If you've noticed the distinctive roar of the Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine locally, that's no surprise. Thames Valley Harley-Davidson - the dealer that looks after Oxfordshire - registered record sales in 2000, helped by 21 motorcycle sales through its website.

Paul Lewis, former Grand Prix racer and now general manager at Thames Valley Harley-Davidson, said: "We devised a number of innovative marketing and PR campaigns last year, including regular ride-outs to the Hard Rock Caf in London. But the real winner has been the website.

"We sold 21 bikes as a result. One customer had his bike delivered and we never met him. It was a complete virtual purchase."

The dealership's best-selling motorcycle in 2000 was the Fat Boy (14 per cent of sales), no doubt helped by its Best Custom/Cruiser award from Motor Cycle News. Second was the Sportster 883 cc (13 per cent of sales), which is Harley's entry-level bike at 4,995.

Nationally, the marque registered a third successive record year with sales of 2,892 (up 12 per cent). The UK motorcycle market in total was up four per cent, with 121,908 motorcycles sold.

But Paul said: "We plan to develop www.thamesvalleyharley.com even more this year and, with the launch of Buell motorcycles (Harley-Davidson's sister performance brand) soon, we expect 2001 to be another record."

Thames Valley Harley-Davidson is based in Altwood Road, Maidenhead.

**ROYAL Enfield, the longest-running production motorcycle in the world, has a new web site in the UK.

The site www.royal-enfield.com contains information on all current UK specification models, including the perennial Bullet 350 and 500.

Also featured are limited-edition models such as the Army Bullet and 500-S Clubmans, as well as the classic trials-styled 350-T, due for launch this spring.

UK distributor Watsonian-Squire, based in Moreton-in-the-Marsh, can even supply you with ready-to-ride outfits and offer a test drive. Call 01386 700907 for a free colour brochure.