KULA, Maui — A 44-year-old Kula man was critically injured about 8:30 last night when he lost control of the motorcycle he was operating on Omaopio Road approximately 2.7 miles west of Kula Highway, Maui police investigators said.

The rider was heading east on Omaopio Road on a 1978 Harley Davidson when he lost control of the motorcycle and was thrown from it, police said.

The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, received life-threatening injuries, police said.

Speed and alcohol or drugs may be contributing factors in the case, police said.