Car & Automotive Terms Glossary
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Category
Camshaft
Definition: A shaft in the engine that controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves through cam lobes.
Examples: Overhead camshaft (OHC) engines, like those in the Honda CBR series, offer better performance at high RPMs.
Crankshaft
Definition: A shaft driven by the engine’s pistons that converts reciprocating motion into rotational motion to drive the motorcycle’s transmission.
Examples: High-performance bikes like the Yamaha R1 have crossplane crankshafts for smoother power delivery.
Cylinder
Definition: The chamber within an engine where the piston moves up and down, compressing the fuel-air mixture for combustion.
Examples: Single-cylinder engines are common in commuter bikes, while sport bikes may have multi-cylinder configurations for higher performance.
Engine
Definition: The power-generating component of a vehicle that converts fuel into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle.
Examples: Single-cylinder 150cc engine, V-twin 500cc engine.
Engine Block
Definition: The main structure of an engine that houses the cylinders and other components.
Examples: Cast iron or aluminum engine blocks in motorcycles.
Exhaust
 Definition: A system that directs combustion gases away from the engine and reduces noise.
Examples: Dual exhaust in Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Fuel Injection
Definition: A system that injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber.
Examples: Common in modern motorcycles.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Definition: A type of engine where fuel combustion occurs within a chamber to produce mechanical energy, commonly used in gasoline or diesel vehicles.
Examples: Engines in cars like Ford Mustang, Honda Accord.
Muffler
Definition: A component of the exhaust system designed to reduce the noise produced by the engine’s exhaust gases.
Examples: Aftermarket mufflers can alter the sound and performance of a motorcycle’s exhaust system.
Parallel Twin
Definition: An engine configuration with two cylinders aligned side by side in a single row, sharing a common crankshaft.
Examples: Kawasaki Ninja 650, Yamaha MT-07.
Piston
Definition: A cylindrical component that moves up and down within the engine’s cylinder, converting the energy from combustion into mechanical motion.
Examples: High-performance motorcycles may use forged pistons for increased strength and durability.
Radiator
Definition: A heat exchanger used to cool the engine coolant in liquid-cooled motorcycles, maintaining optimal engine temperature.
Examples: Sportbikes like the Yamaha R1 use radiators for engine cooling.
V-Twin Engine
Definition: An engine configuration with two cylinders arranged in a V shape, commonly found in cruiser motorcycles.
Examples: Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine.
Valve
Definition: Components that open and close to allow air-fuel mixture in and exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
Examples: Intake and exhaust valves.
Valve Cover
Definition: A protective cover that sits atop the engine’s cylinder head, sealing the valve train components and preventing oil leaks.
Examples: Aluminum valve covers on performance engines.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Definition: A technology in internal combustion engines that adjusts the timing of valve opening and closing to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
Examples: Honda’s VTEC system, Toyota’s VVT-i.
