Powersports terms, explained

Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.

A

AGM: Absorbed glass mat, a sealed lead-acid battery type. Read the guide →
ATV tire ply rating: A tire strength and load-capacity index, not a count of the physical material layers in the tire. Read the guide →
ATV tire star rating: A maximum operating pressure category used on AT-marked tires; it is separate from ply rating. Read the guide →
Auxiliary motorcycle lighting: Additional motorcycle lamps installed beyond the vehicle's required lighting equipment. Read the guide →

Back protector insert: A back protector sized to fit a compatible motorcycle-jacket pocket. Read the guide →

CCA: Cold cranking amps, a battery's starting power in cold weather. Read the guide →
Connection zipper: A manufacturer-designed zipper that joins compatible motorcycle jacket and pants at the waist. Read the guide →

ECE 22.06: The European helmet standard that replaced ECE 22.05, adding rotational and visor tests. Read the guide →
EN 13594: The European standard used to certify motorcycle protective gloves. Read the guide →
EN 13634: The European standard for protective motorcycle footwear, with label fields for upper height, abrasion, cut and transverse rigidity. Read the guide →
EN 1621: The European standard for motorcycle impact protectors, rated Level 1 or Level 2. Read the guide →
EN 1621-4: The European requirements and test methods for mechanically activated motorcycle inflatable protectors. Read the guide →
EN 17092: The European standard for whole motorcycle garments, rated AAA to C. Read the guide →
Engine cut-off switch link: A lanyard or compatible wireless link connecting a vessel operator to its engine cut-off switch. Read the guide →

FMVSS 218: The US federal motorcycle helmet standard behind the DOT label. Read the guide →

Hard motorcycle case: A rigid luggage enclosure mounted to a motorcycle-specific rack or case system. Read the guide →
Hawse fairlead: A smooth aluminum guide used with synthetic winch rope. Read the guide →
Head shape: The front-to-back versus side-to-side proportion of the head: round, intermediate or long oval. Read the guide →

Integral-beam headlamp: A headlamp built as an integrated optical assembly containing its lens, reflector and light source. Read the guide →

JASO T 903: The standard that classifies four-stroke motorcycle engine oils by measured clutch-friction properties. Read the guide →

KP marking: A glove certification marking that identifies knuckle protection included in the certification. Read the guide →

LiFePO4: Lithium iron phosphate, the lithium chemistry used in powersports batteries. Read the guide →

Mesh intercom: A helmet communication network that lets riders join and leave a group freely. Read the guide →
Modular helmet: A motorcycle helmet with a movable lower face section; approved use depends on the exact helmet and its certification. Read the guide →
Motorcycle airbag vest: A wearable inflatable motorcycle protector with a model-specific trigger, coverage and service procedure. Read the guide →
Motorcycle GPS: A navigation device used with a motorcycle-specific mount and installation instructions. Read the guide →
Motorcycle overpants: Motorcycle trousers designed to be layered over another clothing layer; class and protector coverage vary by garment. Read the guide →

One-piece motorcycle suit: A riding garment that joins the upper and lower body sections as one piece. Read the guide →
OTG: Over-the-glasses; a goggle frame intended to fit around eyewear, with compatibility determined by the actual glasses and helmet. Read the guide →

Paddock stand: A removable motorcycle support that raises a wheel through a compatible fork, steering-stem, swingarm or spool fitting. Read the guide →
Pannier: A motorcycle luggage bag or case mounted at the side of a bike. Read the guide →
Personal watercraft (PWC): A powered recreational craft designed for the operator to sit, stand or kneel on rather than ride inside. Read the guide →
Plow lift: The winch, powered actuator or manual mechanism used to raise a plow blade. Read the guide →
Plow mount: The vehicle-specific bracket that connects an ATV or UTV plow system to its machine. Read the guide →
Push tube: The frame component that connects a plow blade to its vehicle mount. Read the guide →

Rated line pull: A winch's pulling capacity on the first layer of rope. Read the guide →
Replaceable-bulb headlamp: A headlamp designed to use a replaceable light source that matches its specified dimensions and electrical requirements. Read the guide →
Roll-off system: A motocross goggle film system that advances a strip across the lens from an attached canister. Read the guide →

SAE viscosity grade: An engine-oil viscosity classification; use the grade and temperature range specified by the vehicle maker. Read the guide →
Snatch block: A pulley that roughly doubles a winch's pulling force. Read the guide →
Snell: A voluntary, independent helmet standard popular in racing. Read the guide →
Soft motorcycle luggage: Flexible fabric bags attached to a motorcycle with straps, mounts or a luggage rack. Read the guide →
Steering-stem stand: A front motorcycle stand that uses a model-matched pin to engage the steering-stem opening. Read the guide →
Strap-on back protector: A motorcycle back protector worn with its own adjustable belt or harness. Read the guide →

Tail bag: Motorcycle luggage secured to the pillion seat or rear rack as its maker specifies. Read the guide →
Tank bag: Motorcycle luggage attached over the tank using a product-specific mounting method. Read the guide →
Tear-off: A removable clear film layer used on a motocross goggle lens; fit and mounting depend on the goggle system. Read the guide →
Top case: Motorcycle luggage mounted behind the rider on a compatible rack or plate. Read the guide →
Trailering cover: A personal-watercraft cover whose maker specifies it for use while the craft is being towed on a trailer. Read the guide →
Transition ATV: An ATV category for riders 14 and older under supervision. Read the guide →
Transverse rigidity: A motorcycle-boot test field for the footwear’s resistance to sideways compression. Read the guide →
Two-piece motorcycle suit: A separate motorcycle jacket and pants designed to connect at the waist when used as a suit. Read the guide →

USCG-approved PFD: A personal flotation device with a label showing United States Coast Guard approval and its permitted use. Read the guide →

Vehicle tie-down point: A manufacturer-designated attachment location used to secure a vehicle for transport. Read the guide →
Vibration dampener: A mount component intended to reduce vibration transmitted from a motorcycle to a mounted phone. Read the guide →

Wheel chock: A support placed against a vehicle wheel to help keep it upright during transport. Read the guide →