Motorcycle Glossary

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FMVSS 218- This stands for the U.S. DOT’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, a requirement for all motorcycle helmets. It outlines the minimum standard requirements for all motorcycle helmets. Manufacturers must submit their helmets for compliance testing.

FAIRING- An enclosure on the front of the bike containing the windshield and affording wind protection to the rider. Can be attached to the frame and not move or be attached to the fork and move as the handlebars are turned.

FINAL JUDGMENT - The written ruling on a lawsuit by the judge who presided at trial. This completes the case unless it is appealed to a higher court. Also called a final decree or final decision.

FLICKABLE- Used to describe the agility of a motorcycle, or how quickly a rider can “flick” the bike from side to side in turns.

FORKS- The sprung metal tubes that connect the front wheel to the motorcycle triple-tree.

FOUR STROKE ENGINE- This is the most common engine design found in street motorcycles today. It refers to the number of times a piston moves up and down through each power cycle. 1) A downward stroke brings in the fuel/air mixture; 2) an upward stroke compresses the fuel/air mixture; 3) a downward stroke results when that mixture is ignited and expands, and finally; 4) an upward stroke expels the exhaust gases.

FRAUD- Occurs when intentional false statements are made to entice a victim to give up something of value. 

FUEL INJECTION- A device that serves the same function as a carburetor, but uses computer-controlled jets to inject atomized fuel and air into the air stream going into the engine.