A Comprehensive List of Motorcycle Parts: Their Roles and What You Need to Know

Motorcycle Part Names ①: Body-Related (Frame)

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Motorcycles are made up of numerous parts, each with its own name. The parts that make up each section of a motorcycle and their roles are as follows:

Body-Related 1. Frame

The frame is the skeletal part of the motorcycle, connecting various components such as the engine and suspension.

The frame consists of a "main frame" where the engine is mounted and a sub-frame (seat frame) to which the seat and other parts are attached. It is a highly rigid component designed to withstand vibrations and twisting during riding.

Body-Related 2. Tank (Fuel Tank)

The fuel tank (gasoline tank) is the part that holds and stores the gasoline supplied to the motorcycle's engine.

Since the fuel tank occupies a large area of the motorcycle's exterior, it also influences the overall design and visual impression of the bike.

Body-Related 3. Seat (Saddle)

The seat is the saddle of the motorcycle, a cushioned part that supports the rider's posterior.

It has a sponge-like shape that absorbs and softens impacts during riding. Motorcycles designed for two riders also have a tandem seat for the passenger.

Body-Related 4. Fender (Front and Rear)

A fender is a part that covers a portion of the tire to prevent mud and rainwater splashed by the rotating tire from hitting the rider.

It also prevents small stones and other debris, not just rain, from splashing up and hitting the rider. The fender on the front wheel is the front fender, and the one on the rear wheel is the rear fender.

Body-Related 5. Cowl

A cowl (fairing) is a part that covers the motorcycle's body and is installed on racer-type motorcycles and touring bikes.

In addition to reducing air resistance to improve acceleration and top speed, it also prevents wind from hitting the rider, thereby reducing fatigue.

Body-Related 6. Under Cowl

An under cowl is a cowl mounted on the underside of the engine, covering the exhaust pipe that connects from the engine to the muffler.

Its role is to prevent damage to the engine from flung-up stones and to regulate airflow for smoother riding.

Body-Related 7. Side Cover

A side cover is a cover located beneath the seat or on the side of the vehicle body, and it influences the motorcycle's appearance.

It protects components like the air cleaner and battery from rain and wind, and some models even provide storage space inside the side cover.

Motorcycle Part Names ②: Engine-Related

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The engine is composed of various combined parts such as cylinders, pistons, and crankshafts.

Engine-Related 1. Engine

The engine plays a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture to generate explosive force and produce power, and it is made up of many components.

Modern engines are predominantly four-stroke engines, where the engine operates through four process cycles: "intake," "compression," "combustion," and "exhaust."

Engine-Related 2. Cylinder

A cylinder is a cylindrical part inside the engine, designed for the piston within it to perform reciprocating motion.

Cylinders are also referred to as "kihyo" (cylinders/bores). If there's only one cylinder, it's a single-cylinder engine; if there are two, it's a two-cylinder engine. The number of cylinders is a part that changes the characteristics of the engine.

Engine-Related 3. Air Cleaner

The air cleaner's role is to remove dust, dirt, and other foreign matter from the air drawn into the engine.

It acts as a filter to prevent foreign substances from entering and damaging the engine, making it a crucial part for engine protection.

Engine-Related 4. Piston

The piston moves up and down inside the cylinder, playing the role of creating combustion gases.

It also compresses the gasoline drawn into the combustion chamber, converts it into a gas for easier combustion, and transforms the energy of combustion into power.

Engine-Related 5. Crankshaft

The crankshaft is a part that converts the piston's reciprocating motion into rotational motion.

The vertical movement of the piston is changed into rotational motion by the rotating axis of the crankshaft.

Engine-Related 6. Camshaft

The camshaft is a part that controls the opening and closing of valves for intake and exhaust in a 4-stroke engine.

Cams, shaped like teardrops, are installed on the cylinder head.

Engine-Related 7. Carburetor / Injector

Carburetors and injectors are parts that atomize gasoline and supply it to the engine.

They are responsible for injecting the appropriate amount of gasoline into the engine. While older vehicles used carburetors, most modern motorcycles employ injectors.

Engine-Related 8. Radiator

The radiator is a part that prevents the engine from overheating.

In liquid-cooled motorcycles, coolant circulates inside the engine to dissipate engine heat, and the radiator cools down the coolant that has circulated through the engine.

Engine-Related 9. Engine Oil

Engine oil is a liquid oil that circulates inside the engine, serving roles such as lubrication, cooling, and cleaning.

Engine oil is constantly exposed to high temperatures and degrades due to heat and fine metal fragments from metal-on-metal friction, requiring replacement every 3,000 to 5,000 km.

Engine-Related 10. Oil Filter

The oil filter removes impurities and foreign matter contained in the engine oil, protecting the engine's internal components.

It's a consumable part that requires regular replacement as the oil filter becomes clogged with impurities. The general guideline is to replace it every two oil changes.

Motorcycle Part Names ③: Undercarriage (Suspension, Drivetrain, Brakes)

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The suspension dampens vibrations during riding, and the drivetrain transmits power from the engine to the wheels.

Brakes are a very important component for decelerating or stopping a moving motorcycle.

Undercarriage 1. Chain/Belt/Shaft Drive

Chains, belts, and shaft drives are parts that transmit power from the engine to the rear wheel.

Chains and belts stretch due to acceleration and deceleration, requiring regular maintenance and replacement.

Undercarriage 2. Front Fork

The front fork consists of two rod-shaped parts that support the front wheel.

It acts as a cushion to absorb and dampen impacts during riding, and it also affects the motorcycle's ride comfort and handling.

Undercarriage 3. Rear Suspension

The rear suspension is a part that connects the rear wheel to the vehicle body, and its role is to dampen impacts from the road surface and stabilize the motorcycle.

Also known as a rear shock, there are mono-shocks with a single unit, as well as twin-shocks with two units.

Undercarriage 4. Swingarm

The swingarm is a metal part that connects the rear wheel to the frame, also known as the rear arm.

A large shaft is used to connect the frame and the swingarm, allowing it to move up and down around the shaft as an axis.

Undercarriage 5. Wheel

The wheel is a circular part onto which the tire is fitted, and it significantly affects the motorcycle's appearance.

Materials vary, including steel, aluminum, and magnesium-containing alloys used in racing. Lightweight and highly rigid wheels are expensive.

Undercarriage 6. Tire

The tire is a circular part that is the only part of the motorcycle that contacts the ground during riding, and it is made of multiple layers of rubber.

The contact surface (tread) of the tire has grooves, and it is a consumable item that needs to be replaced when the grooves wear down or the rubber hardens.

Undercarriage 7. Sprocket (Front and Rear)

A sprocket is a gear-shaped part that transmits engine power to the rear wheel.

There are two types of sprockets: the "drive sprocket" located on the engine side and the "rear sprocket" located on the rear wheel side.

Undercarriage 8. Brake Caliper

A brake caliper is a part found in disc brakes that houses the brake pads.

When the brake lever is squeezed, the pistons inside the brake caliper press against the brake pads. The more pistons there are, the greater the braking force generated.

Undercarriage 9. Brake Disc (Rotor)

A brake disc (rotor) is a circular part that rotates with the wheel.

The brake pads inside the brake caliper clamp onto the brake disc, performing the role of stopping the motorcycle.

Undercarriage 10. Brake Pad

Brake pads are parts housed inside the brake caliper.

When the brake lever is squeezed, the brake pads clamp onto the disc rotor, providing braking force to the motorcycle.

Since braking is achieved through friction, they are consumable items that need to be replaced when they wear down.

Undercarriage 11. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a safety device that prevents the wheels from locking and losing stability during sudden braking.

If the wheels lock during panic braking, for example, when a car suddenly pulls out, the risk of falling increases. Therefore, from a safety perspective, ABS is now adopted in many motorcycles.

Motorcycle Part Names ④: Controls (Handlebars, Pedals, Levers)

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Parts involved in motorcycle operation, such as handlebars and levers, are control components.

Many custom aftermarket parts for handlebars and shift pedals are available for various models, allowing them to be replaced to suit different body types.

Controls 1. Handlebar

A handlebar is a part where the left and right handles are a single bar (rod-shaped component).

This type is used on naked bikes and off-road bikes, while racer-type sport bikes use separate handlebars, where the left and right handles are independent.

Controls 2. Shift Pedal (Gear Change Pedal)

The shift pedal (gear change pedal) is a part operated to change gears on a motorcycle.

Motorcycle shifting can be either return-type or rotary-type, but both are operated with the toe of the left foot.

Controls 3. Grip

A grip is a rubber-like part attached to the section of the handlebar that is grasped.

There are two types: through-type, where the tip of the grip (grip end) is open, and non-through-type, where it is not. Through-type grips allow the installation of bar ends (parts attached to the end of the handlebars).

Controls 4. Throttle (Accelerator)

The throttle (accelerator) is a part that adjusts the engine speed of the motorcycle, and the part gripped by the right hand is the throttle.

Operating the throttle changes the amount of fuel and air sent to the engine; turning the throttle inwards (towards you) opens it further, increasing engine speed.

Controls 5. Clutch Lever

The clutch lever is a metal bar used to operate the clutch, which disengages power during gear changes or when stopping.

It is mounted on the handlebar symmetrically to the brake lever, and on motorcycles, the clutch is on the left side.

Controls 6. Brake Lever

The brake lever is a lever for operating the front wheel brake, located on the right side of the handlebar.

The amount of play between squeezing the brake lever and when the brake actually starts to engage is called "free play," and many models have an adjustment function to achieve the optimal feel.

Controls 7. Rear Brake Pedal

The rear brake pedal is a part for operating the rear wheel brake on MT (manual transmission) vehicles.

On MT vehicles, the rear brake is located on the right side and is operated by pressing it with the toe area to apply the rear brake.

Controls 8. Kick Pedal

The kick pedal is a part used by the rider to start the engine using leg power.

It is often found on 50cc scooters and older motorcycles. However, most modern motorcycles are equipped with a starter motor (engine started by pressing a button on the handlebar), so kick pedals are rarely present.

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Motorcycle Part Names ⑤: Electrical System (Lights, Meters, Battery)

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Parts related to electrical power, such as lights and meters, are called electrical system components.

A weak battery can affect electrical system components, so regular battery inspections are necessary.

Electrical System 1. Battery

The battery is a part that stores electricity, necessary for starting the engine and illuminating turn signals, headlights, and other components.

Batteries are consumable items, and replacement is recommended every 50,000 to 70,000 km or every 2 to 3 years.

Electrical System 2. Headlight

The headlight, also known as the front lamp, illuminates the front of the motorcycle in dark conditions to ensure visibility.

Furthermore, to enhance visibility, motorcycles are legally required to keep their headlights on even during bright daytime hours.

Electrical System 3. Turn Signal (Direction Indicator)

Turn signals (direction indicators) are parts located on the front and rear sides of a motorcycle, serving to inform surrounding traffic and pedestrians in advance when making a right or left turn.

Turn signals are legally required to be orange. The law dictates that turn signals must be activated 30 meters before an intersection or 3 seconds before changing lanes.

Electrical System 4. Taillight

The taillight is a red lamp mounted at the very rear of the motorcycle, and its role is to signal braking to following vehicles when the brakes are applied.

Additionally, the taillight illuminates to indicate the presence of the vehicle to those around it.

Electrical System 5. Horn (Klaxon)

The horn (klaxon) is a part that serves as an alarm to signal danger.

The horn's volume and tone are regulated, and there are locations, such as areas with poor visibility, where signs may indicate the use of the horn is required.

Electrical System 6. Meter (Speedometer, Tachometer)

Meters are installed near the handlebars and serve to display the current status of the motorcycle, such as speed and engine RPM.

In the past, they were analog-type with needles moving like a clock, but in recent years, meters displayed on LCD screens, similar to smartphones, have become more common.

Electrical System 7. Ignition Key

The ignition key is a switch that prepares the ignition for engine startup.

Inserting and turning the ignition key completes the electrical circuit, preparing the engine for startup.

Electrical System 8. Starter Motor

The starter motor is a motor that starts the engine and is operated by pressing the starter button on the handlebar.

If the battery is weak, the starter motor may not turn, preventing the engine from starting. If the starter motor doesn't engage, it's recommended to check the battery.