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ABS: Antilock Brake System. 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.
AHRMA: Sanctioning body for vintage
motorcycling competition, it's a member-owned
non-profit association dedicated to enhancing the
sport of historic motorcycle racing for the
enjoyment of riders and spectators.
AMA: American Motorcycle Association.
Affidavit: A written statement under oath.
Aftermarket: Any items or accessories you
buy that are not from the Original Equipment
Manufacturer.
Agreement: Mutual assent between two or
more parties; normally leads to a contract; may be
verbal or written.
Answer: Pleading filed by the defendant
that responds to a complaint, petition, or motion.
AntiI-drive System: A front-end suspension
component that reduces how much the forks compress
under braking, popular in the late 1980s, but seldom
used now.
Ape Hangers: Handlebars that are very high
and often raise the rider's hands above his
shoulders.
Appeal: A request to the higher court for
review of the lower court's decision and to request
a reversal of the judgment.
Apex: The middle or center point of a
turn.
Arbitration: The procedure by which a
dispute may be resolved by a person who is not a
judge. Arbitration is often used to limit legal
costs to both parties.
Arbitrator: A person who conducts an
arbitration.
Armor: Armor is protective padding you can
attach to your clothing, that absorbs energy on
impact.
Asphalt Sealer: Asphalt sealer is a
tar-like substance used by road maintenance crews to
fill cracks in the pavement. It can be very slick
and should be avoided by motorcycles.
Assumption of Risk: A doctrine that states
if the plaintiff has knowingly accepted the danger
of doing something, recovery from the defendant in
an action brought for negligence will be barred.
Automatic on Headlamp: An automatic-on
headlamp, or a daytime running lamp (DRL), is a
motorcycle's headlamp that automatically turns on
when the bike is started. It's mandatory on all
street bikes in North America because it's proven to
be effective in improving visibility of a motorcycle
by other vehicles.
