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.
Annother big motorcycle event up north returns as the Hulala Bike Fiesta 2024 kicks off from 6-8 September at the Juru Auto City Concept Hall, Penang. Admission is free.
From the press release:
(Pictures from Hulala Bike Fiesta 2023.)
Get ready for the most exciting two-wheel extravaganza of the year!
The Hulala Bike Fiesta 2024, organized by GB Motorcycles Sdn Bhd and Sheng Fatt Motor, will take place at the Penang Juru City Concept Hall, offering motorcycle enthusiasts an event that cannot be missed.
The Hulala Bike Fiesta 2024 is the must-attend event of the year for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering unparalleled wheel deals that are available only once a year. This exciting gathering, organized to cater to both seasoned riders and newcomers, promises to be the ultimate celebration of all things two-wheeled.
At the Fiesta, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant community of
motorcycle lovers, connect with fellow riders, and discover the latest trends and innovations in the motorcycle world. The event features an extensive lineup of activities, including thrilling test rides, interactive displays, and exclusive promotions.
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the incredible deals on motorcycle gear and accessories, with some items available for as little as RM1! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your ride, enhance your gear collection, or simply enjoy a day surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, the Hulala Bike Fiesta 2024 is the perfect opportunity to indulge your passion and make lasting connections within the motorcycle community. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to be part of an unforgettable experience!
Mr.Kheoh Hock Seng, Managing Director of GB Motorcycles & Sheng Fatt Motor,
expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to present the Hulala Bike Fiesta 2024 as the premier event for motorcycle enthusiasts. This year’s fiesta is more than just a showcase of incredible bikes and gear; it’s a celebration of our shared passion for riding and the vibrant motorcycle community we cherish. We have worked tirelessly to curate an exceptional lineup of brands, unbeatable offers, and exclusive deals, ensuring that every attendee finds something extraordinary. We invite riders of all levels to join us and experience the thrill and camaraderie that only the Hulala Bike Fiesta can offer. Together, let’s make this event unforgettable!”
Event Highlights
Unbeatable Offers:
The Hulala Bike Fiesta 2024 will feature a massive lineup of top-tier brands and products, all at unbeatable prices:
Motorcycles:
Explore the latest models from renowned brands such as Harley-Davidson, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Vespa, Aprilia, and Ducati. There will also be pre-owned motorcycles available, offering something for every rider.
Riding Gear:
Upgrade your gear with exclusive discounts on brands like S Spirit, Shoei, HGV, Givi, KYT, Nolan, Nexx, Alpinestars, Five5, and Shima. Whether you’re looking for helmets, jackets, gloves, or boots, this event has it all.
Riding Tools:
Enhance your riding experience with high-quality tools and accessories from
Quadlock, Cardo, and Insta360. Get ready to equip your ride with the best in navigation, communication, and action cameras.
Finance Institution:
Aeon Credit will be joining to provide the most convenient financial payment advice for riders. Their services will help make your shopping experience hassle-free and streamline the path to acquiring the best deals and financing options.
Test Rides: Attendees can experience the thrill of riding with various motorcycle models available for test rides, providing a unique and immersive opportunity to find your perfect match.
Massive Gear Discounts: Take advantage of exclusive discounts and unbelievable sales on top-tier riding gear, motorcycle accessories, and more, ensuring you upgrade your riding experience at the best value.
Entertainment and Activities: The Hulala Bike Fiesta is more than just shopping—enjoy live music parties, thrilling stunt shows, and exciting competitions that will keep the adrenaline pumping.
Lucky Draws & Giveaways: Don’t miss out on the chance to win amazing prizes with our lucky draws. Plus, the first attendees to register will receive exclusive gifts—so make sure you reserve your spot early!
About the Organizers:
GB Motorcycles Sdn Bhd: A trusted name in the motorcycle industry, GB Motorcycles has served the Northern Region of Malaysia with a commitment to excellence and a passion for two-wheelers. They have grown to become the largest motorcycle company in the Northern Region, boasting a diverse portfolio of renowned international motorcycle brands.
Sheng Fatt Motor: Known for being an Authorized Premium Brands Super Dealer, Sheng Fatt Motor specializes in superbikes and motorcycles, providing riders with the best options in the market.
Event Details:
Date: September 6-8, 2024
Venue: Juru Auto City Concept Hall, Penang
Admission: Free
Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (Allianz General) partners with iMotorbike to offer extended warranties to pre-owned motorcycles.
From the press release:
iMotorbike, Southeast Asia’s leading website for buying and selling pre-owned motorcycles, announced a partnership with Malaysia’s largest motor insurer, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (“Allianz General”) today. The partnership between iMotorbike and Allianz General brings extended warranties to consumers purchasing pre-owned motorcycles from iMotorbike, offering enhanced protection and safety for a worry-free riding experience.
With this collaboration, in addition to the complimentary 6-month warranty included with their motorcycle purchase, customers can benefit from Allianz Partners Malaysia (“Allianz Partners”) extensive network of 83-panel repairers nationwide, that specializes in warranty-related fixes. This supplements iMotorbike’s already comprehensive 170-point inspection and 6-day return policy.
Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz General expressed, “At Allianz General, we strive to deliver comprehensive protection tailored to the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Malaysia. We are excited that this partnership with iMotorbike has mutual benefits for both parties, while we are also proud to expand our digital footprint in the country, especially with regards to the motor segment.“
The additional extended warranty covers motorcycle parts including the engine, Engine Control Unit (ECU) and gearbox. Customers can benefit from the dedicated helpline provided by Allianz Partner’s 83-panel repairers, enhancing support and convenience for greater peace of mind when purchasing pre-owned motorcycles.
“User safety and satisfaction have always been our top priorities here at iMotorbike. In line with this commitment, we have extended our standard free 6-month warranty to offer options of 12 to 24 months for those who wish to add more security to their purchase. This extended warranty reflects our dedication to offering motorcycles of the highest quality and ensuring that new owners are protected from any unexpected costs. With this new offering, we look forward to making a positive impact on the motorcycle community and further enhancing the overall ownership experience,” shared Gil Carmo, CEO and Founder of iMotorbike.
Founded in 2016, iMotorbike has established itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s two-wheeler market, delivering a transparent and seamless platform for buying and selling pre-owned motorcycles. As of 2024, the platform boasts over 8 inspection centres and has a presence in Malaysia and Vietnam. Looking ahead, iMotorbike aims to continue setting industry benchmarks and enhancing the customer experience in the pre-owned motorcycle market.
There is beyond any doubt that the BMW S 1000 RR is an immense success among Malaysian motorcycle enthusiasts. As such, it is befitting that the BMW S 1000 RR/HP4 Malaysia group organised the BMW S1K Mega Gathering 2024 which took place on 10 August 2024.
Unlike previous years, this latest edition saw owners riding to Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi. Over 430 participants joined the event.
Begin press release:
The BMW S 1000 RR/HP4 Malaysia group ignited the passion of motorcycle enthusiasts with the highly anticipated return of the BMW S1K Mega Gathering, which took place on 10 August 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM. Roaring to life at the Le Chavelier Ballroom in Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi, the event brought together over 430 participants, including riders of the iconic BMW S 1000 RR, BMW M 1000 RR, BMW S 1000 R, BMW M 1000 R and BMW HP4 models, alongside esteemed partners, dealers and sponsors.
The BMW S1K Mega Gathering 2024 event delivered an exhilarating day of motorcycling excitement, and also featured exclusive test rides of BMW Motorrad’s cutting-edge electric models, the BMW CE 02 and BMW CE 04. The event not only aimed to showcase BMW Group Malaysia’s commitment to performance and innovation within the premium two-wheel segment, but also offered participants a unique opportunity to experience the future of urban mobility.
Opening the event was a recorded video message from Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the Turkish world champion motorcycle racer and new BMW Group rider for the Superbike World Championship, who made history by achieving 13 consecutive World Superbike race wins – a first in the championship’s history – on the BMW M 1000 RR. Additionally, the highlight of the BMW S1K Mega Gathering 2024 was a special appearance by Azlan Shah bin Kamaruzaman, a celebrated Malaysian professional Grand Prix motorcycle racer who currently competes in the Asia Road Racing Championship ASB1000 with the BMW S 1000 RR.
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia states, “The BMW S1K Mega Gathering 2024 exemplifies our commitment to Make Life A Ride, while also fostering a vibrant motorcycle community. This gathering was not just about camaraderie and a shared passion for the thrill of the open road and the racetrack, but also about celebrating the exceptional heritage of our premium sport bikes. At the same time, we are also taking the opportunity to showcase the pioneering spirit of our electric models, carrying the spirit of adventure into the future.”
We had published the Glossary of Motorcycle Terms (A-B) previously, so let us continue with the series, this time for terms beginning with the letter “C.”
Café Racer:
The café racer style of motorcycle originated in the 1960s and is known for its stripped-down appearance, low-slung handlebars, and rear-set footpegs. It is said that they were modified from standard bikes for racing between cafés.
Cage:
Bikers refer to a car as a “cage” since it traps the occupants inside rather being exposed to the environment.
Caliper:
Refer to “Brake Caliper” in the previous article. Anyway, the caliper consists of several other parts including the piston(s) that push the brake pads against the brake disc (a.k.a. rotor).
Camshaft (cam), cam lobes:
A spinning metal shaft with oval cam lobes to open the valves in a four-stroke engine.
cc:
“CC,” written in small letters as “cc” refers to the engine’s displacement in cubic centimetres. It is also the measurement for the amount of fluids.
ci:
CC is a metric measurement, so the imperial measurement is “ci” (cubic inch). It was formerly used by many motorcycle makers, but it is now only limited to Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. 1 ci = 16.39 cc.
Harley-Davidson’s new Milwaukee-Eight engine, the ninth Big Twin in the company’s history, delivers more power and an improved riding experience while retaining the iconic look, sound and feel of its predecessors. (PRNewsFoto/Harley-Davidson)
Carburetor/Carb:
A carburetor is a mechanical device for mixing air and fuel in the correct ratio for combustion in an internal combustion engine. Virtually all motorcycles are fuel injected these days, apart from a few budget ones that still use the carb.
CE protector:
Also known as CE-certified motorcycle armour, it refers to protective paddings in motorcycle gear. CE stands for Conformité Européene in French, which translates to European Conformity. CE certification ensures the armour meets specific safety requirements and has undergone testing to validate its protective qualities.
Center stand:
Colloquially called the “full stand” here, a center stand is the large, double-legged, fold-out motorcycle stand, mostly found on small cc, adventure, sport-touring, and touring bikes.
Chain drive:
The chain connecting the front small sprocket on the bike’s transmission output shaft to a larger sprocket mounted to the rear wheel hub, to transfer the engine’s torque and power to the rear wheel.
Chassis:
The frame or structure of a motorcycle that act as the central component to where various components such as the engine, suspension, wheels, and bodywork are connected.
Chatter:
Mechanical oscillation or vibration with a bike. Also a term that describes oscillation or vibrations from the tyres.
Chicken strips:
The untouched outer sections of the motorcycle’s tyres, due to lack of cornering angle. “Chicken” here alludes to being less than brave.
Choke:
A mechanism or plate in a carburetor that restricts the airflow during cold engine starting and warm-up. Limiting the air amount of air “enriches” the air-fuel mixture (more fuel). The choke must be deactivated when the engine is sufficiently warm to run smoothly.
Chopper:
A motorcycle with its non-essential parts “chopped” (stripped) to lighten it, making it faster. However, the chopper styling now includes lengthened and raked forks.
Clip-ons:
Motorcycle handlebars clamped around the top of the bike’s fork tubes instead of being bolted to the top triple-clamp. Usually for sportbikes and café racers.
Clutch:
The device that engages and disengages the power transfer from the engine to the transmission. It allows for smooth gears changes plus control of power delivery to the driving wheel.
Compression damping:
Rate the suspension (forks and rear shock) compresses when contacting a bump.
Compression ratio:
In simple terms, it describes how much the fuel-air mixture gets compressed when the engine’s piston rises to its highest point (TDC/top dead centre). The ratio is derived by dividing the cylinder’s volume at the piston’s lowest point in the stroke (BDC/bottom dead centre) to the volume when the piston is at TDC.
Compression release:
Also known as a decompression valve or a decompressor, this mechanism is used to reduce compression pressure for easier starting. It is commonly found in large single-cylinder engines (a.k.a. thumpers).
Counterbalancer:
Also known as a balance shaft, it is mounted in then engine to reduce vibrations and improve engine smoothness, by counteracting vibrations in engines with unevenly spaced cylinders, such as (narrow spaced) V-twins, triples, and parallel-twins.
Countersteer:
Counter-steering is the technique to initiate a turn. It involves briefly steering the handlebars in the opposite direction of the intended turn, causing the motorcycle to lean in the desired direction and initiate the turn. In other words, push left to go left, push right to go right.
Cowl/Cowling:
Also known as the fairing, it is a piece of bodywork to cover certain parts of a motorcycle. It serves multiple purposes, including enhancing the aesthetics of the bike, improving aerodynamics, insulate the rider from wind blast, and protect internal components.
Crash bars:
Engine guards, or frame sliders, are protective bars mounted to a motorcycle’s frame to minimise damage to the motorcycle in the event of a tip-over, low-side, or other types of accidents.
Cruiser:
A style of motorcycle known for its laid-back and relaxed riding posture. It is designed with a comfortable riding position, low seat height, and emphasis on style and aesthetics. Cruisers are often associated with a classic and timeless look.
Ex-Formula 1, sportscar, and endurance driver Mark Webber rode a motorcycle the first time on track and came away impressed, going on to say that it is “not possible for four wheel guys to race on two wheels.”
Webber, a nine-time Formula 1 race winner rode a Yamaha YZF-R1 alongside 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuiness who rode a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade ahead of British MotoGP at the Silverstone circuit. However, the R1 appeared to be a race-kitted GYTR Pata yamaha.
Webber is familiar with the circuit, having raced there many times and won twice there in Formula 1.
Speaking about his day at Silverstone, he said: “It was my first time (on track two wheels)! Completely different. For us four wheel guys it’s not possible for us to race on two wheels.
“It’s so demanding, so different. The skill set you need from a young age to make that transition across if not possible. It seems to be easier for the two wheel guys, they’re probably more gifted than us to go onto four wheels.
“But to watch him take you around and have a look at the track – I think, optically it’s a flat circuit and was used in the war as an air field, but in terms of the optics and your references it’s a tricky venue but it’s fast and flowing. It was a brilliant day.”
Webber was not the first high-profile car racer to try on motorcycles. Other F1 drivers who did so include drivers Fernando Alonso (at Motegi) and Lewis Hamilton (at Valencia). Hamilton famously rode alongside Valentino Rossi. Rossi, on the other hand, has gone on to car racing after his retirement from MotoGP.
But perhaps the most famous F1 driver to race on two wheels was seven-time champion Michael Schumacher. He met with some success while racing in the German superbike series.
