We have published the Glossary of Motorcycle Terms for the letters A, B, and C, so we continue to the next letter, D.

Dirt Bike:

Also known as the off-road motorcycle. Dirt bikes can be divided into two distinct categories as motocross and enduro. The former is for closed circuit racing only, while the enduro has lights and turnsignals thus can be registered for road use.

Displacement:

The general term for engine capacity. In layman example, it is how much air and fuel mixture is displaced when the piston moves.

DOHC:

Double overhead cam, a camshaft configuration where there are two camshafts that sit in the cylinder head to activate the valves.

Drag bars:

A type of handlebar commonly used in drag racing motorcycles. They are characterized by their short and straight design, providing riders with a specific hand position ideal for maximizing control and aerodynamics during high-speed drag races.

Drag pipes:

Low, short exhaust pipes running along the motorcycle’s frame.

Dresser:

A slang term used to describe certain types of motorcycles designed for long-distance touring and equipped with specific features, including rigid luggage containers. Also known as “Baggers,” Dressers are typically big-bore cruisers that combine comfort, convenience, and storage capacity to cater to riders who enjoy extended rides and touring adventures. Examples are the Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, BMW K1600.

Dual Density Armor:

The least expensive and most common form of armour in motorcycle riding gear such as jackets, pants, and suits, designed to provide impact protection in vulnerable areas of the body, typically the shoulders, elbows, and knees.

Dual Shocks:

Traditional suspension setup commonly found on motorcycles with two separate shock absorbers, one on each side of the rear wheel, to provide suspension and damping capabilities.

Dual-Purpose:

Also known as a dual-sport motorcycle. Versatile and can be ridden on and off-road. It combines the capabilities of an off-road dirt bike with the necessary features and equipment to be road-legal, allowing riders to enjoy the best of both worlds. Examples are the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, BMW R 1300 GS, KTM 1390 Super Adventure, etc.

Dyno:

Short for dynamometer, a device used to measure and analyze a motorcycle’s engine power and torque. Dyno testing provides valuable information about the motorcycle’s performance and helps tuning and optimising the engine.