The Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary

Published October 10, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief

Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary
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Dictionary Letter Navigation Menu

Hugger – 2002 XLH883H HD Sportster 883 Hugger






H.O.G.®: Harley Owners Group, founded 1983.
Hack / Sidehack: Slang for a motorcycle sidecar.
Hack Bike: Motorcycle with sidecar attached .
Hack Bike: Motorcycle with sidecar attached.

Hack Job: Poorly executed motorcycle modification.
Hack Patch: Patch symbolizing sidecar riders.
Hack Rider: Rider operating a sidecar rig.
Hack Zone: Zone symbolizing sidecar culture.
Hacker: Sidecar driver or sidecar enthusiast.
HairDryer: Slang for turbocharger on a motorcycle.
Hairpin Turn: Decreasing radius U‑shaped corner, very tight.
Half‑Caff Ride: Easy, relaxed ride (Cardo Systems).
Half‑Caff Ride: Easy, relaxed ride (slang, Cardo Systems).
Half‑Caff Ride: Easy, relaxed ride.
Half‑Helmet: Helmet covering only top of head .
Half‑Helmet: Helmet covering only top of head.
Half‑Mile: Flat track race on half‑mile oval.


Half‑Ton Club: Riders reaching 100 mph.
Hall Effect Sensor: Sensor detecting magnetic field changes.
Hammer Bike: Custom bike with oversized components.
Hammer Down: Open throttle fully; accelerate rapidly.
Hammer Down: Slang for full acceleration (Slang.net).
Hammer Down: Slang for full acceleration.
Hammer Patch: Patch symbolizing strength or speed.
Hammer Rider: Rider known for aggressive acceleration.
Hammer Zone: Zone symbolizing speed and power.
Hand Controls: Controls mounted on handlebars.
Hand Grip: Rubber grip on handlebars.
Hand Lever: Lever for clutch or brake.
Hand Shifter: Gear shifter mounted on tank.
Hand Signals: Universal rider signals for group communication.

Hand Signals: Universal signals for group riding.
Hand Tool Kit: Basic tools carried on motorcycle.
Handgrip: Rubber grip on handlebars for comfort.
Handle: Street name or club member’s nickname.
Handlebar Ape Hangers: Tall handlebars rising above shoulders.
Handlebar Bag: Small bag mounted on handlebars.
Handlebar Clamp: Clamp securing handlebars to triple tree.
Handlebar Controls: Switches and levers on handlebars.
Handlebar Fairing: Windscreen mounted directly to forks.
Handlebar Fairing: Windscreen mounted directly to handlebars.
Handlebar Fairing: Windscreen mounted to handlebars.
Handlebar Grips: Rubber or foam coverings for comfort.
Handlebar Grips: Rubber or foam handlebar coverings.
Handlebar Lock: Lock securing handlebars against theft.
Handlebar Mount: Bracket for attaching accessories.
Handlebar Pad: Cushion protecting rider from impact.
Handlebar Risers: Extensions raising handlebars for comfort or style.
Handlebar Risers: Extensions raising handlebars for ergonomics.
Handlebar Risers: Extensions raising handlebars.
Handlebar Switches: Electrical switches mounted on handlebars.
Handlebar Switches: Electrical switches on handlebars.
Handlebar Tape: Wrapping for grip and comfort.
Handlebar Tape: Wrapping for grip and vibration damping.
Handlebar Zone: Zone symbolizing handlebar modifications.
Handmade Bike: Custom motorcycle built by hand.
Handmade Bike: Custom motorcycle built entirely by hand.
Handshift Harley: Early Harley with tank‑mounted gear shifter.
Handshift Harley: Early Harley with tank‑mounted shifter.
Handy Lift: Motorcycle lift for maintenance.
Handy Lift: Motorcycle lift table for maintenance.
Hang On: Slang for holding tight during acceleration.
Hangar Queen: Bike rarely ridden, mostly displayed.
Hanging It Out: Riding aggressively, beyond safe limits (Cardo Systems).
Hanging It Out: Riding aggressively, beyond safe limits.
Hanging Off: Racing technique leaning body off bike.

Hanging Off: Racing technique leaning body off motorcycle.

Hanging Tree: Outlaw slang for gallows.
Happy Camper: Rider content with ride or rally.
Happy Hour Run: Ride to bar during happy hour.
Happy Patch: Patch symbolizing joy or positivity.
Hard Bag: Rigid luggage case for motorcycles.
Hard Chrome: Durable chrome plating on motorcycle parts.
Hard Chrome: Durable chrome plating on parts.
Hard Chrome: Durable chrome plating.
Hard Luck Story: Tale of misfortune on the road.
Hard Nose Rider: Rider known for toughness and grit.
Hard Nose Rider: Rider known for toughness.
Hard Rock Bike: Custom bike with rock‑themed styling.
Hard Start: Engine difficult to start.
Hard Stop: Sudden, forceful braking maneuver.
Hard Tail: Rigid frame with no rear suspension.
Hard Times Run: Charity ride supporting those in need.
Hard Zone: Zone symbolizing toughness or resilience.
Hard Zone: Zone symbolizing toughness.
Hardbelly: Slang for young woman with flat stomach.
Hardcore Biker: Rider deeply committed to biker lifestyle.
Hardcore Patch: Patch symbolizing hardcore biker culture.
Hardcore Rider: Rider living outlaw lifestyle.
Hardcore Rider: Rider living outlaw or extreme lifestyle.
Hardcore Zone: Zone symbolizing hardcore biker culture.
Hardcore Zone: Zone symbolizing hardcore culture.

Hardley: Derogatory slang for Harley‑Davidson motorcycle.
Hardly‑Ableson: Slang mocking Harley during AMF era.
Hardly‑Davidson: Non‑Harley bike styled like Harley.
Hardly‑Davidson: Non‑Harley styled like Harley.
Hardly‑Ridable: Derogatory term for Harley motorcycles.
Hardtail Chop: Custom rigid‑frame chopper.

Hardtail: Motorcycle with no rear suspension.
Hardware Store Bike: Bike overloaded with chrome accessories.

Harley Wrench: Slang for hammer, biker’s tool.
Harley‑Davidson Engines: Iconic V‑twin engine families.
Harmonic Balancer: Device reducing engine vibration.
Harness: Wiring harness connecting electrical systems.
Harpoon Fairing: Pointed fairing design.
Harpoon Fairing: Pointed, aerodynamic fairing design.
Harry Flatters: RAF slang for “flat tires” .

Harry Flatters: RAF slang for “matters” = flat tires.
Harry Flatters: RAF slang for flat tires.
Hash Run: Ride organized by Hash House Harriers.

Hat Trick: Three wins in a row.
Hat Zone: Zone symbolizing helmets or hats.
Hatchback Helmet: Modular helmet with flip‑up chin.

Haul Ass: Slang for riding very fast.
Hauler: Vehicle or trailer transporting motorcycles.
Hauling Iron: Riding a Harley‑Davidson motorcycle.
Hauling Patch: Patch symbolizing hauling or transport.
Hauling Zone: Zone symbolizing transport.
Havoc Bike: Custom bike with chaotic styling.
Havoc Patch: Patch symbolizing chaos.
Havoc Rider: Rider known for chaos.
Havoc Zone: Zone symbolizing chaos.
Hawk GT: Honda Hawk GT sportbike.
Hawk Patch: Patch symbolizing hawks.
Hawk Rider: Rider of Honda Hawk.
Hawk Zone: Zone symbolizing hawks.
Haya‑Bubba: Slang for Suzuki GSX‑1300R Hayabusa.
Hayabusa: Suzuki GSX‑1300R hyperbike.
Hayride: Group ride through countryside.
Hazard Lights: Flashing lights signaling emergency.
Hazard Patch: Patch symbolizing danger.
Hazard Pay: Joke term for dangerous rides.
Hazard Rider: Rider known for risky behavior.
Hazard Zone: Area with dangerous road conditions.
Hazard Zone: Zone symbolizing danger.

H‑Bar: Slang for handlebars.
H‑Beam Rods: Strong connecting rods shaped like “H.”
H‑Beam Rods: Strong connecting rods shaped like “H”.
HBUBF: “Hairy‑Butt‑Ugly‑But‑Fast” (Kawasaki Vulcan 750).
H‑D Patch: Patch symbolizing Harley‑Davidson affiliation.
H‑D Rider: Rider of Harley‑Davidson motorcycles.
H‑D Zone: Zone symbolizing Harley‑Davidson culture.
H‑D: Common abbreviation for Harley‑Davidson motorcycles.
HD: Slang for “Hardly Drivable” or Harley‑Davidson.
Head Bolt: Bolt securing cylinder head.
Head Gasket: Gasket sealing cylinder head to block.
Head Gasket: Gasket sealing cylinder head.
Head Lamp: Motorcycle headlight.
Head Shake: Handlebar oscillation from setup or bumps.
Head Stud: Stud securing cylinder head.
Head Temp Sensor: Sensor measuring cylinder head temperature.
Head Wind: Wind blowing against rider.
Head Work: Cylinder head modification.
Head Zone: Zone symbolizing cylinder head.
Head: Cylinder head covering top of cylinder.
Headache Bar: Passenger backrest bar.
Headers: Exhaust pipes attaching to engine head.
Headlamp Bucket: Housing for motorcycle headlight.
Headlight Assembly: Complete unit including bulb, reflector, and housing.
Headlight Bezel: Decorative trim around headlight.
Headlight Bucket: Alternate term for headlamp housing.
Headlight Bucket: Enclosure holding headlight in place.
Headlight Guard: Protective grill or cover for headlight.
Headlight Guard: Protective grill over headlight.
Headlight Housing: Enclosure for headlight assembly.
Headlight Lens: Glass or plastic cover over bulb.
Headlight Lens: Glass or plastic lens cover.
Headlight Modulator: Device pulsing headlight for visibility.
Headlight Ring: Chrome or metal trim securing headlight.
Headlight Ring: Chrome ring securing headlight.
Headlight Switch: Switch controlling headlight operation.
Headlight Trim: Decorative trim around headlight.
Headlight Visor: Shade reducing glare from headlight.
Headset: Helmet‑mounted communication or audio system.
Headset: Helmet‑mounted communication system.
Heat Cycle: Engine warming and cooling process.
Heat Dissipation: Process of dispersing engine heat.
Heat Exchanger: Device transferring heat between fluids.
Heat Race: Qualifying race before main event.
Heat Range (Spark Plug): Plug’s ability to dissipate heat.
Heat Shield: Shield protecting from exhaust heat.
Heat Shield: Shield protecting rider from exhaust heat.
Heat Sink: Device channeling heat away from source.
Heat: Slang for law enforcement officer.
Heated Grips: Electrically heated handlebar grips.
Heated Seat: Electrically heated motorcycle seat.
Heated Vest: Electrically heated rider vest.
Heavy Duty (HD): Stronger, reinforced motorcycle parts.
Heel‑Toe Shifter: Shifter operated by heel and toe.
Helical Gear: Gear with spiral meshing face.
Helmet Bag: Bag for storing helmet.
Helmet Cam: Camera mounted on helmet.

Helmet Hair: Messy hair after removing helmet.
Helmet Head: Messy hair after removing helmet.
Helmet Law: Law requiring helmet use .
Helmet Law: Law requiring helmet use.
Helmet Liner: Removable padding inside helmet.
Helmet Lock: Lock securing helmet to bike.
Helmet Sticker: Decorative or safety sticker.
Helmet Visor: Clear or tinted face shield.
Helmet Weight: Weight of protective helmet.
Helmet Zone: Zone emphasizing helmet safety and protection.
Helmet Zone: Zone emphasizing helmet safety.
Helmet: Protective headgear; also “brain bucket.”
Helmet‑Jinx: Bad luck from mentioning helmets.

Hemi Engine: Engine with hemispherical combustion chambers.

Hemidemisemiquaver: Slang for very fast riding (from music term).
Hemidemisemiquaver: Slang for very fast riding.
Hesitation: Delay in throttle response or acceleration.
Hex Key: Allen wrench used for bolts.
High Beam: Bright headlight setting for visibility.
High Mileage: Motorcycle with extensive distance traveled.
High Octane: Fuel with high resistance to knock.
High Pipes: Exhaust routed high for clearance.
High Rider: Motorcycle with tall seat or bars.
High Roller: Rider spending lavishly on bikes.

High Side: Crash caused by regaining traction suddenly.
High Siding: Crash from regaining traction mid‑slide.
High Speed Wobble: Violent oscillation at high speed.
Highway Bars: Tubes protecting engine, often chrome.
Highway Code: Official road rules for riders .
Highway Code: Official road rules for riders.

Highway Hypnosis: Trance‑like state during long rides.
Highway King: Nickname for Harley touring models.
Highway Patrol: Police enforcing traffic laws.
Highway Pegs: Forward pegs for relaxed cruising.
Highway Pegs: Forward pegs for relaxed riding.
Highway Robbery: Slang for overpriced motorcycle parts.
Highway Star: Rider known for long‑distance touring.
Hill Climb: Motorcycle sport racing up steep hills.
Hill Holder: Device preventing rollback on hills.
Hill Start: Starting motorcycle on an incline.
Hillbilly Bike: Homemade or rough custom motorcycle.
Hippie Biker: Soft‑core biker, not outlaw.
Hippo Hands: Oversized handlebar muffs for warmth.
Hipster Bike: Retro‑styled café racer or scrambler.
Hit and Run: Accident where rider flees scene.
Hit the Apex: Touching inside line of corner.
Hit the Bricks: Slang for leaving quickly.
Hit the Kill Switch: Emergency engine shutdown.
Hit the Pavement: Crash, falling onto roadway.
Hit the Redline: Reaching maximum RPM limit.
Hit the Rev Limiter: Engine cut‑off at max RPM.
Hit the Road Jack: Slang for leaving or departing.
Hit the Road: Slang for starting a ride.
Hitch Carrier: Rack for hauling motorcycles.
Hitchhiker Pegs: Passenger pegs mounted on crash bars.
Ho Chi Minh Trail: Slang for twisty back road.
Hog Heaven: Euphoric state of Harley ownership.
Hog Pen: Parking area for Harleys.
Hog Rally: Harley‑Davidson group gathering.
Hog Wash: Harley‑Davidson branded bike cleaner.
Hog Wash: Harley‑Davidson branded motorcycle cleaner.
Hog Wild: Slang for reckless Harley riding.

Hog: Nickname for Harley‑Davidson motorcycle.
Hogwagen: Harley front grafted to VW drivetrain.
Hold Fast: Nautical tattoo phrase adopted by bikers.
Hold Line: Maintain chosen path through corner.
Holeshot Device: Suspension lock for better race starts.
Holeshot: Fastest launch from race start .
Holeshot: Fastest launch from race start.
Holiday Run: Group ride during holiday periods.
Holiday Run: Group ride during holidays.
Holiday Run: Group ride organized during holiday periods.
Hollow Frame: Frame constructed with hollow tubing.
Hollow Frame: Frame with hollow tubing.
Holster Tank: Fuel tank with built‑in holster.
Holster Tank: Tank with built‑in gun holster.
Holy Roller: Religious biker or faith‑based rider.
Homebrew Bike: Motorcycle built at home by owner.
Homebrew Bike: Motorcycle built at home.
Hometown Rally: Local motorcycle rally event.
Homologation: Racing approval process for production bikes.
Honda 750 Killer: Nickname for Kawasaki 900 Z.
Honda 750 Killer: Nickname for Kawasaki Z1 900.
Honda Clone: Bike imitating Honda design.
Honda Clone: Motorcycle imitating Honda design.
Honda Rebel: Entry‑level cruiser motorcycle by Honda.
Honda Rebel: Popular entry‑level cruiser motorcycle.
Honda Shadow: Honda cruiser motorcycle line.
Honda Wing: Slang for Honda Gold Wing touring motorcycle.
Honda Wing: Slang for Honda Gold Wing.
Hondabago: Fully decked‑out Honda Gold Wing.
Honey Dipper: Rider cleaning up after group.
Honey Dipper: Slang for rider cleaning up messes.
Hood Ornament: Decorative figure mounted on bike.
Hook Wrench: Tool for adjusting suspension preload.
Hooked Up: Tire gripping surface firmly.
Hooligan Bike: Stripped‑down, high power‑to‑weight bike.
Hooligan Racing: Flat track racing on street bikes.
Hooligan: Reckless rider ignoring safety.
Hoon Laws: Australian laws against reckless riding behavior.
Hoon Laws: Australian laws against reckless riding.
Hoon Laws: Laws against reckless riding behavior.
Hoon: Rider going hard and spiritedly.
Hoon: Rider going hard, spirited, often recklessly.
Hoonigan: Reckless rider performing stunts and tricks.
Hoonigan: Reckless rider performing stunts.
Hooning: Aggressive riding with wheelies or burnouts.
Hooning: Riding aggressively or recklessly.
Hooning: Riding aggressively with wheelies, burnouts, or stoppies.
Hooning: Riding aggressively, often with wheelies or burnouts.
Hoops: Slang for motorcycle tires.
Hoopty: Slang for beat‑up motorcycle .
Hoopty: Slang for beat‑up motorcycle.
Hoopty: Slang for beat‑up or poorly maintained motorcycle.
Hopped Up: Modified for more power or speed.
Hopped Up: Modified for more power.
Hop‑Up Kit: Performance upgrade kit for motorcycles.
Horizontally Opposed: Flat twin/four “boxer” engine layout.
Horn Button: Switch activating motorcycle horn.
Horn: Audible device used to warn others.
Hornet: Honda CB600F naked sportbike nickname.
Hornet: Honda CB600F naked sportbike.
Horse Collar Fairing: Large, rounded touring fairing.
Horsepower (HP): Unit of engine power output.
Horsepower Curve: Graph showing power vs RPM.
Horsepower: Unit of engine power output.
Hosed: Worn or broken beyond repair.
Hot Bike: Custom or performance motorcycle.
Hot Lap: Fastest lap in racing.
Hot Rod Bike: Motorcycle modified for speed.
Hot Shoe: Steel plate for flat track boots.
Hot Start Lever: Lever aiding hot engine starts.
Hot Wire: Illegally start motorcycle without key.
Hot‑Blooded Rider: Rider with aggressive temperament.
Hotel Run: Ride ending at overnight hotel.
Hot‑Rodder: Rider modifying bike for speed.
Hot‑Swap Battery: Quickly replaceable electric bike battery.
Hour Meter: Device recording engine running hours.
House Bike: Club‑owned motorcycle for members.
Hover Bike: Concept motorcycle using hover technology.
Howl Pipes: Exhaust pipes producing howling sound.
HP (Horsepower): Unit of engine power.
HP2: BMW high‑performance motorcycle series.

Hugger Fender: Rear fender hugging tire closely.
Hugger Suspension: Lowered suspension for shorter riders.
Hugger: Mudguard hugging wheel closely.
Hugger®: Sportster model with lowered suspension.
Huggermucker: Slang for useless object or person.
Hull: Body of a motorcycle sidecar.
Hull: Body of motorcycle sidecar.

Human Factors: Study of rider ergonomics and safety.

Human Shield: Passenger protecting rider in crash.

Human Shield: Slang for passenger protecting rider in crash.
Humvee Bike: Military motorcycle resembling Humvee toughness.
Hundred Percenter: Rider fully committed to club.
Hung Up: Motorcycle stuck on obstacle.
Hurricane: Honda CBR600F sportbike nickname.
Hurt Report: 1981 USC study of 3,600 crashes.
Husaberg: Swedish off‑road motorcycle brand.
Husky: Slang for Husqvarna motorcycle.
Husqvarna: Swedish motorcycle manufacturer.

Hybrid Bike: Motorcycle combining electric and gas power.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Combines engine, motor, battery.
Hydraulic Brake: Brake system using hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic Clutch: Clutch operated by hydraulic system.
Hydraulic Damper: Device reducing suspension oscillations.
Hydraulic Disc Brake: Brake using hydraulic pressure.
Hydraulic Forks: Front suspension using hydraulic damping.
Hydraulic Lifter: Valve lifter using hydraulic pressure.
Hydraulic Lock: Engine damage from liquid in cylinder.
Hydraulic Preload Adjuster: Adjusts suspension preload hydraulically.
Hydraulic Reservoir: Container holding hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic Shock: Shock absorber using hydraulic damping.
Hydraulic Tappet: Valve lifter using hydraulic pressure.
Hydraulic Valve: Valve operated by hydraulic pressure.
Hydraulic Zone: Zone symbolizing hydraulic systems.

Hydrocarbon Emissions: Exhaust gases containing hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds of hydrogen and carbon.
Hydroformed Frame: Frame shaped by hydraulic pressure.

Hydrometer: Device measuring battery charge.
Hydrophobic Treatment: Leather treatment making it water‑repellent.
Hydroplane: Tires float on water, lose traction.
Hydrostatic Drive: Drive system using hydraulic fluid.
Hydrotreated Fuel: Fuel refined with hydrogen treatment.
Hyperbike: Extreme performance sportbike category.
Hypercharger: Aftermarket intake boosting airflow.
Hyperglide Chain: Chain designed for smooth shifting.
Hyperglide Sprocket: Sprocket design for smoother shifting.

Hypersport Bike: Extreme performance sportbike, lightweight and powerful.
Hyper‑Tourer: High‑performance touring motorcycle with sport features.
Hype‑sucker: Rider buying into Harley hype.
Hypoid Gear Oil: Lubricant formulated for hypoid gear sets.
Hypoid Gear: Spiral bevel gear in transmissions.
Hypoid Gears: Spiral bevel gears in transmissions.
Hypoid Lubricant: Lubricant formulated for hypoid gears.
Hypoid Rear End: Rear differential using hypoid gears.
Hypoid Transmission: Transmission using hypoid gear design.
Hypoid Zone: Zone symbolizing hypoid gear systems.

Hypothermia: Dangerous drop in body temperature during cold rides.

Hysteresis: Lag in suspension response under load.

Hand Signals – Verbal communication is not always possible when riding a motorcycle so riders have come up with a method of communicating to other riders by use of universal hand signals. Motorcycle hand signals are important for all riders to know and understand but especially when riding in a group. (When riding in a group the signals should be relayed back through the group.) Images reprinted with permission of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Left Turn – Left arm straight out from body. Palm Flat. Fingers together.

Right Turn – Left arm out and elbow bent. Hand straight up. Palm flat. Fingers together.

Stop – Left arm extended straight down, left palm facing back.

Single File – Left arm and left hand index finger extended straight up.

Double File – Left arm with left hand middle and index fingers extended straight up.

Fuel – Left arm out to side pointing to tank with finger extended.

Refreshment Stop – Left hand fingers closed, tumb out pointed at mouth.

Highbeam – Tap on top of helmet with left hand open palm down.

Comfort Stop – Left forarm extended, fist cleched with short up and down motion. Repeat.

Follow Me – Left arm extended straight up from shoulder, palm forward.

Pull Off – Left arm out, forarm swung toward shoulder or pull off area.

You Lead/Come – Left arm extended upwards 45°, palm forward pointing with index finger, swing in arc from back to front.

Speed Up – Left arm extended straight out at side 45°, palm facing up, move arm up. Swing in arc down and up. Repeat.

Hazzard in Roadway – Hazzard on right side, point with right foot at object. Hazzard on left side, point with left hand at object.

Turn Signal On – Open and close left hand with fingers and thumb extended.

Slow Down – Left arm extended straight out at 90°, left plam facing down. Move arm down. Swing in arc up to down. Repeat