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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.