
Published October 12, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
Total Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary
– V –
# | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | |
Dictionary Letter Navigation Menu |
V Rod – Yamaha V Max (Any Model, any year). Also called “Mr Max”. Not to be confused with the Harley-Davidson model V-Rod. This term is being used more commonly today to refer to the Harley-Davidson V-Rod even though the V-Max has been in production for over 20 years more.
Vacuum Advance — Ignition timing advance controlled by engine vacuum. | |
Vacuum Carb — Carburetor using vacuum slides for fuel delivery. | |
Vacuum Gauge — Tool for balancing carburetors. | |
Vacuum Leak — Air leak in intake system causing poor performance. | |
Vacuum Petcock — Fuel valve operated by engine vacuum. | |
Vacuum Sync — Balancing carburetors using vacuum gauges. | |
Valkyrie — Honda’s six‑cylinder cruiser. | |
Valkyrie Rider — Rider of Honda Valkyrie. | |
Valkyrie Scene — Subculture around Valkyrie motorcycles. | |
Valve — Engine component controlling intake and exhaust flow. | |
Valve Adjustment — Maintenance procedure to set valve clearance. | |
Valve Bounce — Valves failing to seat properly at high RPM. | |
Valve Burn — Damage caused by overheated valves. | |
Valve Clearance — Gap between valve and rocker arm. | |
Valve Cover — Protective cover over the cylinder head. | |
Valve Cover Gasket — Seal preventing oil leaks from valve cover. | |
Valve Float — Condition where valves fail to close at high RPM. | |
Valve Guide — Sleeve guiding valve stem movement. | |
Valve Job — Reconditioning of valves and seats. | |
Valve Lash — Clearance between valve and rocker arm. | |
Valve Lift — Distance a valve opens, controlled by camshaft. | |
Valve Pocket — Recess in piston crown for valve clearance. | |
Valve Seat — Surface where valve seals against the head. | |
Valve Seat Cutter — Tool for machining valve seats. | |
Valve Shim — Thin disc used to adjust valve clearance. | |
Valve Spring — Spring that closes the valve after cam lift. | |
Valve Spring Retainer — Component holding valve spring in place. | |
Valve Stem — Shaft of the valve, also the air fill stem on wheels. | |
Valve Timing — The sequence of valve opening and closing. | |
Valve Train Noise — Clicking or tapping from worn valve components. | |
Valve Unleaded Conversion — Modification for unleaded fuel compatibility. | |
Valvespring Compressor — Tool for removing or installing valve springs. | |
Valvetrain — Assembly of valves, springs, lifters, and cams. | |
Vamoose — Slang for leaving quickly on a motorcycle. | |
Vamoose Rider — Rider who takes off suddenly. | |
Vamoose Run — Ride that ends abruptly. | |
Vanishing Point — Rider’s visual reference point in a corner. | |
Vanishing Point Rider — Rider skilled at corner vision. | |
Vanishing Point Technique — Cornering method using sightlines. | |
VanVan — Suzuki’s retro‑styled fat‑tire motorcycle. | |
VanVan Rider — Enthusiast of Suzuki VanVan. | |
VanVan Scene — Subculture around fat‑tire bikes. | |
Vapor Blasting — Cleaning process using water and abrasive media. | |
Vapor Lock — Fuel vaporization in lines causing stalling. | |
Vapor Trail — Slang for exhaust smoke. | |
Vapor Trail Rider — Rider leaving visible exhaust smoke. | |
Vaporware Bike — Motorcycle announced but never produced. | |
Varadero — Honda’s adventure‑touring motorcycle. | |
Varadero Rider — Rider of Honda Varadero. | |
Varadero Scene — Adventure community around Varadero. | |
Variable Geometry Turbo — Turbocharger with adjustable vanes. | |
Variable Intake — Intake system adjusting length for performance. | |
Variable Suspension — Suspension adjustable for conditions. | |
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) — Technology adjusting valve timing for performance and efficiency. | |
Varmint Bike — Motorcycle associated with troublemakers. | |
Varmint Rider — Slang for reckless or nuisance rider. | |
Varmint Scene — Subculture of unruly or nuisance riders, often disruptive in groups. | |
Varnish — Sticky residue from old fuel in carburetors. | |
Varnish — Sticky residue from old fuel that clogs carburetors and jets. | |
Varnish Build‑Up — Accumulation of fuel deposits inside the carburetor. | |
Varnish Cleaner — Additive or solvent used to remove varnish deposits. | |
Varoom — Onomatopoeia for engine revving sound. | |
Vasco Rider — Rider who frequents Vasco Road, a popular California motorcycle route. | |
Vasco Road Run — Popular California motorcycle route, known for scenic rides. | |
Vasco Scene — Community around Vasco Road rides. | |
Vasco Scene — Community of riders centered around Vasco Road runs. | |
V‑Belt — Belt drive with V‑shaped cross‑section. | |
V‑Belt Drive — Motorcycle using V‑belt transmission. | |
V‑Belt Pulley — Pulley designed for use with a V‑belt drive system. | |
V‑Belt Tensioner — Device that maintains proper belt tension. | |
V‑Belt Wear — Condition of belt degradation requiring replacement. | |
V‑Bike — Slang for any motorcycle powered by a V‑twin or V‑four engine. | |
V‑Block — Engine block with cylinders arranged in a V‑shape. | |
V‑Boost — Yamaha’s performance system on the V‑Max, opening intake valves at high RPM. | |
V‑Brake — Braking system with V‑shaped calipers. | |
V‑Brake Pads — Pads designed for V‑brake systems. | |
V‑Brake Pads — Pads designed for V‑brakes. | |
V‑Brake Setup — Motorcycle equipped with V‑brakes. | |
Vee Block — Another term for a V‑engine block. | |
Vee Bottom — Slang for a V‑shaped frame or tank design. | |
Vee Twin — Alternate spelling of V‑twin. | |
Velocette — Classic British motorcycle brand, famous for racing heritage. | |
Velocette Rider — Enthusiast of Velocette motorcycles. | |
Velocette Scene — Vintage community around Velocette bikes. | |
Velocity — Speed of a motorcycle, often used in performance contexts. | |
Velocity Junkie — Rider obsessed with speed and acceleration. | |
Velocity Rider — Rider obsessed with speed. | |
Velocity Stack — Trumpet‑shaped intake improving airflow into carburetors. | |
Velvet Ride — Slang for a smooth‑running motorcycle. | |
Velvet Touch — Rider known for smooth clutch and throttle control. | |
Velvet Vibes — Motorcycle praised for smoothness and refinement. | |
Vent Hose — Hose venting fuel tank or crankcase gases. | |
Vent Hose — Hose venting fuel tank or crankcase. | |
Venturi — Narrow section of carburetor creating vacuum to draw fuel. | |
Venturi Effect — Principle behind carburetor fuel draw, essential for combustion. | |
Vespa — Iconic Italian scooter brand. | |
Vespa Rider — Scooter enthusiast. | |
Vespa Scene — Subculture around scooters. | |
V‑Four — Engine with four cylinders arranged in a V configuration. | |
V‑Groove Grip — Handlebar grip with V‑pattern. | |
V‑Groove Pegs — Footpegs with V‑pattern for traction. | |
V‑Groove Tire — Tire with V‑shaped tread grooves. | |
Vibration — Engine or road‑induced shaking. | |
Vibration Dampers — Devices reducing vibration. | |
Vibration White Finger — Numbness from long exposure to vibration. | |
Vibrations — Slang for motorcycle “feel” or vibes. | |
Vibrations Culture — Subculture embracing mechanical feel. | |
Vibrations Rider — Rider who enjoys the raw feel of a bike. | |
Victory Motorcycles — American brand (1998–2017) known for cruisers. | |
Victory Rider — Enthusiast of Victory Motorcycles. | |
Victory Scene — Community of Victory owners. | |
Video Bike — Motorcycle used in film or video shoots. | |
Video Rider — Rider who records rides with cameras. | |
Video Run — Ride organized for filming. | |
Viking Bags — Popular brand of motorcycle luggage. | |
Viking Rider — Rider who uses Viking gear. | |
Viking Scene — Riders with Norse‑inspired style. | |
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — Unique code identifying a motorcycle. | |
VIN Check — Verification of motorcycle history. | |
Vin Number (VIN) — Vehicle Identification Number. | |
VIN Plate — Plate displaying VIN. | |
Vintage Bike — Classic motorcycle, usually 25+ years old. | |
Vintage Rider — Enthusiast of older motorcycles. | |
Vintage Scene — Community of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and riding classic motorcycles. | |
Vinyl Seat — Motorcycle seat covered in vinyl for durability and affordability. | |
Vinyl Tank Pad — Protective pad applied to fuel tanks to prevent scratches. | |
Vinyl Wrap — Adhesive film applied to bodywork for style or protection. | |
Viper Bike — Custom chopper brand known for radical styling. | |
Viper Rider — Rider of Viper motorcycles. | |
Viper Scene — Subculture around Viper custom builds. | |
Vise Grip — Locking pliers often used in roadside motorcycle repairs. | |
Visor — Helmet shield protecting the rider’s eyes. | |
Visor Clear — Helmet visor treated or wiped for maximum visibility. | |
Visor Crack — Riding with visor slightly open for airflow. | |
Visor Down — Slang for riding with helmet closed. | |
Visor Fog — Condensation forming on a helmet visor. | |
Visor Lift — Raising visor at stops or low speeds. | |
Visor Lock — Mechanism that secures visor shut at high speeds. | |
Visor Scratch — Damage to helmet visor reducing clarity. | |
Visor Tint — Darkened visor for sun protection. | |
Visor Up — Riding with helmet visor open, usually at low speeds. | |
Visor Wipe — Glove feature or tool for clearing rain from a visor. | |
Vitesse — French for “speed,” used in motorcycle names and slang. | |
Vitesse Rider — Rider obsessed with speed and acceleration. | |
Vitesse Scene — Subculture around fast motorcycles. | |
Vivid Black — Harley‑Davidson’s signature black paint finish. | |
Vivid Rider — Rider who prefers bold, bright paint schemes. | |
Vivid Scene — Custom culture with striking paint jobs. | |
V‑Line — Slang for a streamlined motorcycle silhouette. | |
V‑Line Rider — Rider who prefers sleek styling. | |
V‑Line Scene — Subculture around streamlined bikes. | |
Vlogger Bike — Motorcycle equipped with cameras for vlogging. | |
Vlogger Rider — Rider who records and shares rides online. | |
Vlogger Scene — Subculture of moto‑vloggers. | |
V‑Max — Yamaha’s legendary muscle bike, famous for raw acceleration. | |
V‑Mount — Mounting bracket shaped like a V. | |
V‑Mount Bracket — A V‑shaped bracket used to secure accessories or parts. | |
V‑Mount Light — Auxiliary light mounted with a V‑shaped bracket. | |
V‑Mount Setup — Custom configuration using V‑shaped mounts. | |
V‑Neck Frame — Frame design with a V‑shaped backbone. | |
V‑Neck Rider — Rider with a bike featuring a V‑shaped tank. | |
V‑Neck Rider — Slang for a rider with a bike featuring a V‑shaped tank. | |
V‑Neck Tank — Fuel tank with a V‑shaped contour. | |
V‑Notch Bars — Handlebars with a V‑shaped bend. | |
V‑Notch Pegs — Footpegs with a V‑shaped cut for grip. | |
V‑Notch Seat — Seat with a V‑shaped contour. | |
V‑Number — Slang for VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). | |
V‑Number Check — Verification of VIN history. | |
V‑Number Plate — Plate displaying VIN. | |
Vortex — Slang for turbulent airflow around a rider or bike. | |
Vortex Rider — Rider who thrives in chaotic traffic. | |
Vortex Scene — Subculture of aggressive, high‑energy riders. | |
Voyager — Kawasaki’s touring motorcycle line. | |
Voyager Rider — Rider of Kawasaki Voyager. | |
Voyager Scene — Touring community around Voyagers. | |
V‑Pipe Setup — Custom exhaust with V‑shaped routing. | |
V‑Pipe Sound — Distinctive exhaust note from V‑pipes. | |
V‑Pipes — Exhaust pipes arranged in a V‑shape. | |
V‑Plated Bike — Motorcycle with custom “V” plate. | |
V‑Plated Rider — Rider with a vanity “V” plate. | |
V‑Plates — License plates with vanity “V” numbers. | |
V‑Port — Intake or exhaust port shaped like a V. | |
V‑Port Flow — Airflow pattern through V‑shaped ports. | |
V‑Port Head — Cylinder head with V‑shaped intake or exhaust ports. | |
V‑Power — Slang for the torque and feel of V‑engines. | |
V‑Power Rider — Rider loyal to V‑engine motorcycles. | |
V‑Power Scene — Subculture around V‑engine bikes. | |
V‑Rail — Frame rail with a V‑shaped profile. | |
V‑Rail Custom — Custom motorcycle built on a V‑rail frame. | |
V‑Rail Frame — Motorcycle frame with V‑shaped rails. | |
V‑Rated Rider — Rider who uses high‑speed rated tires. | |
V‑Rated Run — Ride emphasizing speed and performance. | |
V‑Rated Tire — Tire speed‑rated for up to 149 mph (240 km/h). | |
V‑Rod — Harley‑Davidson’s liquid‑cooled performance cruiser. | |
V‑Rod Muscle — Harley‑Davidson’s performance‑focused V‑Rod variant. | |
V‑Rod Night Rod — Dark‑themed Harley V‑Rod model. | |
V‑Rod Scene — Subculture around Harley V‑Rods. | |
V‑Room — Slang for engine revving sound (“vroom”). | |
V‑Room Culture — Subculture embracing loud revs. | |
V‑Room Rider — Rider who loves revving loudly. | |
VRSC — Harley‑Davidson’s V‑Rod family of motorcycles. | |
VRSC Rider — Enthusiast of Harley V‑Rods. | |
VRSC Scene — Subculture around Harley V‑Rods. | |
V‑Shaped Bars — Handlebars bent into a V. | |
V‑Shaped Frame — Frame design with V geometry. | |
V‑Shaped Tank — Fuel tank with V contour. | |
V‑Signal — Slang for V‑shaped hand signal in group rides. | |
V‑Signal Culture — Group riding culture using signals. | |
V‑Signal Rider — Rider who uses V‑hand signals. | |
V‑Slide Carb — Carburetor with V‑shaped slide. | |
V‑Slide Rider — Rider who prefers V‑slide carbs. | |
V‑Slide Setup — Motorcycle tuned with V‑slide carb. | |
V‑Sound — Distinctive exhaust note of V‑engines. | |
V‑Sound Rider — Rider who loves the V‑engine sound. | |
V‑Sound Scene — Subculture around V‑engine acoustics. | |
V‑Spec — Slang for high‑specification motorcycles. | |
V‑Spec Rider — Rider who owns top‑spec bikes. | |
V‑Spec Scene — Subculture around premium builds. | |
V‑Speed — Slang for high‑speed V‑engine bikes. | |
V‑Speed Rider — Rider who pushes V‑engines to limits. | |
V‑Speed Scene — Subculture around speed culture. | |
V‑Star — Yamaha’s cruiser line. | |
V‑Star Rider — Rider of Yamaha V‑Star. | |
V‑Star Scene — Community of V‑Star enthusiasts. | |
V‑Strom — Suzuki’s adventure‑touring motorcycle. | |
V‑Strom Rider — Rider of Suzuki V‑Strom. | |
V‑Strom Scene — Adventure community around V‑Stroms. | |
V‑Tach — Slang for tachometer on V‑engine bikes. | |
V‑Tach Rider — Rider who watches tach closely. | |
V‑Tach Scene — Subculture of performance riders. | |
V‑Twin — Engine with two cylinders arranged in a V, iconic in cruiser culture. | |
V‑Twin Cruiser — Motorcycle powered by a V‑twin engine, designed for comfort and style. | |
V‑Twin Custom — Custom motorcycle built around a V‑twin engine. | |
V‑Twin Dragster — V‑twin motorcycle built for drag racing. | |
V‑Twin Engine — Two‑cylinder engine arranged in a V, iconic in cruiser culture. | |
V‑Twin Nation — Community of riders loyal to V‑twin motorcycles. | |
V‑Twin Power — Slang for the torque‑rich feel of a V‑twin engine. | |
V‑Twin Scene — Subculture centered on V‑twin motorcycles. | |
Vulcan — Kawasaki’s cruiser line. | |
Vulcan Rider — Rider of Kawasaki Vulcan. | |
Vulcan Scene — Community of Vulcan enthusiasts. | |
Vulture Bike — Motorcycle built from salvaged or recycled parts. | |
Vulture Rider — Slang for a rider who scavenges parts. | |
Vulture Scene — Subculture of scavenger builders. |