More than 100,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders celebrated the bike's birthday in Milwaukee, the machine's home.

Harley convoys converged for the party

Bikers from as far away as Japan, Brazil and Australia roared into Milwaukee for a giant celebration for a giant motorcycle.

Riders formed five convoys last week from different parts of the United States to converge on the city.

Spectators in Milwaukee standing five-deep on overpasses and pavements held up signs reading 'Welcome home' and 'Ride loud ride proud'.

Roads shake

Local girl Rosalind Elliot, 12, said: "People from all over the world, here in our home town! I've never seen so many bikes in my whole life."

The combined power of their engines shook overpasses as they snaked along Interstate 90/94 from the county stadium to Milwaukee's main lakefront park.

Where ever I lay my helmet ... a biker takes a rest

The parade was led by Harley executives, Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, who rode one of the local police department's Harleys. Celebrities included US talk show host Jay Leno, himself a Harley fanatic.

Mr Leno said: "I rode in the 90th anniversary, plan to ride in the 100th, and the 200th will really be something."

With their distinctive handlebars, Harleys - nickname Hogs - have acquired cult status among bike fans.

But despite its rebel-without-a-cause image research shows the average Harley owner is in his 40s with an income of about $68,000 (�41,600). In Milwaukee one buyer in seven is a woman.

Waiting lists for new bikes can be as long as two years with the company only manufacturing 132,000 machines a year.

The international love affair with Harley was emphasised last week when the new Indonesian President BJ Habibie said he was looking forward to indulging in his Harley passion when he retires.