Some countries spring to mind when you mention motorcycles. The first is obviously Italy, with brands like Ducati, Aprilia, Agusta, Guzzi, the list is very long. Or names like Rossi, Biaggi, and Capirossi. Japan also springs to mind, with brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. Even Germany will make you think BMW, or even the now defunct MZ. The UK has Triumph, no slouch in the motorcycle department, or good old Norton and golden boy wonder James Toseland. And of course, the United States of America have Harley-Davidson and Buell, and names like Hayden, Hopkins and Edwards.
But what does France have? France is after all a motorcycle country, where there are a lot of motorcycle and scooter riders. The French car driver respects the motorcycle rider. So what is it that makes France a motorcycle country?
The only real motorcycle manufacturers are Voxan, Scorpa and Sherco (and recently Wakan) not exactly well known names, and to a lesser extent, Peugeot and MBK with their scooters. And in the rider arena, OJ (Olivier Jacques was good, but could not make it in the MotoGP category) and recently Mike Di Meglio became world champ in the 125. They also had their fair share of champs in SBK.
But there's a host of manufacturers in France involved in the world of motorcycles, many of them world-class. Here's a few of them: - Michelin.
Yes, one of the biggest tire manufacturers is French. A €17 Billion company, they are also well known for their tourist and food guides and their maps.
- Elf/Total.
The French gasoline and oil company, and they're big, €159 Billion big! They are heavy into sponsoring of motorcycle races.
- Igol.
Lubrication. €80 Million revenue.
- Motul.
Oils and lubes, €115 million worth annually.
- Ipone.
Lube and cleaning products. €10 million annual revenue.
- Devil.
Exhausts, used often in race bikes.
- Bagster.
Motorcycle baggage and saddles. €10 million sales.
- Bering.
Clothing and rider protection. €5.6 million revenue.
- Shark.
Helmets (World 125 champion Mike Di Meglio's helmet). €24 Million.
- Roof.
Famous fighter pilot-style helmets. €4 million.
- Top Block.
Anti-theft equipment. €6 million.
- Awax/Kiwi.
Helmets. €200,000.
- MaC adam.
Biker clothing, part of RMF accessories. €19 million.
- Kenny.
Clothing, mostly off-road. €7.3 million.
- GPA.
Helmets. Small €54, 000.
So, there you go. There are litteraly hundreds of companies involved in the motorcycle industry in France.
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