Glossary of Motorcycle Injury Law Terms
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 #
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Service of Process: Providing a formal notice to the defendant that orders him to appear in court to answer plaintiff’s allegations.
Shaft Drive: A final drive system on some motorcycles that utilizes a shaft to transmit power to the rear wheel, as opposed to a chain.
SOHC: Single Over Head Cam. A single cam shaft found in the head or top of the engine that activates the valves.
Sport Bike: A focused motorcycle designed for speed and handling. These machines are usually equipped with aerodynamic bodywork.
Sport-Tourer: A motorcycle that combines some of the handling and power of a sport bike, with some of the amenities of a touring bike, like saddlebags, comfortable ergonomics, etc. Not as focused as either a pure sport bike or a pure tourer.
Squid: A term generally associated with a new or reckless motorcyclist seen riding erratically and/or beyond his or her capabilities.
Snell Rating: A foundation formed in 1957, is the world’s most popular independent motorcycle helmet testing organization. A Snell rating on a helmet, indicated by a sticker inside the helmet, states that the helmet has passed performance tests.
Standard: A motorcycle intended for general, all-around street use, typically with an upright seating posture and higher handlebars.
Standard Bike: Tends to be a motorcycle without frills such as saddlebags, windshield, radio, or trunk. It is the cheapest to buy and usually has small rake and trail.
Statue of Limitations: The time period within which a plaintiff must file his action against the defendant. This time frame varies by state. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations is three years.
Stretch: Used by those that customize motorcycles; an expression of how much a tank or frame has been elongated from its stock design.
Strict Liability: The defendant is liable to the plaintiff regardless of fault.
Subpoena: A form issued by the court requiring someone to appear in court and/or bring documents. (Also referred to as a “Summons.”)
Supermotto: Generally, a style of motorcycle usually built around, and looking like, off-road machines with street tires. They tend to be very light, flickable machines, and are used in a new genre of racing that usually encompasses riding on a mixture of pavement and dirt surfaces.
Sushi Wagon: An import motorcycle of Japanese origin.
