The acronyms of the two-wheeledThe lexicon of all motorcyclists

aBS (anti-lock braking system) for motorcycles is designed to prevent the wheels from locking during sudden braking, particularly on slippery surfaces. Sensors continuously measure wheel speed. If one of them is in danger of locking, a processor controls a hydraulic modulator which instantly adjusts brake pressure, reducing it to allow the wheel to continue turning and then increasing it again. This cycle repeats itself several times a second, ensuring optimal braking while maintaining the bike's stability and control, even in emergency situations.

traditionally associated with Bosch, which began work on the system in 1936, ABS was first really developed in the 60s by Teldix (a partnership between Telefunken and Bendix).

the first tests to equip a motorcycle with ABS took place in 1977 on a Norton 850 Commando. But it wasn't until the BMW K1 in 1988 that ABS was fitted to a commercial motorcycle (as an option).

cornering ABS represents a major advance in motorcycle safety. Whereas conventional ABS prevents the wheels from locking in a straight line, Cornering ABS enables safe braking even when the motorcycle is leaning into a bend. This system uses an inertial measurement unit with a 6D sensor to precisely measure the angle of inclination of the motorcycle. Based on this angle, ABS adjusts braking pressure to prevent the front wheel losing grip, thus reducing the risk of a crash. This ensures that the rider maintains control and stability, even during emergency braking in curves.

Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC) is a cruise control system that automatically maintains the desired speed without having to touch the gas pedal. This speed stabilizer keeps the throttle in a fixed position, making riding easier, especially on long trips.

Aprilia Dynamic Damping (ADD) is an electronically controlled suspension system that automatically adjusts suspension stiffness, in real time, according to the rider's needs. Using motion sensors, it combines the benefits of a sporty, firmer setting with softer damping for comfort.

Automatic Fast Idle (AFI) is a system that automatically increases engine idle speed in response to certain triggers, such as a cold start. This system helps the engine reach optimum temperature quickly, supporting the motorcycle's electrical and mechanical systems. This improves performance and reduces emissions.

No need to switch manually from low to high beam, the Auto High Beam (AHB) system gives you the way. Using an integrated camera, AHB automatically adjusts the headlights to suit traffic conditions. It detects oncoming vehicles as well as those in front, to avoid dazzling other road users. In this way, it keeps high beams on longer for better night-time visibility, and makes it easier to detect pedestrians and obstacles.

Aprilia Launch Control (ALC) is a start-assist system that optimizes acceleration from a standing start, making it ideal for the track. Once the clutch is released, the electronics maintain the engine at optimum torque, guaranteeing rapid, controlled acceleration. In this case, adjusting the engine's power helps prevent rear-wheel spin and control wheeling.

Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) is a system that automatically puts the motorcycle into first gear when it's at a standstill, such as at a red light. When activated, ALPF puts the transmission back into first gear as soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill, which is particularly useful in urban traffic. This simplifies starts and makes driving smoother in environments where stops are frequent.

Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) combines the advantages of manual and automatic transmissions. It allows you to shift gears automatically without using a clutch lever or foot shifter. Shifting gears is simply done with the thumb and forefinger. What's more, the rider can choose between two driving modes, switchable at any time via a dedicated button. This technology offers flexibility and ease of use.

Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) is a set of electronic assistants including an "AQS" fast shifter, "ATC" eight-step adjustable traction control, "AWC" adjustable anti-wheeling, and "ALC" optimized starting assistance. This system manages throttle opening to maximize acceleration, control and safety, whether for everyday riding or competition.

Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) allows you to change gear in no time at all without releasing the throttle or using the clutch, optimizing performance during sporty riding. The system uses sensors and software to briefly adjust the engine during gear changes. This motorcycle-integrated technology works equally well in both upshifts and downshifts, making for a smoother ride.

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) are driving assistance technologies designed, in essence, to enhance the safety and comfort of motorcyclists. These systems include features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts speed according to traffic conditions, and a Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system, which warns the rider of vehicles in low-visibility areas... To achieve this, radar sensors are used to monitor the environment around the motorcycle, helping to prevent accidents and make riding easier.

BMW's Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) makes it possible to shift gears without using a clutch lever. This system, translated as "Automatic Shift Assistant", adjusts gears in automatic mode (D) according to engine speed, throttle position and bike angle. In manual mode (M), the rider can change gears with the foot, while avoiding stalling thanks to automatic selection of a lower gear if required. Transitions are made fluid by a hydraulic master cylinder and electromechanical actuator.

BMW Motorrad's Automatic Stability Control 'ASC' limits engine torque according to road grip, preventing wheel spin and improving safety, especially in wet weather. The traction control system can be deactivated manually, even on the move, when not required, as on a race track.

Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) automatically adjusts engine torque to maximize grip according to wheel speed, throttle opening, engine speed and inclination. The system reduces throttle via Ride by Wire, and even adjusts ignition timing by retarding or advancing the spark in the cylinders to limit power. 8 levels of adjustment can be set from the handlebars, at any time, to suit different riding conditions.

On KTM motorcycles, the turn signals are automatically switched off after a predefined time or distance, so the rider doesn't have to turn them off manually. The turn signal remains active when the motorcycle is stationary, until the maneuver is completed.

Aprilia Wheelies Control (AWC) kicks in when the front wheel slows down relative to the rear wheel, without detecting excessive wheel slip. Aprilia Wheelies Control uses traction control and inertial sensor data to ensure better handling. The system offers three levels of intervention, selectable only when stationary.

Yamaha 's Brake Control (BC) system offers two ABS modes: 'BC1' with fixed sensitivity and 'BC2', which adjusts sensitivity according to inclination. In 'BC2' mode, the ABS intervenes more during cornering, enhancing control and confidence. Optimized by Yamaha's electronic throttle control (YCC-T®), this Brake Control system enhances the riding experience.

Brake Slide Assist is an extension of ABS Pro. It is designed as an assistance system for use with slick tires on the racetrack.

In the event of significant deceleration using the front and rear brakes, Brake Slide Assist calculates the current slip angle by taking into account peripheral wheel speed, steering angle, and lean angle. If the slip angle exceeds a limit calculated by Brake Slide Assist, wheelspin is reduced by limiting the brake pressure on the rear wheel and by intervening the Engine Braking Torque Regulation (MSR), thus stabilizing the motorcycle.

Brake Slide Assist is used within the limits of riding physics. Other factors that influence the control capabilities of Brake Slide Assist include the rider (e.g., center of gravity), external influences such as road conditions, and suspension settings.

Thanks to the steering angle sensor introduced in 2025, Brake Slide Assist allows the rider to set a specific drift angle with constant sliding. This makes it possible to learn how to slide the motorcycle when entering corners.

The BSD (Blind-Spot Detection) system monitors the motorcycle's blind spots. These are areas out of sight of the driver and mirrors, made perceptible by a rear radar that scans the side lanes. When a vehicle is detected, LED indicators in the mirrors light up. If the driver activates his turn signal while a vehicle is in the blind spot, the LEDs flash to warn of a potential hazard. Blind spots" and "BSD" are two terms generally used in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) jargon, but which have nothing to do here.

The C stands for BMW's old custom bikes - e.g. the R 1200 C. This was the Bavarian interpretation of "Custom". A low-slung bike, with wide handlebars, lots of chrome and a feet-forward riding position.

There was also a CL version, for Cruiser Luxury. The R 1200 CL was the "Grand Tourism" version of the cruiser,

Honda's C-ABS (Combined Anti-lock Braking System) combines two essential technologies for optimum safety: CBS (Coupled Braking System) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This intelligent system automatically distributes the braking force between the front and rear wheels, even if the rider applies only one brake, while preventing the wheels from locking thanks to ABS. The CBS ECU controls the delivery of part of the braking pressure to the front caliper.

this feature applies braking force to both wheels when the rider uses the brake lever (front) or the brake pedal (rear). The Electronically Linked Braking System (ELB) offers greater responsiveness and more balanced braking at front and rear. The system offers more interconnection when the rider applies harder braking, and reduces or eliminates interconnection for light, low-speed braking.

when interconnected, if you operate only the front brake lever, the system also applies an amount of braking to the rear. If you only depress the brake pedal, the system will also apply a quantity of braking to the left front caliper. The interconnected Electronic Braking System is cornering enhanced (C-ELB) and takes into account the angle of inclination of the motorcycle, or lateral acceleration on a Trike model. C-ELB modifies the distribution of braking pressure between the front and rear brakes when braking in corners, to improve the bike's ability to maintain the rider's intended trajectory.

Yamaha's D-Mode allows riders to choose from several engine maps, optimizing performance according to riding conditions. This technology enhances the motorcycle's versatility, adapting equally well to urban riding and demanding terrain. Yamaha's D-Mode includes several riding modes, some of which are customizable depending on the motorcycle model.

Drive Mode often works in conjunction with other electronic assistance systems, such as traction control (TCS) and ABS, for a safer and more optimized ride. Some Yamaha models also allow for even more fine-tuned settings, providing precise control over throttle response and power delivery.

Among its benefits, D-Mode improves safety by reducing the risk of loss of traction and provides riding comfort through instant adaptation to conditions. It can also influence fuel consumption, allowing for more economical riding depending on the mode selected.

inspired by the automotive world, the gearbox is in fact made up of two half-boxes (and therefore two clutches), each handling a different ratio: one for even gears, the other for odd gears. This means that when one gear is engaged, the gears directly below and above it are already engaged in the other half. When a gear is shifted, all that remains is for the two clutches to work in reverse. With the gears already pre-engaged, shifting is quick and easy, with no jerking or loss of revs.