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.
 * 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.
 * colors: Leather or denim vest often worn by members of motorcycle clubs, especially, outlaw motorcycle clubs, identifying the club and displaying various insignia
 * crotch rocket: Slang for a sportbike perceived as overpowered
 * 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.
 * nomad:
 * one percenter: A member of an outlaw club or gang.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * Spill: Refers to falling off your bike or taking a tumble, as in to ‘have a spill’.
 * 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.