I gather the clutch would not be easy to service, then. I seem to remember the occasional degenerate making it move off from stationary by using the clutch, which probably had maintenance-intensive effects. Note the square-topped tyre, which is very unbicycle-like (makes it awkward to go around corners) but was probably essential mechanically. I wonder if that long shaft from the engine to the flywheel was subject to resonant torsional oscillation problems - my guess would be yes, unless it was at least 3/4" diameter.
And the less said about the cantilevered crankshaft the better. That kind of thing wasn't at all respectable back then (standards have deteriorated since). Plus the engine has no cooling fins on the cylinder head, which is the place you need them most. Overall, it could well be a French design, as you say.
