A somewhat less dangerous kind of crash that almost always takes place during a turn. Typically, the front wheel loses traction, and basically, the Bike just falls down and slides (on its “low side”). Often, the rider “detaches” from the sliding bike (see also: Get-off), which is what you want to happen, unless you’re not wearing safety gear. It looks like this.

A general term for protective gear, both jackets and pants or one-piece racing suits. You can get non-leather riding gear (known as “textile” gear) but even then, most riders just call all riding gear “leathers.”

A British term and for any motorcycling “gear” (farkles, accessories, clothing, etc.) that’s catching on in the U.S.

Nickname for almost any Harley-Davidson, but usually reserved for the bigger bikes in the lineup (as in, not Sportsters). Also, Hog is the acronym of the Harley Owners Group. Some say the term originated from a pet pig that one of the early Harley-Davidson race teams used as their mascot.

Synonym for a wreck or crash with your motorcycle.

A term more common in the BMW/ADV/dual-sport crowd for the gear you’ve added or want to add to your Bike, such as more lights, GPS, heated grips, or something less useful, like a pretty chrome cap for an ugly bolt. See also: Kit.

Slang for “touring Bike”. Synonym to “bagger”. Back when motorcycles pretty much all looked the same, some riders added on windscreens or saddlebags for more comfort and carrying capacity. Bike makers took note and started making such things factory options, allowing buyers to “dress up” their bikes. Thus, the “dresser” was born. Today, bikes like the my Nightowl, the Honda Goldwing, and Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic are the ultimate examples of a dressed-up touring bike and include things like heated seats, powerful stereos, intercoms, navigation, powered windscreens, cruise control, and more.

The carburetor(s) on non-fuel-injected motorcycles, which mixes air and fuel for combustion by the engine.

Any high-displacement Harley-Davidson.

A general term for a motorcycle.