C

A precisely machined hole in the cylinder block of a motorcycle engine. The cylinder guides the piston as it travels up and down inside it. … [Read more...] about Cylinder

A chain running between the crankshaft and camshaft on overhead camshaft four stroke engines. This is often called a timing chain because it "times" the crankshaft to the camshaft so that the valves open and close at the proper time. Motorcycle cam chains can be a roller type (similar to the chain … [Read more...] about Cam Chain

A compression gauge kit usually includes a hose and fitting which screws into the spark plug hole in an engines cylinder head along with the gauge itself. When a compression test is performed while cranking the engine, the gauge provides a reading of the cranking pressure in the combustion chamber … [Read more...] about Compression Gauge

The measurement of cranking amperes a battery can deliver over a period of 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C). Commonly used to rate automotive batteries, it is not usually used to rate motorcycle batteries. Motorcycle batteries are rated in Amp/hours (A/h), that is, how many hours can a fully charged … [Read more...] about Cold Cranking Amps

Also known as a condenser. An electrical component that is made up of two metal sheets separated by an insulator. It is designed to store an electrical charge. A popular "hop-up" in the racing and off-road community is to replace the battery in a motorcycle with a large capacitor. The capacitor … [Read more...] about Capacitor

Hydraulic disc brake systems utilize brake calipers to hold and actuate the brake pads. The brake pads are held in place so that the brake disc is positioned between them. The caliper has one or more pistons which use hydraulic pressure to push the brake pads against the brake disc which in effect … [Read more...] about Caliper

Christini Technologies Inc. designs and builds an All Wheel Drive motorcycle. In their fully mechanical system (no hydraulics or electronics,) power is in fact sent to both wheels at different ratios making it all wheel drive. The front wheel free-wheels until the rear wheel slips. Drive ratios to … [Read more...] about Christini

The part of an engine where combustion of the air-fuel mixture takes place in the cylinder head. In two and four-stroke engines, and diesel motors, the combustion chamber refers to the space between the cylinder head and piston crown. … [Read more...] about Combustion Chamber