Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The abbreviation VIN is short for Vehicle Identification Number. All motorcycles and ATVs are given a unique VIN when they are manufactured. VINs are used to track ownership and record insurance claims and service procedures.
Motorcycles manufactured from 1980 to present have 17 digit VINs on US models. Bikes manufactured prior to 1980 will have shorter [...]

Voltage Regulator

A mechanical or electrical device used to control the output of a motorcycles charging system to protect the battery from being over charged. Over charging can cause permanent damage to a battery.

Vacuum

Pressure which is less than atmospheric pressure. In terms of a motorcycle engine it is the difference in air pressure between the engine’s intake manifold and Earth’s atmosphere. As the piston travels downwards on its stroke it creates a low pressure void that will be filled by the incoming air/fuel mixture. CV type carburetors also [...]

V-twin Engine

An engine configuration with two cylinders arranged in a V instead of inline. The angle between the cylinders is commonly 45 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees, although a 90 degree angle technically speaking should be called an L-twin engine, but we won’t say anything if you tell people that your Ducati has a 90 [...]

Viscosity

Viscosity, in terms of motorcycle oils, refers to the thickness of an oil. A light or thin viscosity oil is commonly used in fork tubes while a heavier or thicker viscosity oil is often found in engines and transmissions. It is not uncommon to see multi-viscosity engine oils that are engineered to function [...]