Today Peugeot is the only French motorcycle maker.

After the First World War many motorcycle makers assembled their machines from engines and other major components sourced from different manufacturers.

He has requested Federal clearance to raise his stake in the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker to 15 percent.

Volvo then turned to Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle maker with vast experience building compact engines.

The company name was bought by a motorcycle maker in 1955.

While strides in engine performance and handling have been impressive, motorcycle makers have paid little attention to the different shapes and sizes of riders.

The last was no surprise, given Honda's origins as a motorcycle maker, its long-time emphasis on engineering - and its occasional involvement in auto racing.

"I'd never ridden a bike before, and I was 53 years old," said Mr. Harley, who has no family connection to the motorcycle maker.

This summer the company sponsored the 95th birthday of Harley-Davidson Inc., the motorcycle maker.

Harley-Davidson subsequently rejected offers of assistance from Japanese motorcycle makers.