Motorcycle Parts and Accessories Key Terms

Know the lingo motorcycle enthusiasts use when they're discussing parts and accessories

Anyone who owns a motorcycle or spends time with other bikers needs to know some insider terms that are used by the biking community. Picking up the lingo makes it easier to hold discussions at motorcycle rallies or other events. If you're looking for a bike, the vocabulary will come in handy when you're looking at ads or discussing a potential sale. To learn more about parts and accessories that will enhance your bike, find clubs, magazines or dealers where you can get more information about accessorizing and installing parts on your motorcycle.

 

Farkle

Motorcycle enthusiasts combined "function" and "sparkle" to come up with the word "farkle." Sometimes spelled farkel, it means to accessorize a motorcycle. The word is also used as an acronym: F.A.R.K.L.E., standing for Fancy Accessory Really Kool Likely Expensive. If the owner adds a GPS, heated grips, a special seat or a satellite radio, the motorcycle is considered all "farkled up."
Try: Motorcycle Nation explains the term "farkle."

Sidecar

A motorcycle sidecar is attached to the side of motorcycle to carry a passenger. It has one wheel, which can either be inside or outside the wheel well. Most sidecars have convertible tops so the passenger can be in the open air. Riding in a sidecar is similar to riding in a car except the sidecar is much smaller and closer to the ground.
Try: For a description of sidecars and their history, check out wiseGEEK.

Fairing

A motorcycle fairing is placed over the frame of the bike to protect the biker from air or airborne materials. In colder weather, it can prevent wind-induced hypothermia. Sometimes fairings are part of the windshield. Those attached to the front of the bike are front fairings, but rear fairing assemblies are also available.
Try: Best Motorcycle Gear discusses fairings and fairing installation.

Baggers

Baggers, or bagger motorcycles, are cycles that have storage accessories attached. This storage can be sidebags or saddlebags, a top box, or even a trunk. Some riders insist that to be classified as a bagger, the bags or boxes must be hard, which means they are made of fiberglass rather than leather. Not all motorcyclists agree, so bikes with soft bags are also sometimes classified as baggers.
Try: Motorcycle Information posted information on Cycle World Magazine's tests on eight different bagger motorcycles.

ABS, or anti-lock brake system

ABS, or an anti-lock brake system, is an option many manufacturers now offer on their motorcycles. When a rider skids or loses traction, the system engages to give the rider more braking control. By preventing the wheels from locking up, the system can increase riding safety.
Try: Motorcycle-Intelligence.com defines ABS and discusses the pros and cons. They also provide a link to an article to help you decide if ABS is the best choice for you and your bike.

Crash bars

Some motorcyclists add crash bars to their bikes because they believe it will be an extra safety feature. Also known as highway bars or engine guards, crash bars also add chrome to the motorcycle as well as protection.
Try: The Master Strategy Group gives the pros and cons of crash bars, and Duane Ausherman offers information on crash bars for earlier model bikes from the 1950s to the 1980s. Check out webBikeWorld for pictures and installation instructions.

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