Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary: N

Sep 20, 2016 Michael Le Pard Dictionary, News

Published October 11, 2025 by , Editor‑in‑Chief

Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary
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Neck - Motorcycle Frame Neck
Neck – The front of a motorcycle frame, where the steering head is located.

 

Nacelle — Headlight housing, especially on cruisers and touring bikes.
Nacelle Fairing — Fairing integrated with or surrounding the headlight nacelle.
Nacelle Mount — The mounting point or bracket for a nacelle (headlight housing).
NAH (Not A Harley) — Slang for any motorcycle that isn’t a Harley‑Davidson.
Naked Bike — Motorcycle with little or no bodywork, exposing the engine.
Naked Standard — Upright, unfaired motorcycle emphasizing versatility.
Naked Streetfighter — Stripped sportbike with aggressive styling.
Nappa Leather — Smooth, soft leather used in premium motorcycle gear.
NARMA — North American Russian Motorcycle Association.
Narrow Ape Hangers — Tall, narrow handlebars often seen on custom choppers.
Narrow Band O₂ Sensor — Oxygen sensor type used in some motorcycles for fuel mixture feedback.
Narrow Case — Ducati engine/frame design from the 1960s, predecessor to the wide‑case models.
Narrow Frame — Motorcycle frame with slim geometry, often used in vintage or lightweight bikes.
Narrow Glide — Harley‑Davidson front‑end design with narrow fork spacing.
Narrow Tire — Slim tire, often used on vintage or lightweight motorcycles.
National Cycle — Aftermarket manufacturer of windscreens and accessories.
National Enduro — Off‑road racing series sanctioned by the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association).
National Enduro — Off‑road racing series sanctioned by the AMA.
National H.O.G. Rally — Harley Owners Group national‑level rally.
National Rally — Large‑scale motorcycle rally held at a national level.
National Speedway — Organized speedway motorcycle racing at a national level.
Navigation System — GPS or digital mapping system for motorcycles.
Navigation Tower — Structure on rally/adventure bikes holding roadbooks, GPS, and instruments.
NBD (Never Been Dropped) — Phrase in used bike ads, often misleading.
N‑Cycle — Slang for a motorcycle in neutral gear.
Neck — The steering head of a motorcycle frame.
Neck Bearing — Bearing located in the steering head of the frame.
Neck Rake — Angle of the steering head relative to vertical.
Needle Bearing — Small roller bearing reducing friction in steering or wheels.
Needle Jet — Carburetor component controlling fuel flow at mid‑throttle.
Needle Valve — Carburetor valve regulating fuel flow into the float bowl.
Negative Camber — Tire lean angle improving cornering grip.
Negative Ground — Electrical system design where the frame is connected to the battery’s negative terminal.
Negative Terminal — Battery terminal marked with a minus sign.
Neon Lights — Decorative lighting often used in custom motorcycles.
Neoprene Guards — Protective covers for shocks or forks, shielding against dirt.
Neoprene Mask — Cold‑weather face covering used by riders for wind protection.
Neoprene Wraps — Insulating wraps for fork tubes or grips, reducing vibration and cold.
Neutral — Gear position where no drive is engaged.
Neutral Drop — Aggressive launch technique: revving in neutral then dropping into gear (hard on transmissions).
Neutral Drop — Aggressive launch technique: revving in neutral then dropping into gear.
Neutral Finder — Kawasaki feature allowing easy shift into neutral.
Neutral Handling — Balanced steering without understeer or oversteer.
Neutral Indicator — Dashboard light showing the bike is in neutral.
Neutral Light — Dashboard indicator showing the bike is in neutral.
Neutral Safety Circuit — Wiring that prevents starting unless in neutral or clutch pulled.
Neutral Safety Switch — Prevents starting unless in neutral or clutch pulled.
Neutral Switch — Electrical switch activating the neutral indicator.
Neutral Throttle — Maintaining steady throttle without acceleration or deceleration.
Neutral Zone — Free play in clutch or throttle.
New Generation Bike — Marketing term for modernized models with updated tech.
New Old Stock (NOS) — OEM parts no longer made but still available.
New Rider Course — Training program for beginner motorcyclists.
New Rider Insurance — Higher‑rate insurance category applied to beginner riders.
New School Chopper — Contemporary interpretation of the classic chopper style.
New School Custom — Contemporary custom motorcycle style influenced by café racers, trackers, and modern design.
New Wave Custom — A design trend blending retro and futuristic elements in custom builds.
Newbie — A rider new to motorcycling.
Newbie Rider — A person new to motorcycling, often still learning basic skills.
Newspaper Run — Informal slang for a short, casual ride.
Next Gen Helmet — Advanced helmet featuring integrated electronics, HUD, or communication systems.
N‑Frame — Motorcycle frame with N‑shaped geometry (custom slang).
N‑Gauge — Digital or analog gauge cluster nickname.
Nickel Finish — Decorative or protective nickel plating on motorcycle parts.
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery (NiMH) — Rechargeable battery type, sometimes used in hybrids.
Nickel Plating — Metal finish used on custom parts.
Night Blindness — Rider condition where vision is impaired at night.
Night Dragon — Pirelli tire line designed for cruisers.
Night Glasses — Yellow‑tinted glasses used to reduce glare during night riding.
Night Mode Display — Dashboard setting with dimmed lighting for night riding.
Night Owl Rider — Slang for a rider who prefers late‑night rides.
Night Rally — Rally event held after dark.
Night Rallycross — Off‑road motorcycle racing held at night.
Night Ride — Group or solo ride after dark.
Night Rod — Harley‑Davidson V‑Rod variant.
Night Run — Organized group ride at night.
Night Shift — Slang for late‑night riding culture.
Night Train — Harley‑Davidson Softail model.
Night Vision Goggles — Military‑style NV gear adapted for some riders.
Night Vision Helmet — Helmet equipped with night‑vision technology.
Night Watch Club — Informal group of riders who patrol or ride at night.
Nighthawk — Honda Nighthawk series of standard motorcycles.
Nightster — Harley‑Davidson Sportster variant.
Nine Lives — Slang for a rider who has survived many crashes.
Nine O’Clock Position — Handlebar or control reference point.
Nipple Surfing — Slang for sliding face‑down after a crash.
Nippon — Japanese term for Japan, often used in reference to Japanese motorcycles.
Nippon Classic — Vintage Japanese motorcycle.
Nippon Steel Frame — Japanese‑made steel motorcycle frame.
Nitride Coating — Hard surface treatment for engine parts.
Nitride Gear — Gear treated with nitride for wear resistance.
Nitride Valve — Valve treated with nitride for durability.
Nitro — Slang for nitromethane fuel used in drag racing.
Nitro Bike — Drag racing motorcycle running on nitromethane.
Nitro Harley — Harley‑Davidson drag bike powered by nitromethane.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) — Pollutant gases from combustion engines.
Nitrous Kit — Aftermarket system for adding nitrous oxide.
Nitrous Oxide (NOS) — Gas injected into engines for a temporary power boost.
Nitrous Purge — Venting nitrous before a run to ensure proper pressure.
Nixie Tube Gauge — Retro gauge using glowing Nixie tubes.
N‑Line — Slang for inline engine configuration.
NMC Battery — Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery, used in electric motorcycles.
NMC Battery — Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery, used in EV motorcycles.
No‑Bar Bike — Slang for a motorcycle with clip‑ons or minimal handlebars.
No‑Bar Drag Bike — Drag bike without traditional handlebars.
No‑Bar Stunt — Stunt performed without holding handlebars.
No‑Choke Start — Fuel‑injected bike starting without a choke.
No‑Clutch Shift — Shifting gears without using the clutch.
No‑Clutch Start — Starting a bike without clutch use.
No‑Clutch Wheelie — Wheelie performed without clutch input.
No‑Cut Frame Slider — Crash protection that doesn’t require frame modification.
Nod — Rider’s head tip to acknowledge another motorcyclist.
No‑Frills Bike — Basic motorcycle without extras.
No‑Frills Helmet — Basic helmet without features.
No‑Frills Jacket — Basic riding jacket.
No‑Hands Ride — Riding without hands on the bars (dangerous stunt).
No‑Hands Stoppie — Stoppie performed without hands.
No‑Hands Wheelie — Wheelie performed without hands.
Noise Control Act — U.S. law regulating vehicle noise.
Noise Emissions — Legal limits on motorcycle exhaust sound.
Noise Limit — Legal maximum for motorcycle exhaust sound.
Noise Meter — Device measuring exhaust decibels.
Noise Ordinance — Local law restricting loud pipes.
Noise Test — Inspection measuring exhaust decibels.
No‑Limit Club — Motorcycle club with “no limits” ethos.
No‑Limit Rider — Slang for a fearless or reckless rider.
No‑Limit Run — Group ride with no speed restrictions.
No‑Load Condition — Engine running without load.
No‑Load Test — Electrical test without load applied.
No‑Load Voltage — Battery voltage without load.
Nomad (MC) — Club member without a fixed chapter, often traveling enforcer.
Nomad Lifestyle — Lifestyle of constant motorcycle travel.
Nomad Patch — Club patch for members without a chapter.
Nomad Rally — Rally for traveling riders.
Nomad Rider — Rider who travels without a fixed home base.
No‑Mar Tire Tool — Brand of tire‑changing tools designed to prevent rim damage.
Nomex® — Heat‑resistant aramid fiber used in racing suits.
Nominal Capacity — Rated capacity of a battery or tank.
Nominal Load — Rated load of a component.
Nominal Speed — Rated speed of a component.
Nominal Voltage — Rated voltage of a motorcycle battery.
Non‑ABS Brakes — Braking system without anti‑lock technology.
Non‑Adjustable Forks — Forks without external adjusters.
Non‑Aggressive Rider — Rider with cautious style.
Non‑Aggressive Suspension — Suspension tuned for comfort.
Non‑Aggressive Tire — Tire with mild tread.
No‑Name Bike — Slang for a generic or obscure motorcycle brand.
Non‑Catalyst Bike — Motorcycle without catalytic converter.
Non‑Conductive Boots — Electrical safety boots.
Non‑Conductive Gloves — Electrical safety gloves.
Non‑Conductive Tools — Tools insulated for electrical work.
Non‑Current Model — Motorcycle no longer in production.
Non‑Detergent Oil — Outdated oil type without cleaning additives.
Non‑Directional Pattern — Tread pattern usable either way.
Non‑Directional Tire — Tire mountable in either direction.
Non‑Directional Tread — Tire tread usable in either direction.
Non‑Directional Wheel — Wheel usable in either direction.
Non‑DOT Helmet — Helmet not meeting DOT safety standards.
Non‑Ethanol Fuel — Gasoline without ethanol blend.
Non‑Friction Coating — Coating reducing friction.
Non‑Friction Plate — Steel plate in a clutch pack.
Non‑Friction Surface — Surface designed to reduce friction.
Non‑Glare Lens — Anti‑glare headlight lens.
Non‑Glare Screen — Anti‑glare windscreen.
Non‑Glare Visor — Anti‑glare helmet visor.
Non‑Hydraulic Clutch — Cable‑operated clutch.
Non‑Interference Engine — Engine design where valves don’t hit pistons if timing fails.
Non‑Locking Cap — Fuel cap without a lock.
Non‑Metallic Pads — Organic brake pads.
Non‑Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC) — Pollutants contributing to smog.
Non‑Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) — Air pollutants excluding methane.
Non‑OEM Exhaust — Aftermarket exhaust not made by OEM.
Non‑OEM Filter — Aftermarket filter not made by OEM.
Non‑OEM Part — Aftermarket part not made by the original manufacturer.
Non‑O‑Ring Chain — Basic motorcycle chain without sealing rings.
Non‑Plated Rider — Rider without a license plate.
Non‑Radial Tire — Bias‑ply tire.
Non‑Return Valve — One‑way valve in fuel or oil system.
Non‑Rider — Person who doesn’t ride motorcycles.
Non‑Riding Event — Motorcycle event without riding (e.g., show).
Non‑Riding Gear — Apparel not intended for riding.
Non‑Sealed Battery — Conventional battery requiring maintenance.
Non‑Sealed Bearing — Bearing requiring lubrication.
Non‑Sealed Chain — Chain without O‑rings or X‑rings.
Non‑Sealed Fork — Fork requiring maintenance.
Non‑Sealed Hub — Wheel hub requiring lubrication.
Non‑Slip Grip — Handlebar grip with textured surface.
Non‑Slip Pegs — Footpegs with grip surface.
Non‑Standard Bolt — Bolt not matching OEM spec.
Non‑Standard Nut — Nut not matching OEM spec.
Non‑Standard Washer — Washer not matching OEM spec.
Non‑Stock — Any part not original to the motorcycle.
Non‑Stock Exhaust — Aftermarket exhaust system.
Non‑Synchro Gearbox — Transmission without synchronizers.
Non‑Toxic Coolant — Safer antifreeze for motorcycles.
Non‑Tubeless Tire — Tire requiring an inner tube.
Non‑Vented Helmet — Helmet without airflow vents.
Non‑Vented Rotor — Solid brake rotor.
Non‑Vented Tank — Fuel tank without venting.
Non‑Waterproof Bag — Luggage or saddlebag not resistant to water.
Non‑Waterproof Boots — Footwear not designed to resist water penetration.
Non‑Waterproof Cover — Motorcycle cover that does not protect against rain.
Non‑Waterproof Gear — Riding gear not resistant to water.
Non‑Waterproof Gloves — Riding gloves not resistant to water, prone to soaking in rain.
Non‑Waterproof Jacket — Jacket not resistant to water.
Non‑Waterproof Jacket — Riding jacket not resistant to water, prone to soaking in rain.
Non‑Waterproof Suit — Riding suit without waterproofing, often textile or leather.
Non‑Working Axle — Axle that is bent or broken.
Non‑Working Bar — Handlebar that is bent or broken.
Non‑Working Battery — Dead or defective motorcycle battery.
Non‑Working Bearing — Bearing that has seized.
Non‑Working Brake — Brake system that fails to stop effectively, a critical safety hazard.
Non‑Working Brake Light — Brake light that has failed.
Non‑Working Cable — Control cable that has snapped.
Non‑Working Cap — Fuel cap that is broken.
Non‑Working CDI — Capacitor discharge ignition unit that has failed.
Non‑Working Chain — Chain that has broken or seized.
Non‑Working Charger — Charger that fails to restore battery power.
Non‑Working Circuit — Circuit that has failed.
Non‑Working Clutch — Clutch that fails to engage or disengage.
Non‑Working Coil — Ignition coil that no longer produces spark.
Non‑Working Coil Wire — Coil wire that has failed.
Non‑Working Connector — Connector that has failed.
Non‑Working Cover — Cover that is cracked or missing.
Non‑Working Earth — Earth connection that has failed.
Non‑Working ECU — Engine control unit that has failed.
Non‑Working Electrical — General term for failed electrical components (e.g., lights, horn, switches).
Non‑Working Engine — Motorcycle engine that fails to start or run due to mechanical or electrical faults.
Non‑Working Fairing — Fairing that is cracked or missing.
Non‑Working Fan — Cooling fan that has failed.
Non‑Working Filter — Filter that is clogged or ineffective.
Non‑Working Fork — Fork that has lost damping or oil.
Non‑Working Frame — Frame that is cracked or bent.
Non‑Working Fuse — Blown fuse preventing circuit operation.
Non‑Working Fuse Box — Fuse box that has failed.
Non‑Working Gauge — Dashboard gauge that no longer functions.
Non‑Working Grip — Grip that is torn or loose.
Non‑Working Ground — Ground connection that has failed.
Non‑Working Harness — Wiring harness that has failed.
Non‑Working Headlight — Headlight that has failed.
Non‑Working Horn — Horn that is non‑functional, often a safety violation.
Non‑Working Housing — Housing that is cracked or broken.
Non‑Working Hub — Hub that has failed.
Non‑Working Ignition — Ignition system that has failed.
Non‑Working Indicator — Turn signal that has failed.
Non‑Working Injector — Fuel injector that has clogged or failed.
Non‑Working Key — Key that is broken.
Non‑Working Kill Switch — Kill switch that has failed.
Non‑Working Lever — Brake or clutch lever that is broken.
Non‑Working Light — Headlight, taillight, or indicator that has failed.
Non‑Working Light Switch — Light switch that has failed.
Non‑Working Lock — Lock that is broken.
Non‑Working Loom — Wiring loom that has failed.
Non‑Working Panel — Panel that is cracked or missing.
Non‑Working Peg — Footpeg that is broken.
Non‑Working Plug — Spark plug that has fouled or failed.
Non‑Working Plug Wire — Plug wire that has failed.
Non‑Working Pump — Fuel or oil pump that has failed.
Non‑Working Radiator — Radiator that no longer cools effectively.
Non‑Working Relay — Relay that fails to pass current.
Non‑Working Relay Switch — Relay switch that has failed.
Non‑Working Rim — Rim that is bent or cracked.
Non‑Working Screen — Windscreen that is cracked or missing.
Non‑Working Seal — Seal that has failed, causing leaks.
Non‑Working Seat — Seat that is torn or broken.
Non‑Working Sensor — Sensor that no longer provides accurate data.
Non‑Working Shock — Shock absorber that has failed.
Non‑Working Signal — Signal that has failed.
Non‑Working Spoke — Spoke that is broken or loose.
Non‑Working Sprocket — Sprocket that is worn or broken.
Non‑Working Stand — Kickstand or center stand that has failed.
Non‑Working Starter — Starter motor that does not engage.
Non‑Working Starter Button — Starter button that has failed.
Non‑Working Subframe — Subframe that has failed.
Non‑Working Suspension — Suspension that no longer dampens properly.
Non‑Working Swingarm — Swingarm that is bent or cracked.
Non‑Working Switch — Electrical switch that has failed.
Non‑Working System — System that has failed.
Non‑Working Taillight — Taillight that has failed.
Non‑Working Tank — Fuel tank that leaks.
Non‑Working Thermostat — Thermostat that no longer regulates temperature.
Non‑Working Tire — Tire that is flat or damaged.
Non‑Working Tube — Inner tube that has punctured.
Non‑Working Wheel — Wheel that is bent or cracked.
No‑Pass Flag — Racing flag indicating no passing allowed.
No‑Pass Rule — Track rule forbidding overtaking in certain zones.
No‑Pass Zone — Road section where overtaking is illegal.
No‑Road Ride — Off‑road adventure beyond mapped trails.
Norton — Historic British motorcycle manufacturer, famous for the Commando and Manx racers.
Norton 650SS — High‑performance Norton twin.
Norton 750SS — Sport version of the Commando.
Norton 850 Commando — Later, larger‑capacity Commando.
Norton Atlas — Predecessor to the Commando, a parallel‑twin motorcycle.
Norton Commando — Iconic British parallel‑twin motorcycle of the 1960s–70s.
Norton Dominator — Classic Norton twin, popular in the 1950s–60s.
Norton Electra — Early Norton twin with electric start.
Norton F1 — Rotary‑engine sportbike from the 1990s.
Norton Fastback — Commando model with distinctive tail section.
Norton Hi‑Rider — Factory chopper‑styled Commando.
Norton International — Overhead‑cam single‑cylinder Norton racer.
Norton Interstate — Touring version of the Commando with larger tank.
Norton Jubilee — 250cc commuter motorcycle from Norton.
Norton Manx — Classic Isle of Man TT race bike.
Norton Model 18 — Classic Norton single.
Norton Model 50 — 350cc single‑cylinder Norton.
Norton Model 77 — 600cc twin from Norton.
Norton Model 88 — 500cc Dominator twin.
Norton Model 99 — 600cc Dominator twin.
Norton Navigator — Lightweight twin from Norton.
Norton Production Racer — Factory‑built race‑ready Commando.
Norton RCW588 — Rotary‑engine race bike that won the Isle of Man TT.
Norton Rotary — Experimental rotary‑engine motorcycles from the 1980s.
Norton V4 RR — Modern V4 superbike revival model.
Norton Villiers Triumph (NVT) — British motorcycle conglomerate formed in the 1970s.
NOS (New Old Stock) — OEM parts no longer made but still available.
Nose Cone Fairing — Small aerodynamic fairing around the headlight.
Nose Dive — Heavy front suspension compression under braking.
No‑Show Bike — Bike that fails to appear at a rally or show.
No‑Show Chrome — Cheap chrome that flakes easily.
No‑Show Rider — Rider who doesn’t show up for a planned ride.
No‑Spark Condition — Ignition failure.
No‑Spark Plug — Slang for a fouled or missing spark plug.
No‑Spark Test — Diagnostic test for ignition.
No‑Speed Limit Run — Slang for high‑speed riding on unrestricted roads (e.g., Autobahn).
Nostalgia Bike — Modern motorcycle styled to resemble a vintage model.
No‑Start Bike — Motorcycle that fails to start.
No‑Start Condition — When a motorcycle fails to start due to electrical or fuel issues.
No‑Start Relay — Relay preventing start under unsafe conditions.
No‑Start Rider — Rider whose bike won’t start.
No‑Stop Rule — Rule in trials forbidding stops.
No‑Stop Trial — Trials riding discipline where dabs or stops are penalized.
Notchy Steering — Uneven or sticky feel in steering head bearings.
No‑Tools Adjuster — Quick‑adjust component.
No‑Tools Adjustment — Feature allowing adjustments without tools.
No‑Tools Clamp — Clamp adjustable without tools.
No‑Tools Lever — Adjustable lever requiring no tools.
Novice Class — Beginner category in racing or training.
Nowhere Run — Slang for a casual ride with no set destination.
No‑Zone — Truck blind spot; safety term for riders.
No‑Zone Awareness — Rider training term for truck blind spots.
N‑Series — Manufacturer designation for certain models.
N‑Strike — Slang for a sudden, aggressive maneuver.
N‑Throttle — Slang for neutral throttle position, meaning steady throttle without acceleration or deceleration.
N‑Torque — Informal slang for torque rating expressed in Newton‑meters, often used in tuning discussions.
N‑Track — Slang for neutral track position in racing, when a bike is coasting without drive.
N‑Trip — Slang for accidentally shifting into neutral while riding, often at high RPMs.
N‑Tune — Slang for a balanced or neutral engine tune, neither rich nor lean.
Nubuck Leather — Soft, sanded leather used in some riding gear.
Number Board — Racing plate displaying competition numbers.
Number Cruncher — Slang for an accountant biker; often used humorously within riding groups.
Number One Patch — Club patch signifying top rank or status, sometimes associated with outlaw clubs.
Number Plate — Plate displaying registration or racing number.
Number Plate Bracket — Mounting hardware for license or race plates.
Number Plate Light — Illumination for license plate visibility.
Number Plate Surround — Decorative or protective frame around a license plate.
Number Plate Tilt — Angled mounting of a plate, often illegal but used for styling.
Nut Behind the Bars — Joke term for rider error; the “loose nut” is the rider themselves.
Nut Splitter — Slang for a very hard or uncomfortable motorcycle seat.
Nut Torque Wrench — Tool for tightening axle or engine nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
Nutsert — Threaded insert used in motorcycle fabrication.
Nutsert Tool — Device for installing threaded inserts (nutserts) into frames or panels.
Nutty Rider — Slang for a reckless or eccentric motorcyclist.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) — Engineering term for ride comfort factors.
N‑Vision — Slang for night vision riding gear.
N‑Vision — Slang for night‑vision riding gear or helmet technology.
Nylon Chain Slider — Plastic guide preventing chain wear on swingarm.
Nylon Gear — Lightweight gear made of nylon, used in some motorcycles.
Nylon Jacket — Textile riding jacket, lighter than leather.
Nylon Lock Nut — Nut with nylon insert to resist loosening.
Nylon Saddlebag — Soft luggage made of nylon fabric.
Nylon Strap — Tie‑down strap for securing motorcycles.
Nylon Webbing — Material used in straps, harnesses, and luggage.
Nystagmus Test — Police sobriety test sometimes used on riders.
N‑Zone — Slang for the neutral zone in clutch or throttle free play.

 

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