Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary: U

Published October 12, 2025 by , Editor‑in‑Chief

Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary
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UJM - Universal Japanese Motorcycle (my old 1978 Suzuki GS550)
UJM – Universal Japanese Motorcycle – 1. Term given to Japanese motorcycles of the 80’s, because visually they all looked alike; an air cooled 550-750 inline-4 with straight tank and seat, until you were close enough to read the tank emblems they looked identical. 2. During the 1970 and early 1980’s, the Japanese became so identified with the four cylinder, standard style motorcycle that this term was coined to describe those bikes. (my old 1978 Suzuki GS550)

 

U‑Bolt — A U‑shaped fastener often used to secure handlebars, luggage racks, or exhaust brackets.
Ugly Bike — Slang for a motorcycle with poor styling or mismatched parts.
Ugly Custom — Custom build considered unattractive or poorly executed.
Ugly Rider — Rider nickname for someone with a rough‑looking bike.
U‑Haul Bike — Motorcycle transported in a rental truck.
U‑Haul Rider — Rider who moves bikes long‑distance.
U‑Haul Run — Trip involving bike transport.
U‑Haul Transport — Moving motorcycles in a rental truck.
U‑Haul Trip — Long‑distance bike relocation.
U‑Joint — Universal joint in a driveshaft, allowing flexible power transfer.
U‑Joint Failure — Breakdown of a universal joint.
U‑Joint Repair — Fixing or replacing a universal joint.
U‑Lock — Heavy U‑shaped lock used to secure motorcycles against theft.
U‑Lock Rider — Rider who always secures their bike.
U‑Lock Setup — Bike equipped with heavy locks.
Ultimate Builder — Rider or shop known for top‑tier custom builds.
Ultimate Rally — A long‑distance or bucket‑list motorcycle event.
Ultimate Ride — Slang for a rider’s dream motorcycle or perfect trip.
Unbaffled Custom — Custom emphasizing loud pipes.
Unbaffled Exhaust — Exhaust without baffles, producing maximum noise .
Unbaffled Pipes — Exhaust pipes without baffles, producing maximum noise .
Unbaffled Ride — Bike running with raw, unfiltered exhaust sound.
Unbaffled Ride — Motorcycle running with raw, unfiltered exhaust sound.
Unbalanced Bike — Motorcycle with uneven geometry or setup.
Unbalanced Geometry — Poor suspension or frame setup causing instability.
Unbalanced Load — Cargo carried unevenly, making the motorcycle unstable.
Unbalanced Rider — Rider with poor control due to posture or weight distribution.
Unbanked Turn — A flat corner without camber, harder to ride at speed.
Unchained — Slang for riding free without restrictions.
Unchained Bike — Motorcycle stripped of limits.
Unchained Rider — Rider who rejects rules.
Unclipped — Rider’s foot slipping off pegs.
Unclipped Crash — Accident caused by losing peg grip.
Unclipped Rider — Rider who loses footing.
Uncooled — Engine without proper cooling.
Uncooled Engine — Motor lacking cooling system.
Uncooled Ride — Bike prone to overheating.
Uncorked — Slang for removing factory restrictions on exhaust or intak).
Uncorked Bike — Motorcycle with freer breathing and louder sound.
Uncorked Exhaust — Factory restrictions removed for more power.
Uncorked Ride — Ride after mods, emphasizing raw performance.
Uncorked Setup — Performance‑tuned motorcycle.
Uncovered Bike — Motorcycle left without a cover.
Uncovered Parking — Outdoor storage for bikes.
Uncovered Rider — Rider without protective gear.
Under Control — Rider slang for smooth, confident handling.
Under Control Bike — Motorcycle tuned for stability.
Under Control Rider — Rider praised for calm skill.
Underbone — Small motorcycle with step‑through frame, common in Asia.
Underbone Bike — Step‑through motorcycle common in Asia.
Underbone Rider — Rider of lightweight commuter bikes.
Underbone Scene — Community around step‑through motorcycles.
Underbraked — Slang for a motorcycle with weak braking performance.
Underbraked Bike — Motorcycle known for inadequate stopping power.
Underbraked Rider — Rider struggling with poor brakes.
Underbraked Setup — Bike known for inadequate stopping.
Undercover Bike — Police motorcycle used for stings.
Undercover Cop — Police officer disguised as a rider .
Undercover Rider — Cop blending into biker culture.
Underdog — Rider or bike underestimated but surprisingly capable.
Underdog Bike — Motorcycle that outperforms expectations.
Underdog Build — Custom that outperforms expectations.
Underdog Rider — Rider who surprises others with skill.
Underdressed — Rider without proper gear.
Underdressed Crash — Accident worsened by lack of gear.
Underdressed Rider — Rider mocked for lack of protection.
Undergeared — Bike geared too low, revving high at highway speeds.
Undergeared Bike — Motorcycle geared too low, revving high at speed.
Undergeared Rider — Rider who struggles with short gearing.
Undergeared Setup — Drivetrain configuration with low top speed.
Underground Garage — Hidden workshop for custom builds.
Underground Rider — Rider part of hidden or outlaw culture.
Underground Run — Ride organized outside mainstream events.
Underground Scene — Subculture of outlaw or secretive riders.
Underinflated Crash — Accident caused by low tire pressure.
Underinflated Ride — Motorcycle with poor grip due to low PSI.
Underinflated Tire — Tire with low pressure, dangerous for handling.
Underpass Rider — Rider who seeks echo effects.
Underpass Roar — The amplified sound of exhausts in tunnels.
Underpass Run — Group ride through tunnels or underpasses, often for sound.
Underpowered — Slang for a bike lacking horsepower.
Underpowered Ride — Motorcycle mocked for weak performance.
Underpowered Rider — Rider of a slow or small‑displacement bike.
Underpowered Setup — Weak performance configuration.
Underrated Bike — Motorcycle overlooked but highly capable.
Underrated Brand — Manufacturer not widely recognized.
Underrated Rider — Rider with hidden skill.
Underslung Bars — Handlebars mounted below triple clamps.
Underslung Exhaust — Exhaust routed under the motorcycle.
Underslung Setup — Custom style with low‑mounted parts.
Undertail — Exhaust or lighting system mounted under the tail section.
Undertail Custom — Bike with undertail modifications.
Undertail Exhaust — Exhaust exiting beneath the seat.
Undertail Light — Tail light integrated under the seat.
Undertuned — Motorcycle not optimized for performance.
Undertuned Engine — Motor restricted by factory settings.
Undertuned Ride — Bike that feels sluggish.
Unfairing — Removing a motorcycle’s fairings for a naked look.
Unfairing Job — Customization to strip plastics.
Unfairing Rider — Rider who prefers naked bikes.
Unfiltered — Slang for running a bike without an air filter.
Unfiltered Exhaust — Exhaust without catalytic converter.
Unfiltered Ride — Bike stripped of emissions gear.
Unfiltered Sound — Loud exhaust note without baffles.
Unforgiven — Slang for a rider who doesn’t follow group rules.
Unforgiven Bike — Motorcycle with a reputation for being difficult to ride.
Unforgiven Rider — Rider ostracized for reckless behavior.
Unhinged Bike — Motorcycle with extreme mods.
Unhinged Rider — Reckless or wild rider.
Unhinged Rider — Slang for reckless or wild rider .
Unhinged Scene — Subculture of radical riders.
Unibody Bike — Motorcycle with integrated frame and body.
Unibody Design — Lightweight, rigid construction.
Unibody Frame — Motorcycle frame built as a single piece.
Unicycle — Slang for a wheelie held so long the bike looks like a one‑wheeler.
Unicycle Rider — Rider skilled at long wheelies.
Unicycle Stunt — Extreme stunt resembling a one‑wheeler.
Unicycle Trick — Stunt involving balance on one wheel.
Unicycle Wheelie — Long wheelie balanced on one wheel.
Unidirectional Grip — Traction optimized for forward motion.
Unidirectional Setup — Bike with directional tires.
Unidirectional Tire — Tire designed to rotate in one direction.
Uniformed Escort — Police motorcycle escort.
Uniformed Rider — Police or military motorcyclist.
Uniformed Run — Parade ride with official riders.
Uninsured Bike — Motorcycle not covered by insurance.
Uninsured Crash — Accident without financial protection.
Uninsured Rider — Rider without insurance coverage.
United Bikers — Collective term for biker unity.
United Run — Rally emphasizing solidarity.
United Scene — Brotherhood of riders.
Universal Fit — Aftermarket part designed to fit many bikes .
Universal Joint (U‑Joint) — Driveshaft component allowing flexible power transfer .
Universal Rider — Rider adaptable to any bike.
Unleaded — Gasoline without lead, standard for modern motorcycles.
Unleaded Bike — Motorcycle tuned for unleaded fuel only.
Unleaded Fuel — Gasoline without lead, standard since the 1970s .
Unleaded Ride — Slang for modern fuel‑only bikes.
Unleaded Rider — Rider who jokes about running on cheap fuel.
Unlicensed Bike — Motorcycle not registered for road use.
Unlicensed Rider — Rider operating without a motorcycle license.
Unlicensed Run — Ride with illegal or unregistered bikes.
Unloaded Forks — Front forks at maximum extension.
Unloaded Shock — Rear shock without compression.
Unloaded Suspension — Suspension fully extended, no rider weight.
Unlocked Bike — Motorcycle with full performance unlocked.
Unlocked ECU — ECU with restrictions removed.
Unlocked Throttle — Slang for wide‑open throttle.
Unmarked Cop Bike — Police motorcycle without markings.
Unmarked Escort — Police escort without visible ID.
Unmarked Rider — Cop blending in.
Unmuffled — Exhaust without mufflers.
Unmuffled Bike — Motorcycle with loud pipes.
Unmuffled Pipes — Exhaust without mufflers.
Unmuffled Ride — Ride emphasizing sound.
Unplugged — Slang for removing electronic restrictions.
Unplugged — Slang for removing electronics.
Unplugged ECU — Bike with ECU disconnected or bypassed.
Unplugged Ride — Motorcycle stripped of electronics.
Unplugged Setup — Bike running without electronic aids.
Unprotected Bike — Motorcycle without guards.
Unprotected Crash — Accident worsened by lack of gear.
Unprotected Rider — Rider without safety gear.
Unrestricted — Bike with no speed or power limiter.
Unrestricted Bike — Motorcycle with no speed or power limiter.
Unrestricted ECU — ECU tuned for maximum performance.
Unrestricted Ride — Motorcycle without factory restrictions.
Unrideable — Slang for a bike that’s unsafe or broken.
Unrideable Custom — Custom build that looks good but can’t be ridden.
Unrideable Rider — Rider who can’t control their motorcycle.
Unsafe Bike — Motorcycle in poor condition.
Unsafe Rider — Rider known for reckless behavior.
Unsafe Run — Ride organized without safety.
Unsprung Handling — Effect of heavy wheels on suspension performance.
Unsprung Setup — Custom builds with reduced unsprung weight.
Unsprung Weight — Mass not supported by suspension (wheels, brakes, etc.).
Unstable — Bike prone to wobble or poor handling.
Unstable Bike — Motorcycle prone to wobble or poor handling.
Unstable Cornering — Handling instability when leaning into turns.
Unstable Geometry — Motorcycle frame or suspension setup that causes wobble or poor handling.
Unstable Rider — Rider known for erratic control.
Unstable Setup — Motorcycle geometry causing poor stability.
Unstable Speed — High‑speed wobble or weave.
Unstoppable — Slang for a rider who never quits, regardless of conditions.
Unstoppable Bike — Motorcycle known for reliability and toughness.
Unstoppable Bike — Motorcycle known for toughness and reliability.
Unstoppable Journey — Long ride completed against all odds.
Unstoppable Ride — Long journey completed against all odds.
Unstoppable Rider — Rider who never quits, regardless of conditions.
Unthrottled — Bike running unrestricted, full power.
Unthrottled Bike — Motorcycle running unrestricted.
Unthrottled Engine — Motor running unrestricted, no limiter.
Unthrottled Ride — All‑out acceleration without restraint.
Unthrottled Setup — Bike tuned for maximum output.
Untracked — Slang for off‑road riding on fresh terrain.
Untracked Adventure — Ride into unexplored terrain.
Untracked Ride — Off‑road adventure on fresh terrain.
Untracked Rider — Rider who explores new routes.
Untracked Trail — Path not yet ridden by motorcycles.
Untrained Bike — Motorcycle poorly set up for beginners.
Untrained Crash — Accident caused by lack of training.
Untrained Rider — Rider without formal instruction.
Unusual Build — Custom motorcycle with eccentric design.
Unusual Ride — Event featuring rare or strange bikes.
Unusual Suspects — Group of riders with unique or odd bikes.
Up and Over — Slang for a high‑side crash.
Up and Over Crash — Accident caused by sudden traction regain.
Up and Over Rider — Rider who flips over the bike.
Up Front — Rider leading a group ride.
Up Front Position — Spot at the head of a pack.
Up Front Rider — Rider leading a group ride.
Up Front Role — Leadership position in group rides.
Up Gear — Shifting to a higher gear.
Up Gear Rider — Rider who prefers tall gearing.
Up Gear Setup — Bike tuned for highway cruising.
Up Pipe — Exhaust routed upward.
Up Pipe Clearance — Extra ground clearance gained from high exhaust routing.
Up Pipe Custom — Custom motorcycle featuring high‑mounted exhaust pipes, often seen on scramblers.
Up Pipe Rider — Rider who prefers high‑exit exhausts for off‑road clearance.
Up Pipe Setup — High‑mounted exhaust configuration, common on scramblers and dirt bikes .
Up Pipe Sound — Distinctive exhaust note from elevated pipes.
Up Shift — Changing into a higher gear during acceleration.
Up Shift Indicator — Dashboard light signaling optimal gear change .
Up Shift Light — Dashboard indicator showing optimal shift points.
Up Shift Rider — Rider known for smooth, precise gear changes.
Up Shift Technique — Smooth gear change method taught in rider training.
Up Shift Timing — Engine RPM point for efficient gear change.
Upgraded Bike — Motorcycle fitted with aftermarket or performance parts.
Upgraded Brakes — Aftermarket brake systems for better stopping power.
Upgraded Electronics — ECU, dash, or rider‑aid improvements.
Upgraded Lighting — LED or HID lights added for visibility.
Upgraded Rider — Rider who invests in performance modifications.
Upgraded Suspension — Improved forks or shocks for better handling.
Uphill Battle — Slang for a difficult ride or steep climb.
Uphill Challenge — Slang for difficult mountain rides.
Uphill Climb — Riding steep inclines, requiring torque and skill.
Uphill Rider — Rider skilled at climbing steep grades.
Uphill Run — Ride focused on mountain ascents.
Uphill Start — Launching a motorcycle on a slope.
Upholstered Seat — Seat with added padding or custom covering.
Upholstery — Seat covering material, often customized for comfort or style.
Upholstery Custom — Seat covering tailored for style or comfort.
Upholstery Job — Re‑covering or customizing a motorcycle seat.
Upholstery Leather — Premium leather used for custom seats.
Upholstery Leather — Premium leather used for seats.
Upholstery Shop — Workshop specializing in motorcycle seats.
Uplift — Slang for a morale‑boosting ride.
Uplift Culture — Subculture of riders who focus on positivity.
Uplift Event — Charity or community ride.
Uplift Ride — Group ride organized to raise morale or awareness.
Uplift Rider — Rider who inspires others on group rides.
Uplift Run — Group ride organized to raise spirits or morale.
Upshift — Formal term for changing to a higher gear.
Upshift Light — Dashboard indicator showing the best time to shift gears for efficiency.
Upshift Rider — Rider who shifts early for fuel economy.
Upshift Technique — Smooth gear‑changing method taught in training.
Upshift Timing — The RPM point where shifting yields optimal performance.
Upside‑Down Forks (USD) — Inverted front suspension design for rigidity and performance.
Upside‑Down Rider — Rider who prefers modern suspension technology.
Upside‑Down Setup — Motorcycle equipped with USD forks.
Uptown Bike — Custom motorcycle built for urban cruising.
Uptown Custom — Stylish urban motorcycle build.
Uptown Rider — Stylish city rider, often associated with fashion and urban culture.
Uptown Run — Urban group ride.
Uptown Scene — Urban motorcycle culture emphasizing style.
Urban Assault — Aggressive city riding, weaving through traffic.
Urban Assault Bike — Motorcycle built for city domination, often naked or supermoto.
Urban Assault Rider — Rider who thrives in dense traffic.
Urban Assault Run — Group ride through dense traffic.
Urban Assault Style — Riding style emphasizing agility in cities.
Urban Camo — Paint scheme blending into city environments.
Urban Explorer — Rider who seeks hidden city routes.
Urban Explorer Bike — Motorcycle adapted for city exploration.
Urban Explorer Scene — Subculture of riders exploring urban landscapes.
Urban Legend Bike — Motorcycle famous in local lore.
Urban Legend Rider — Rider known for legendary city exploits.
Urban Legend Story — Tale of a legendary city ride.
Urban Rider — Rider who primarily rides in cities.
Urban Scene — Motorcycle culture in metropolitan areas.
Urchin Bike — Small, entry‑level motorcycle.
Urchin Crew — Group of new riders.
Urchin Culture — Slang for young or rookie riders .
Urchin Rider — Newcomer to the motorcycle scene.
Urchin Rider — Slang for a rookie or young rider.
Urchin Spirit — Energy of beginner riders.
Urchins — Slang for young or rookie riders.
Urgent Courier — Rider delivering medical or time‑sensitive goods.
Urgent Dispatch — Critical delivery by motorcycle.
Urgent Mission — Emergency motorcycle run.
Urgent Ride — Emergency run, often courier or medical.
Urgent Rider — Rider who delivers quickly under pressure.
Urgent Run — Ride with time‑critical purpose.
USD Conversion — Retrofitting older bikes with USD forks.
USD Rider — Rider who prefers modern suspension setups.
Used Bike — Pre‑owned motorcycle.
Used Classic — Vintage motorcycle bought secondhand.
Used Import — Pre‑owned motorcycle brought from another country.
Used Market — Marketplace for pre‑owned motorcycles.
Used Market Rider — Rider who shops exclusively for used bikes.
Used Rider — Slang for a rider who buys secondhand.
Useful Accessory — Essential add‑on like luggage or GPS.
Useful Gear — Essential riding equipment.
Useful Load — Weight a motorcycle can carry safely.
Useful Rider — Rider who helps others with tools or parts.
Useful Tool — Handy item for roadside repairs.
Useful Upgrade — Practical modification improving safety.
Useless Bike — Slang for a poorly built or broken motorcycle.
Useless Gear — Equipment that fails to perform.
Useless Mod — Customization that adds no value.
Useless Rider — Rider mocked for lack of skill.
User Community — Online forum of riders.
User Error — Mistake caused by rider, not machine.
User Experience — Rider’s overall impression of a bike.
User Group — Organized club of motorcycle owners.
User Manual — Manufacturer’s guide for a motorcycle.
User Rider — Rider who follows manuals strictly.
Utility Bike — Motorcycle designed for practical use.
Utility Culture — Practical riding subculture.
Utility Gloves — Durable gloves for work and riding.
Utility Jacket — Multi‑pocket riding jacket.
Utility Pants — Rugged pants for dual‑purpose use.
Utility Rider — Rider who uses bike for work or errands.
Utility Run — Ride for chores or deliveries.
U‑Turn — Turning a motorcycle 180 degrees.
U‑Turn Drill — Training exercise for new riders.
U‑Turn Fail — Dropping a bike during a U‑turn.
U‑Turn Mastery — Rider skilled at U‑turns.
U‑Turn Practice — Training to improve turning skills.
U‑Turn Rider — Rider skilled at tight turns.
U‑Turn Rider Error — Mistake during a U‑turn.
U‑Turn Technique — Method for executing tight turns.
U‑Turn Ticket — Fine for illegal U‑turns.
U‑Turn Zone — Area designated for turning around.

 

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