Antilock Braking System (ABS)

A motorcycle braking system that prevents the wheels from locking during braking, causing a loss of control and possible accident. Sensors determine front and rear wheel speed and when either wheel is about to lock up hydraulic pressure is slightly reduced to prevent the wheel from completely [...]

Anaerobic Sealant

A chemical sealant or adhesive that cures in the absence of air (anaerobic means without air). Typically used for retaining and locking threaded components together, such as nuts and bolts. Available in different bonding strengths suited for particular applications. Most service manuals will note which type of bonding agent is required for reassembly of a [...]

Air Filter

An air cleaner or air filter is a device for filtering, cleaning, and removing debris from the air being sucked into the engine. A dirty air cleaner will cause a motorcycle engine to exhibit decreased performance – the engine will run rich, burning more fuel than necessary – it may even foul the spark plug(s). [...]

After Bottom Dead Center (ABDC)

When a piston travels the length of its stroke, in normal operation, it is said to have reached bottom dead center when it is at the lowest position in the cylinder, closest to the crankshaft. The point at which the piston is starting to travel back up on its stroke is called after bottom dead [...]

Alternator

An electrical device on a motorcycle that produces alternating current (AC), hence the name. This AC current can be used to power the ignition system or lights, or it can be rectified (converted to DC voltage) and used to keep the battery fully charged. Also known as an AC generator or magneto.

Ammeter

An instrument for measuring amperage (current flow) in electrical circuits.

ATV Consent Decree

In the early 1980’s the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission started receiving reports of injuries and deaths related to ATVs.
On March 20, 1984 the CPSC stated that “It is the opinion of this Directorate, based on the data in our files (ATV injury estimates had grown from 8,585 in 1982 to 27,554 in 1983) [...]

ATC

Abbreviation for All Terrain Cycle, a trademark owned by the Honda Motor Corporation. Commonly used to refer to three wheelers such as Honda’s ATC90 introduced into the United States back in 1970.
In 1988, the sale and marketing of three wheelers was discontinued due to an April 27, 1988 ATV Consent Decree between the US Department [...]

ATV

Abbreviation for All Terrain Vehicle. An ATV typically has balloon tires that enable it to cover soft or muddy terrain, and can have two, three or four wheels, and in a few rare cases, even more!

Atomization

When fuel is is mixed with air in a carburetor or fuel injection system it is turned into a fine mist for more complete combustion. The process of turning the air/fuel mixture into a mist is known as atomization.

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