Glossary of motorcycling terms

This is a glossary of motorcycling terms.

advanced rider

In the UK, an advanced rider is either a police pursuit/surveillance rider or a civilian who has passed an advanced driving test via the British Motorcyclists Federation Blue Riband award, Institute of Advanced Motorists or RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders.^{[citation needed]}

ape hangers

Aftermarket handlebars installed on motorcycles that are taller than stock handlebars. Generally, they are shoulder-height or higher for the rider. Some U.S. states and international laws restrict the height of a motorcycles handlebars.^[1]

colors

Leather or denim vest often worn by members of motorcycle clubs, especially, outlaw motorcycle clubs, identifying the club and displaying various insignia ^[2]

crotch rocket

Slang for a sportbike perceived as overpowered^[1]

hang-around

Term used by some motorcycle clubs to denote someone who has stated a clear intention of becoming a prospect with the likely follow-on intention of becoming a full patch member of the club. May be one of several stages some clubs require members to pass on their way to becoming full-patch members.^[3]

nomad

one percenter

A member of an outlaw club or gang.^[4]

prospect

Term used by some motorcycle clubs to denote someone who has stated a clear intention of becoming a full patch member of the club. Typically, the bylaws or other governing document\policy will dictate how long someone must be a prospect and what is expected of them during this period. May be one of several stages some clubs require members to pass on their way to becoming full-patch members.^[3]

Rich Urban Bikers (RUBS)

A cruiser bike buying demographic, typically middle aged male in a white-collar work with a disposable income and usually, grown-up children.^[5]

Riding pillion (a.k.a. riding bitch; riding two-up)

The act of riding as a passenger on a motorcycle sitting on the pillion (a.k.a. "bitch") seat immediately behind the driver of the motorcycle.^[6][7][8]

Road rash

An injury caused by scraping your skin on the road surface. This is likely because the rider wasn't wearing the right protective gear.^[9]

Spill

Refers to falling off your bike or taking a tumble, as in to ‘have a spill’.^[9]

Sweep

The last, or tail, rider in organized group of motorcyclists riding on a public road. Like the leader, the sweep is experienced and aware of the planned route, and may carry supplies for first aid or breakdowns.^[10][11]

See also

• Glossary of motorsport terms