut and following it through a corner
Rake: The front forks forward steering angle taken from a vertical plane 90degrees to the ground and up the line of the forks.
Ramp: Anything that a motorcycle can catch air off of.
Ratio: A fixed relationship between things in number, quantity or degree. For example, if the fuel mixture contains one part of gas for fifteen parts of air, the ratio would be 15 to 1.
Ratio Rite:A translucent plastic measuring cup which allows for proper pre-mix ratios from 16:1 to 70:1.
Rear Brake: Mechanism that stops the bike by slowing down the rear tire. It Consists of the lever, lines, reservoir, pads, caliper, and master cylinder.
Rear brake lever: mechanism used to activate the rear brake
Rear shock: The rear suspension connected from the linkage to the frame that absorbs the impact of landings for the rear tire.
Rebound: The action of a shock absorber to spring back to its fully extended state.
Red flag: Held by workers on the track to alert the riders that the race must stop and may be restarted. Riders are to return to the start line for further instructions.
Reed Valve: A one-way valve used in a two-cycle engine. It is made of a flat strip of metal that lies on the floor of the crankcase over a hole connected to the carburetor. As the piston moves up, the vacuum developed in the crankcase lifts the reed valve off the hole. The vacuum causes the fuel-air mixture to flow from the carburetor into the crankcase. Then, as the piston starts to move down, pressure increases in the crankcase pushing the reed valve down, closing the hole and sealing the crankcase.
Reeds: Thin plastic piece that flutters, causing air and fuel to mix and sprays this mixture into the cylinder. Found on the intake valve.
Riders meeting: The gathering of all of the riders at a race. Takes place right before the races begin to review any information riders may need before the race.
Riding Dirty: When a rider is deliberately inconsiderate or rude to other riders on the track. When a rider is known for taking out other riders.
Rim: Round metal piece which holds the tire. Connected to the spokes by the nipple.
Rim Lock: Rubber piece inside the tire that holds the tire to the rim.
Ring:A metal, split ring installed in the groove on the outside wall of the piston. The ring contacts the sides of the ring groove and also rubs against the cylinder wall thus sealing the space between the piston and the wall. Poor rings can cause poor compression and severe blowby. Often seen as blue smoke out the exhaust pipe.
Rhythem Section: A part of a track consisting of whoops that can be doubled, tripled or hit in all different sequences.
Roost: Dirt or debris thrown in the air from the force of a spinning rear tire.
RPM: Abbreviation for revolutions per minute. Indicates the amount of times the crank shaft turns in a minute.
Rut: An indention made in the track due to continuous riding.
Scrub: A very technical style of jumping where the rider tries to reduce his speed by turning and scrubing there front wheel up the face of the jump.
Seat Cover: The vinyl material that covers the part of the bike you sit on.
Shark Fin: The metal piece that fits over and protects the rear brake caliper.
Shift lever:A metal piece located in front of the left footpeg, attached to the transmission. Used to switch gears.
Show Him the Front Tire: (Show em a wheel) Typically in corners, letting the rider ahead of you see that you are there and you are close. Either to intimidate them into making a mistake or to let you by.
Side Panel:Plastic piece on both sides of the dirtbike that holds the rider’s number.
Side Wall: Smooth part of the tire between the bead and the tread. Typically contains the writing.
Silencer: Part of the exhaust system found under one of the side panels, connected to the exhaust pipe. Used to muffle the noise of the engine.
Silencer Packing: Fiberglass insulation found inside the exhaust pipe to help reduce noise.
Single: One jump all by itself.
Ski jump: A jump with an especially long landing ramp which allows the rider to land on the ramp at any speed.
Skid Plate:Metal piece that attaches to the frame under the transmission. It protects the tranny.
Slick: Very slippery
Slip the clutch: When a rider gradually releases the clutch lever.
Soup Pit: Watery mud hole on the track
Soupy: Section of the track that is very watery and muddy, slick
Spark plug: A device containing two electrodes across which electricity jumps to produce a spark to fire the fuel charge. The center electrode is insulated from the spark plug shell by means of a molded insulator resembling porcelain. The side electrode protrudes from the bottom edge of the spark plug shell and is so positioned that there is a gap between it and the center electrode.
Split Gate: This occurs when track officials choose to run two races at once. They do this by starting the first race, putting the gate back up, and starting the second race. The two races are scored separately
Split the cases: When the transmission is taken apart for mechanical servicing.
Spode: A rider that has no skill, but does not realize it and never improves. Typically can be found giving bogus advice to other riders.
Spoke: Thin metal part of the wheel that connects the rim to the hub and can be adjusted to true the rim.
Sponsored Rider: Not a factory rider, but not a privateer either as their expenses and wages are covered by various sponsors
Sprocket: A metal gear that transfers power from the engine to the chain or from the chain to the rear wheel.
Squid: An inconsistent and dangerous rider.
Squirrel: An inconsistent and dangerous rider.
Staggered gate: This occurs when track officials choose to run two races at once. They do this by starting the first race, putting the gate back up, and starting the second race. Usually the two races are still scored separately.
Staging: Area where riders gather to prepare to line up at the starting gate.
Stall: When the bike’s engine stops running for any reason.
Start Board: A sign used by the starter to indicate time to the start of the race, 1 minute, then 30 seconds, then sideways over his head to indicate 2 to 5 seconds before the gate will drop
Starting Box: (Gate House) The box which holds the mechanism that drops the starting gate. Located in the middle of the starting line.
Static Sag: A term used when setting race sag. Also none as Free Sag. This is the measurement of how much the suspension droops without the rider and is one way of measuring whether the spring is too light or too stiff for the rider.
Stator:. The fixed electrical windings on a magneto, alternator, or generator. It turns within the rotor.
Steering Stem Bearings: Bearings used to turn the front wheel.
Steering Stop: Located on the lower triple clamp. Metal pieces that stop the front end from turning too far.
Step-up: A jump that looks like a stairstep.
Step-off: When a rider steps off a tabletop onto another jump.
Step-on: When a rider uses a jump to step onto a tabletop.
Stock: A motorcycle which has all factory parts and no after market parts. Also a class of racing in which only stock bikes may enter.
Stoked: Term used to describe excitement of a rider.
Stoppie:When a rider pulls in the front brake causing the bike to pitch forward into an endo-wheelie and continues moving.
Stuck in the Gate: When a rider takes off before the starting gate drops and becomes caught.
Studders: Multiple jumps in a row that are very little, like whoops, but smaller.
Stuffed: Term used when one rider passes another on a corner and forces him to the outside edge of the track.
Subframe: Metal piece on the bike connected to the frame that holds the air box, the side panels, the rear fender, and the seat.
Supercross: An American professional series race held indoors at a stadium. (not an arena) Tracks consist of larger jumps.
Supermini: A class of racing that only includes modified mini bikes.
Swap: When the back end of the bike jumps to the right and left, usually caused by bumps in the course.
Sweeper: A corner that is not sharp and riders can maintain speed around.
Swingarm: Metal piece connected to the rear axle and the frame that holds the rear wheel on.
Synthetic Oil: An oil produced by chemical processes rather than occurring naturally.
T-Bone: When one rider runs directly into the side of another rider and usually takes them out.
Table top:A jump with a flat top. Object is to clear the flat area and land on the downslope of the far side, or to step on and step off again.
Tacky: When the track is moist and sticky, it is referred to as being tacky, tires get good traction when the track is tacky.
Tap the back brake in the air: Jumping technique used when the front end is too high while the rider is in the air. Rider presses the back brake with the right foot which stops the rear tire and forces the front end to drop or raises the rear end.
Tapped Out: Refers to the top speed of each gear on the bike. For example: “I was tapped out in third.”
Tear off: Thin disposable plastic sheet that goes over the lens of goggles. Rider can use multiple tear offs and remove them throughout the race to clear mud from his vision.
Three Fingers: A common form of measurement used to check the correct tension on bike chain.
Throttle:The device that controls the vacuum created in the Venturi of the carburetor. The greater the vacuum, the richer the fuel-air mixture. The throttle enables the engine to run on a richer mixture and produce more power for high-speed.
Throttle Cable: Line running between the twist throttle and the carburetor. Raises and lowers the needle and the slide inside the carburetor which regulates how much fuel is let into the cylinder.
Throttle Valve:Metal slide located in the carburetor used to keep the needle alined when accelerating and decelerating.
Timed Practice: Used to determine the riders gate pick order for their Qualifier or Main.
Timing: A term referring to rider’s sense of judgement on landings and other skills.
Tire: Rubber piece attached to the rim that touches the ground. Used for traction and some impact absorption.
Took me out: Phrase used when one rider intentionally causes another rider to crash.
Top Dead Center: (TDC) Highest point of piston and connecting-rod travel in a cylinder; the ends of the compression and exhaust strokes in a four-cycle engine.
Transfer Position: The selected heat, semi, and last chance qualifier positions that will let a rider continue into the main event.
Transmission:(Tranny) The mechanical system, including gears and shafts, by which power is transmitted from the engine of the bike to the drive wheel. Also a set of gears and the protective casing that covers this in a vehicle or engine.
Tread: The outside part of the tire which provides traction.
Triple Clamp: Clamps that hold the front suspension onto the frame of the bike. They also hold the handlebars on the bike.
Triple: Jump made of three jumps. Object is to clear all three and land on the downside of the farthest one.
True: When a rim is properly straightened. Can be adjusted by tightening the spokes on the wheels and needs to be done any time a rider spins the wheel and it wobbles.
Turn it Over: Term used whenever someone attempts to start a bike. Can be used to tell someone to kick start their bike.
Tweaked Bars: Handlebars that are bent from a crash.
Twist Throttle: The right grip on the handlebars which is used as a means of acceleration by rolling it towards the rider.
Two stroke: A reciprocating engine cycle in which the piston takes over some of the valve functions in order to obtain a power stroke each revolution of the crankshaft. This involves the use of ports in the cylinders which are covered and uncovered by the movements of the piston. As the piston moves down, it clears these ports so that the exhaust gases can exit and a fresh charge of mixture can enter at the same time. In a typical two-stroke engine the fuel-air mixture enters the crankcase through a reed valve. When the piston is at the bottom of the cylinder a port is uncovered. As prior movement of the piston has compressed the mixture in the crankcase, it flows into the cylinder. Further compression in the cylinder starts as soon as the piston reverses and covers the ports. At the same time compression is occurring in the cylinder, movement of the piston has created a vacuum in the crankcase which draws a fresh charge of mixture from the carburetor into the crankcase. The compressed charge is fired as the piston reaches top dead center. As expansion of the burning charge forces the piston downward, the reed valve in the crankcase closes and the mixture in the crankcase is compressed. As the piston uncovers the ports at the bottom of the stroke, compressed mixture from the crankcase enters the cylinder again and is deflected by a baffle on the piston head into the outer end of the cylinder. This incoming fresh mixture then assists in pushing the burned gases out of the cylinder and the cycle is repeated.
Vent Hose: Tube connected to the gas cap which gives the gas tank proper ventilation.
Vet class: Class of racing where only racers age 50 and over may enter.
Vintage: Refers to a bike that is many years old. Also a class of racing where only vintage bikes may enter.
Wad It Up:A crash typically resulting from an endo and causing the rider to land on his head.
Washed Out: Any time a rider’s front tire slides out to one side or the other.
Water Pump: A device that circulates the liquid through the cooling system by pumping it from the engine water jackets to the radiator. The pump is usually mounted at the front of the engine and is driven by a belt from a pulley on the front end of the crankshaft.
Water the Track: When officials spray water on the track’s dirt, this makes the terrain more tacky to create better traction for racers.
Wheelie: When a rider accelerates and the front wheel lifts up off of the ground.
Whip: Freestyle trick in which rider lays the bike flat horizontally in the air and then brings it back up for the landing.
White flag: Waved to indicate one lap left in the race. Can be seen by riders on the finish line.
Whoops: Mogul-like section of the track typically consisting of more than 10 tiny jumps in a row.
Wide open: Refers to the top speed of each gear on the dirt bike. For example: “I was wide open in third.”
Wrist pin: A metal piece that holds the piston onto the crankshaft.
Yellow flag: Held by track workers who are randomly placed on the track, used to caution riders about hazards on the course.