Before hitting the open road on two wheels, every rider should take a moment to familiarize themselves with key motorcycle terms. Especially if you’re a new rider, knowing the right terminology can help you understand your bike, steer through the road, and communicate with other riders.

Lane-Splitting

If you’re stuck in heavy traffic and decide to split lanes, understanding and using the term can help you communicate this strategy with fellow riders. Lane-splitting refers to riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. It’s a common practice in many countries, though its legality varies. It helps motorcyclists avoid traffic jams and potentially reduces congestion. 

DOT

DOT stands for the Department of Transportation. In the motorcycle world, a DOT certification means a helmet complies with the safety standards set by the US. DOT is designed to absorb impact effectively and provide essential protection in the event of a crash. Riding without a DOT-certified helmet greatly increases your risk of severe injury in a crash.

High And Low Side

These terms refer to different types of motorcycle crashes. A high side occurs when a bike loses traction and suddenly regains it, throwing the rider off. A low side happens when the bike slides out from under the rider, typically while cornering. Low sides are generally less severe, but the rider can still suffer road rash or hit obstacles.

Tunnel Vision

Failing to recognize tunnel vision could lead to missing vital details, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It refers to narrowing your field of view, often due to stress, fatigue, or high-speed riding, where you focus only on what’s directly ahead. Unfortunately, it can cause you to miss important cues around you, like other vehicles, road signs, or hazards.

ECE

ECE stands for the Economic Commission for Europe, which sets international helmet safety standards. An ECE certification means the helmet meets rigorous European safety criteria. ECE-certified helmets are recognized for providing excellent protection and are often considered stricter than DOT standards. When shopping for helmets, you can compare DOT and the latest ECE certifications to determine the best helmet.

Brain-Bucket

A brain-bucket is slang for a motorcycle helmet, typically a minimalist or half-helmet that offers less protection. This term often describes a helmet that prioritizes style over safety, offering minimal coverage for the head. Wearing one might give you a false sense of security, as you risk severe injury if involved in a serious accident.

Fairing

This is the outer shell that covers parts of the motorcycle to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics, usually found on sportbikes and touring motorcycles. Fairings help improve the bike’s performance by reducing wind resistance and protecting the rider from wind, rain, and road debris. Riding without understanding the function of your fairing could result in improper maintenance. 

Pannier

Before a road trip, you might say, “I’m packing my panniers for the weekend,” referring to loading up your bike’s storage for a long ride. Panniers is a word with French origins that refers to luggage, which could be a storage container or bag that attaches to the sides of a motorcycle.

Clapped Out

When a bike is clapped out, it’s often unreliable, with worn-out parts like the engine, suspension, or brakes. The term implies the bike needs significant repairs or maintenance because it’s in poor condition, usually due to excessive use, neglect, or age. The bike may still run, but it’s far from peak performance

Ape Hangers

When racing, roosting becomes more common. When accelerating hard, a motorcycle’s rear tire throws up a spray of dirt, gravel, or mud, particularly on off-road bikes. Riders kick up dirt as they take off or hit the throttle. It’s sometimes a point of pride among off-road riders, but roosting in slippery conditions can indicate a loss of traction.

Big Five

The Big Five refers to the five key controls on a motorcycle: the throttle, clutch, front brake, rear brake, and gear shifter. These controls manage the bike’s speed, stopping power, and shifting. Mastering the Big Five is essential for safe and effective riding as they represent the rider’s core interactions with the bike. 

Twisties

Riding through twisties is a test of a rider’s skill, requiring precise control, balance, and the ability to lean into turns. Twisties refer to a series of sharp curves or winding roads, often favored by motorcyclists for the thrilling ride they offer. They’re a fun but demanding aspect of motorcycling.

Pillion

A pillion is a passenger seat on a motorcycle, usually located behind the rider. The term can also refer to the person who is riding in that seat. Riding with a pillion passenger changes the balance and handling of the motorcycle and requires the rider to adjust for the extra weight and movement.

Goon

Goon riding often involves exaggerated body movements, oversteering, or riding with one foot off the pegs. It’s usually done as a joke or for entertainment, not as a serious style of riding, where the rider purposefully rides in a sloppy or wild manner, typically for fun. Nevertheless, it can be dangerous, especially if done by inexperienced riders or in crowded areas.