ABS (Anti-Lock Breaking System)

1. System that senses when a tire is about to loose traction during braking and decreases braking force, preventing tire lock up. 2. The ABS detects when a wheel is not turning and releases pressure to the brake on that wheel, preventing a skid. 3. A component added to the braking system that detects wheel lock up. The system then modulates the brakes at that point with the idea of stopping you faster than you could yourself. 4. ‘Anti-lock braking system’ Active safety device that stops the wheels locking-up under heavy braking, thus allowing the driver to maintain steering control. 5. An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that prevents a vehicle's wheels from locking during heavy braking. Essentially, the ABS regulates the braking pressure on the wheel, allowing it to continuously have traction on the driving surface.

Accelerator pump

Extra pump in the carburetor to temporarily increase the amount of fuel delivered to the air stream.

Aerodynamics

In motorcycle context, good aerodynamics means that the motorcycle is designed to have as little resistance from the air as possible. This is essential to achieve great speeds. The manufacturers often make use of wind tunnels during the development of a new motorcycle.

AFFA

Angels Forever Forever Angels

Aftermarket

The sector of the market that sells parts and accessories other than OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer... ie, Honda, BMW, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, etc.)

Air

80% nitrogen, 19% oxygen, some carbonic gas and minor trace elements.

Air cooling

Mechanism used to keep the engine at operating temperature by using air flowing over heat sinks (engine fins) to disperse excess heat into the environment directly.

Air fuel ratio

Proportions in which air and fuel are mixed to form a combustible gas.

Airheads

A term for older, air-cooled BMW Boxer Twins.

Air lock

Similar to vapor lock, a pocket or air develops that blocks the normal flow of a fluid, such as in a hydraulic brake line. Common in two stroke engines when the oil injection system is allowed to run dry.