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 #

Click on the first letter of the word from the list above to go to the appropriate section of the glossary. Contact us if you would like more information about personal injury law terms.

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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.

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