Rice rocket
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A rice rocket is a slang term applied to Japanese-made sports bikes. The term is derived from the speed of the motorcycle (rocket), and the "Japanese" origin of the vehicles (a reference to cultural and historical importance of the rice crop in Japan). The term is sometimes used derogatorily, implying that American and/or European vehicles are superior to Japanese made vehicles, but, as with many slang terms, may also be used neutrally or even as a term of affection, depending on the speaker and context.
Rice rocket is an American slang for imported Japanese cars (but is usually used to describe Japanese motorcycles) often modified, customized, and tuned for anything but performance or racing use. The cars often have modifications such as cut springs to give the car a lower stance, huge, flashy body kits, huge spoilers, lighting modifications and custom paint/decal designs, 18 inch chrome rims and usually loud mufflers (either accomplished by drilling holes in the muffler or installing axle-back exhaust systems).
Additionally, rice rocket is sometimes used synonymously with the term rice burner.
[edit] See also
- Import Scene - vehicular subculture associated with this term
- Rice burner (similar term applied to automobiles.)