Anatomy of a Motorcycle

Question 1

BOTTOM END of bike?

Answer 1

• bottom part of engine: CRANKSHAFT + (usually) TRANSMISSION

Question 2

TOP END of bike?

Answer 2

• upper part of engine: PISTONS, CYLINDERS, VALVE GEAR + INDUCTION SYSTEM

Question 3

INDUCTION SYSTEM?

Answer 3

• consists of the apparati that MIX AIR-and-FUEL CHARGE and inject it in the COMBUSTION CHAMBER, located in the top end.

Question 4

PISTON?

Answer 4

• slugs that move up and down within the cylinders

Question 5

CYLINDER?

Answer 5

• hollow shaft in the top end inside which INTERNAL COMBUSTION OCCURS

Question 6

The two clam-shell METAL halves that surround the BOTTOM END are called …

Answer 6

• CASES

Question 7

MANUAL TRANSMISSION?

Answer 7

• device made up of set of GEARS that enables operator to get up to SPEED.

Question 8

In a motorcycle, the GEARS within the gearset are moved around with devices called … …

Answer 8

• SHIFTING FORKS

Question 9

COMBUSTION CHAMBER?

Answer 9

• area at TOP of CYLINDER where FUEL CHARGE BURNS and pushes the PISTONS down.

Question 10

VALVE TRAIN?

Answer 10

• system of valves that let the FUEL CHARGES IN and let the EXHAUST GASES OUT.

Question 11

RPM? also called …

Answer 11

• aka revolutions per minute
• # of times the crankshaft spins around per minute
• REVS

Question 12

CARBURETOR?

Answer 12

• complex device that mixes GASOLINE and AIR into the fuel charge squirted into the COMBUSTION CHAMBER. (usually 1 carb per cylinder)

Question 13

FUEL INJECTION?

Answer 13

• (vs carburetor) FORCES FUEL CHARGE into combustion chamber with ELECTRONIC/MECHANICAL PUMP

Question 14

CLUTCH?

Answer 14

• device that DISENGAGES power from the CRANKSHAFT to the TRANSMISSION, allowing the rider to CHANGE GEARS.

Question 15

CHAIN-drive system vs SHAFT drive system?

Answer 15

• these systems transfer power to REAR WHEEL
• CHAIN: ABSORBS impact but stretches and MESSY
• SHAFT: more rigid, weird motions; low maintenance.

Question 16

motorcycle FRAME?

Answer 16

• used to be collection of TUBES holding all parts together

Question 17

SUSPENSION?

Answer 17

• FORKS, SHOCKS, and to a degree, TIRES of motorycle;

- springs and fluids in these items that “suspend” the motorcycle frame off the ground.

Question 18

The function of the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is to…(2)

Answer 18

• provide CURRENT to the IGNITION to BURN the FUEL CHARGE

- power all the bikes electrical devices, e.g. headlight.

Question 19

COWLING?

Answer 19

• piece of BODY-WORK that covers the ENGINE area.