What's on the Tank?: Motorcycle Badges and Marques

The world of motorcycling is split like many parts of the world of motoring enthusiasm by the identity of its members' vehicles. As with motor cars, every motorcycle make is identified by a specific marque name and badge, the origins of which are both wide-ranging and fascinating.

Some makes remain well known, such as Triumph (a name chosen to be easily recognisable in every language) and Harley Davidson (named after the company's founders), while other marques have been swallowed up by hist...