I don’t have the statistics on how many women (or men, for that matter) wake up one day and say, “I’ve always wanted a Harley and, dammit, today I’m gonna go out and buy one!” but it’s probably more than we’d guess. The thing is, there is so much more to it than buying that bike you’ve had your eye on, or stumbling on a “priced to sell” at your local dealership, or picking up a steal at auction. There’s the safety course and the learner’s permit, of course. But there’s also the lingo, the terms every rider should know.

Jennifer Gruber of Harley-Davidson was kind enough to share H-D’s quick reference guide to some of the buzzwords every rider is likely to hear and should definitely know. It’s not everything you’ll hear, but it’s a good start. Print it out and study it, or keep it in your back pocket if you have to, but do take a look.

Air Cooling: Regulates the heat of an internal combustion engine. Used on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles except the VRSC models. The VRSC models are liquid cooled.

Air Cleaner: A filter that removes solid pieces from the air intake that might otherwise damage your motorcycle engine.

Ape Hangers: Those elevated handlebars that raise the rider’s hands above her shoulders.

Bagger: A large touring bike with saddlebags or a trunk, or maybe more.

Bar & Shield: The iconic Harley-Davidson logo.

 

Carburetor: Controls the blend of air and fuel in an internal combustion engine.

CC: Cubic centimeters. Designates the size and relative power of a motorcycle engine.

Chassis: The metal frame of a motorcycle, or the bulk of its body, includes suspension, wheels, and brakes.

Chopper: Custom motorcycle, often with extended forks, skinny front wheels, ape hangers, and no rear suspension.

Color-Shop Paint: Harley-Davidson custom paint, offered in hundreds of styles with color-matched accessories.

CVO: Custom Vehicle Operations. Factory-built custom motorcycles produced in limited runs by Harley-Davidson.

Cylinder: This is the workhorse of the engine. Contains the pistons.

Daytona: City in Florida that hosts an annual Bike Week, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the United States.

DOT: U.S. Department of Transportation approved. Your helmet should meet DOT standards.

Dry Weight: A motorcycle’s weight without fuel, rider, or cargo.

 

Fairing: A molded piece of the motorcycle’s body that protects the rider and bike from wind and road debris.

Fuel Injection: A non-carburetor system for mixing fuel with air in an internal combustion engine.

FXRG: Functional Riding Gear; the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes apparel line of tech clothing.

Hardtail: A motorcycle frame that does not feature rear suspension.

H.O.G.: Harley Owners Group. A worldwide organization of Harley-Davidson chapters that coordinate and promote rider activities, entertainment, awareness, and outreach. A great place to make friends.

Jiffy Stand: A motorcycle kick stand.

 

Liquid Cooling: An advanced system designed to regulate engine temperature and maximize performance.

Load Capacity: The amount of hauling power a motorcycle can produce.

Range: Where the on-road practice segment of Harley’s “Rider’s Edge” program takes place; usually a closed-off parking lot.

Revolution: The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine at the heart of all VRSC motorcycles.

Saddlebags: Luggage that hangs from either side of a bike’s rear fender.

Screamin’ Eagle: Harley’s line of performance parts. Includes “stage kits” that boost a bike’s performance.

Sissy Bar: A motorcycle backrest for passengers.

Softail: A motorcycle frame that features a hidden rear suspension, giving it modern comfort with the look of a classic hardtail.

Sturgis: One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world, held in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Suspension: The system of springs and shock absorbers that protects the rider and motorcycle from bumps and vibrations.

Swingarm: On the rear of most motorcycles; connects the tire, shocks, brakes, and suspension.

Throttle: The grip that regulates the speed of a motorcycle.

Tricked Out: A motorcycle with an abundance of accessories and detailing.

Twin Cam: Engine configuration designed to maximize performance.

Twisties: Curvy roads coveted by riders; often found in mountainous or hilly regions.

V-Twin: An engine with two cylinders that meet at the crankshaft in a “V” shape. All Harley-Davidson motorcycles have V-Twin engines.

 

This is by no means a thorough list of Harley lingo, but it’s a beginning. For a more detailed list of terms to know visit your local Harley dealer, or check out some of the many online blogs written by devoted Harley-Davidson fans.