Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary: O

Sep 20, 2016 Michael Le Pard Dictionary, News

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

Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary
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# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
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Neck - Motorcycle Frame Neck
One Percenter (1%er) – Worn by outlaw clubs. Made famous by the media that said 99% of bikers and clubs are law bidding citizens the other 1% is not. OFFO – South Florida Outlaws (1970’s)

 

O.F.F.O. (OFFO) — Outlaws Forever, Forever Outlaws; Outlaw MC slogan.
Octane Rating — Measure of fuel’s resistance to engine knock.
Odometer — Device recording mileage, usually part of the speedometer.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) — Factory parts or the company that builds the bike.
Off‑Camber Turn — Corner banked higher on the inside than the outside.
Off‑Road Bike — Motorcycle designed for dirt, trails, or non‑paved terrain.
Off‑Road Helmet — Helmet with chin guard and sun shield, no visor.
O‑Gauge Wire — Heavy‑duty electrical wire used in custom wiring harnesses.
OHC (Overhead Cam) — Engine design with camshaft above the valves.
Öhlins — Swedish manufacturer of high‑performance suspension.
OHV (Overhead Valve) — Engine design with valves above the combustion chamber.
Oil Bag — Slang for oil tank.
Oil Bath — Lubrication system where parts are submerged in oil.
Oil Cooler — Radiator‑like device cooling engine oil.
Oil Dripper — Slang for older British/American bikes prone to leaks.
Oil Pressure Warning Light — Dashboard light indicating low oil pressure.
Oilhead — BMW air‑ and oil‑cooled Boxer engines.
Old Lady — Slang for wife or steady girlfriend of a club member.
O‑Level Service — Basic maintenance service level, often oil and filter changes.
On Rails — Expression for a bike cornering extremely well.
On the Box — Finishing in the top three, podium placement.
On the Gas — Slang for riding very fast.
On the Pipe — Two‑stroke engine running at peak RPM for max power.
One Percenter (1%er) — Outlaw club member patch, from AMA’s “99% law‑abiding” remark.
One‑Off — One‑of‑a‑kind custom part or motorcycle.
One‑Oh‑One — Slang for Indian Scout 101 model.
One‑Way SOB — Slang for a selfish rider who takes but doesn’t give.
Open Belt Drive — Exposed primary belt drive, common on custom choppers.
Open Circuit — Electrical circuit that is incomplete, preventing current flow.
Open Class — Sportbikes with engines over 800cc.
Open Class Racer — Competition motorcycle in the unlimited displacement category.
Open Cradle Frame — Frame without tubes under the engine; engine acts as stressed member.
Open Face Helmet — Helmet covering head but leaving face exposed.
Open Loop Fueling — Fuel injection mode without oxygen sensor feedback.
Open Pipes — Exhaust pipes without mufflers, very loud.
Open Primary — Exposed primary drive belt or chain on a custom bike.
Open Road — Slang for highway or long‑distance riding freedom.
Open Road Rally — Long‑distance group ride on highways.
Open Throttle — Riding with throttle fully engaged.
Open Track Day — Non‑competitive event where riders can practice on a racetrack.
Open Valve Timing — Engine valve timing when valves are fully open.
Open Wheel Bike — Motorcycle with exposed wheels, no fenders.
Operator Error — Mistake made by the rider, not the machine.
Operator Error — Rider mistake.
Operator’s License — Legal license to operate a motorcycle.
Operator’s Manual — Manufacturer’s instruction manual (synonym of Owner’s Manual).
OPG (Oil Pump Gear) — Oil pump drive gear, notably in Kawasaki Vulcans.
Optical Ignition — Ignition system triggered by light sensors.
Optical Ignition — Ignition triggered by light sensors.
Optimate — Brand of battery charger/maintainer.
Optimum Line — Best racing line through a corner.
Optimum Pressure — Correct tire pressure for performance and safety.
Optimum RPM — Engine speed where performance and efficiency peak.
Orange Book — Harley service manual.
Orange Book — Slang for Harley‑Davidson service manual.
Orange County Choppers (OCC) — Custom motorcycle builders, popularized on TV.
Orange Frame — KTM motorcycles, known for their orange frames.
Orange Paint Job — Custom orange paint scheme, often referencing Harley or KTM.
Organ Donor — Slang for a biker riding without a helmet.
Original Owner — First purchaser of a new motorcycle.
Originals — A member’s first set of club colors, never to be cleaned.
O‑Ring — Rubber sealing part, not always circular; used in engines and chains.
O‑Ring Chain — Motorcycle chain with O‑ring seals to retain lubrication.
O‑Ring Gasket — Rubber gasket used for sealing oil or coolant passages.
Ornamental Chrome — Decorative chrome parts with no functional purpose.
Orphan Bike — Rare motorcycle brand/model no longer in production.
Orphan Brand — Motorcycle brand no longer in production (e.g., BSA, Indian pre‑revival).
Orphan Parts — Hard‑to‑find parts for discontinued motorcycles.
Orphan Rider — Rider of a discontinued brand.
Orthodox Bars — Traditional handlebar style, not radically customized.
Orthodox Club — Traditional motorcycle club following AMA rules.
Oscar — Slang for an inattentive car driver (e.g., “Oscar almost turned left”).
O‑Spec — Manufacturer’s original specification for a motorcycle or part.
OTB (Over the Bars) — Crash where the rider goes over the handlebars.
Otto Cycle — Four‑stroke engine cycle, named after Nikolaus Otto.
O‑Tune — Slang for optimized tuning of an engine or ECU.
Out and Back Ride — Route that goes to a destination and returns the same way.
Out of Balance Wheel — Wheel not properly balanced, causing vibration.
Out of Gas — Running out of fuel mid‑ride.
Out of Round Tire — Tire worn unevenly, causing vibration.
Out of Spec — Component not meeting manufacturer specifications.
Out of Tune — Engine not running at peak performance.
Outback Ride — Long‑distance ride through remote terrain.
Outback Touring — Long‑distance motorcycle travel through remote or rugged terrain.
Outboard Brake — Brake mounted outside the wheel hub.
Outboard Motorbike — Slang for motorcycles with side‑mounted engines or accessories.
Outboard Pegs — Footpegs mounted wider than standard for stability.
Outboard Suspension — Suspension components mounted externally on custom builds.
Outlaw Biker — Member of a motorcycle club not sanctioned by the AMA.
Outlaw Club — MC not sanctioned by the AMA (e.g., Hells Angels, Outlaws).
Outlaw Colors — Club patches identifying outlaw motorcycle clubs.
Outlaw Rally — Rally dominated by outlaw motorcycle clubs.
Outlaw Rider — Member of an outlaw motorcycle club.
Outlaw Run — Group ride organized by outlaw clubs.
Outlaw Spirit — Cultural ethos of independence and rebellion in biker culture.
Outrider — Rider who scouts ahead or rides at the edge of a group for safety.
Outrigger — Stabilizing wheel or float attached to a motorcycle, often for training or sidecar rigs.
Outrigger Wheel — Training wheel for beginner or disabled riders.
Outside Apex — Racing term for the outermost point of a corner.
Outside Line — Racing term for taking the outer path through a corner.
Over and Under Exhaust — Exhaust system with pipes stacked vertically.
Overbalance — Rider tipping past recovery point, often at low speed.
Overbalanced — When a rider tips past the point of recovery, often at low speed.
Overbore — Enlarging cylinder bore to increase displacement.
Overbore Cylinder — Cylinder enlarged beyond stock bore size.
Overbore Kit — Cylinder modification kit that increases displacement.
Overbraked Front — Excessive front brake use causing the wheel to lock.
Overbraked Rear — Excessive rear brake use causing a skid.
Overbraking — Applying too much brake, causing loss of traction.
Overbraking Zone — Area on track where riders often brake too hard.
Overbuilt Frame — Frame designed stronger than necessary, often heavier.
Overclutching — Overuse of the clutch, leading to wear or overheating.
Overcompensate — Rider reaction that is too strong, often worsening control.
Overcooked Corner — Entering a corner too fast to hold the line.
Overdamped Forks — Forks with too much damping, reducing responsiveness.
Overdamped Suspension — Suspension with too much damping, reducing responsiveness.
Overdrive — Transmission gear ratio less than 1:1, reducing engine RPM.
Overdrive Gear — Transmission gear ratio less than 1:1, lowering RPM at speed.
Overexposed Rider — Rider lacking protective gear, vulnerable to injury.
Overfilled Oil — Too much oil in the crankcase, causing foaming or leaks.
Overfilled Tank — Fuel tank filled beyond safe level.
Overgeared — Bike geared too tall, reducing acceleration.
Overgeared Setup — Gearing too tall for conditions, reducing acceleration.
Overgrip — Excessive grip on handlebars, leading to fatigue.
Overhead Cam (OHC) — Camshaft located above the valves.
Overhead Cam System — Camshaft directly actuating valves.
Overhead Valve (OHV) — Engine design with pushrods operating valves.
Overheated Brakes — Brakes losing effectiveness due to heat buildup.
Overheated Engine — Engine running above safe temperature.
Overland Ride — Long‑distance motorcycle journey across countries or continents.
Overlean — Excessive lean angle, risking traction loss.
Overloaded Bike — Motorcycle carrying more weight than recommended.
Overloaded Suspension — Suspension compressed beyond its design limits.
Overnight Rally — Rally event lasting through the night.
Overpack — Carrying excessive luggage on a motorcycle.
Overpolished Chrome — Chrome worn thin from excessive polishing.
Overpowered Bike — Motorcycle with more power than a rider can safely handle.
Overpriced Accessory — Aftermarket part considered too costly for its value.
Overpriced Accessory — Aftermarket part considered too costly.
Overrev — Running an engine beyond its redline.
Overrev Limiter — Electronic system preventing engine overrev.
Overridden ABS — Anti‑lock braking system disabled or bypassed.
Overridden Aero Limit — Rider exceeding aerodynamic allocation.
Overridden Appeal — Rider ignoring appeal.
Overridden Authority — Rider ignoring authority.
Overridden Ban — Rider ignoring ban.
Overridden Black Flag — Rider ignoring black flag disqualification.
Overridden Blue Flag — Rider ignoring blue flag (being lapped).
Overridden Certification — Bike no longer meeting certification standards.
Overridden Championship Limit — Rider exceeding championship allocation.
Overridden Chance — Rider ignoring chance.
Overridden Chassis Limit — Rider exceeding chassis allocation.
Overridden Checkered Flag — Rider ignoring race finish.
Overridden Code — Rider ignoring code.
Overridden Common Sense — Rider ignoring common sense.
Overridden Compliance — Bike no longer compliant with regulations.
Overridden Court — Rider ignoring court.
Overridden Death — Rider ignoring death.
Overridden Destiny — Rider ignoring destiny.
Overridden ECU — ECU tuned beyond safe factory limits.
Overridden Electronics — Rider ignoring electronics.
Overridden Emissions — Emissions controls bypassed or disabled.
Overridden Engine Limit — Rider exceeding engine allocation.
Overridden Engineering — Rider ignoring engineering.
Overridden Ethics — Rider ignoring ethics.
Overridden Exhaust — Exhaust system modified beyond legal or safe limits.
Overridden Fate — Rider ignoring fate.
Overridden Federation — Rider ignoring federation rules.
Overridden Fine — Rider ignoring fine.
Overridden Flag Rule — Rider ignoring racing flag rules.
Overridden Fuel Limit — Rider exceeding fuel limit.
Overridden Fuel Map — ECU fuel map altered beyond safe limits.
Overridden Gearbox Limit — Rider exceeding gearbox allocation.
Overridden God — Rider ignoring God.
Overridden Government — Rider ignoring government.
Overridden Gravity — Rider ignoring gravity.
Overridden Green Flag — Rider ignoring green flag start.
Overridden Hardware — Rider ignoring hardware.
Overridden Homologation — Race bike modified beyond homologation rules.
Overridden Ignition — Ignition system modified beyond factory limits.
Overridden Inspection — Bike failing inspection due to modifications.
Overridden Insurance — Insurance voided by illegal modifications.
Overridden Law — Rider ignoring law.
Overridden Life — Rider ignoring life.
Overridden Lighting — Lighting modified beyond legal standards.
Overridden Logic — Rider ignoring logic.
Overridden Luck — Rider ignoring luck.
Overridden Marshal — Rider ignoring marshal instructions.
Overridden Mathematics — Rider ignoring mathematics.
Overridden Mechanics — Rider ignoring mechanics.
Overridden Morals — Rider ignoring morals.
Overridden Noise Limit — Exhaust noise exceeding legal limits.
Overridden Pace Car — Rider ignoring pace car rules.
Overridden Penalty — Rider ignoring or bypassing penalties.
Overridden Physics — Rider ignoring physics.
Overridden Pit Board — Rider ignoring pit board instructions.
Overridden Pit Speed — Rider exceeding pit lane speed limit.
Overridden Plate Mount — License plate mounted illegally.
Overridden Police — Rider ignoring police.
Overridden Practice Limit — Rider exceeding practice allocation.
Overridden Probability — Rider ignoring probability.
Overridden Protest — Rider ignoring protest.
Overridden Qualifying Limit — Rider exceeding qualifying allocation.
Overridden Race Control — Rider ignoring race control orders.
Overridden Race Limit — Rider exceeding race allocation.
Overridden Reality — Rider ignoring reality.
Overridden Reason — Rider ignoring reason.
Overridden Red Flag — Rider ignoring red flag stoppage.
Overridden Registration — Registration invalid due to modifications.
Overridden Regulation — Rider ignoring regulation.
Overridden Rev Limiter — Rev limiter bypassed for higher RPM.
Overridden Rider — Rider going beyond their skill level.
Overridden Rider Aid — General term for disabled electronic rider aids.
Overridden Rulebook — Rider ignoring rulebook.
Overridden Safety — Rider ignoring safety.
Overridden Safety — Safety systems bypassed or disabled.
Overridden Safety Car — Rider ignoring safety car rules.
Overridden Sanction — Rider ignoring sanction.
Overridden Sanity — Rider ignoring sanity.
Overridden Science — Rider ignoring science.
Overridden Season Limit — Rider exceeding season allocation.
Overridden Software — Rider ignoring software.
Overridden Speed Limiter — Speed limiter bypassed for higher top speed.
Overridden Stability Control — Stability system disabled or bypassed.
Overridden Standard — Rider ignoring standard.
Overridden Statistics — Rider ignoring statistics.
Overridden Steward — Rider ignoring steward instructions.
Overridden Strategy — Rider ignoring race strategy.
Overridden Suspension — Suspension settings unsuitable for conditions.
Overridden System — Rider ignoring system.
Overridden Team Order — Rider ignoring team orders.
Overridden Technology — Rider ignoring technology.
Overridden Testing Limit — Rider exceeding testing allocation.
Overridden Tire — Tire pushed beyond its grip limits.
Overridden Tire Limit — Rider exceeding tire allocation.
Overridden Track Limit — Rider exceeding track limits.
Overridden Traction Control — Traction control disabled or bypassed.
Overridden Tribunal — Rider ignoring tribunal.
Overridden Universe — Rider ignoring universe.
Overridden Warranty — Warranty voided by excessive modifications.
Overridden White Flag — Rider ignoring last‑lap flag.
Overridden Yellow Flag — Rider ignoring caution flag.
Overrun — Engine braking effect when throttle is closed at high RPM.
Overshoot — Running wide out of a corner due to excess speed.
Oversprung Suspension — Suspension with springs too stiff for the rider.
Oversquare Engine — Bore larger than stroke, allowing higher RPM.
Oversteer — Rear tire skids before the front in cornering.
Overstressed Frame — Frame subjected to loads beyond design.
Overtake — Passing another vehicle.
Overtake Lane — Lane designated for passing.
Overtake Rule — Racing rule governing passing.
Overtake Signal — Hand or light signal for passing.
Overtightened Bolt — Bolt damaged by excessive torque.
Overtired — Rider fatigue leading to reduced focus.
Overtorque — Applying too much torque to a fastener.
Overtravel — Suspension movement beyond intended range.
Overtravel Suspension — Suspension movement beyond its intended range, risking damage.
Overtuned Engine — Engine tuned beyond safe reliability.
Overvoltage — Electrical surge exceeding the system’s design, potentially damaging components.
Overweight Bike — Motorcycle considered heavy for its class.
Overweight Rider — Rider heavier than the suspension rating, requiring adjustments or upgrades.
Overweight Touring Bike — Touring motorcycle considered heavy for its class, affecting handling.
O‑Wheel — Slang for a wheelie, lifting the front wheel under power.
O‑Wheel — Slang for a wheelie.
Owl Run — Informal slang for a late‑night group ride.
Owl Run — Slang for a late‑night group ride.
Owner’s Group (H.O.G.) — Harley Owners Group, a global riding community sponsored by Harley‑Davidson.
Owner’s Manual — Manufacturer’s instruction manual.
Owner’s Patch — Patch signifying original ownership of a motorcycle or club membership.
Owner’s Pride — Slang for a rider’s first or most cherished motorcycle.
Oxidation — Corrosion of metal parts, often from exposure to air and moisture.
Oxidizing Catalytic Converter — Converts CO and HC into CO₂ and H₂O.
Oxy‑Acetylene Torch — Tool used in custom fabrication and repairs, especially for frames and exhausts.
Oxy‑Acetylene Torch — Tool used in custom fabrication and repairs.
O‑Z Racing — Italian manufacturer of high‑performance motorcycle wheels.
O‑Z Spec — Racing wheel specification.
O‑Z Track — Slang for racing on O‑Z wheels.
O‑Z Wheel — Racing wheel produced by O‑Z, known for lightweight strength.
O‑Zone — Slang for a rider’s personal comfort or performance zone.
Ozone Cracking — Rubber deterioration caused by ozone exposure, common in tires.
Ozone Layer Ride — Slang for high‑altitude mountain rides.

 

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