Probably the second most important thing for a motorcyclist these days after their bike is, their computer!

For those who disagree, form a disorderly queue and start typing on your keyboard in response.

For those that agree and cannot do with a daily fixed of motorcycling internet surfing, head over to www.belfastbikers.co.uk. and register and introduce yourself to the recently launched local “Belfast Bikers” forum dedicated to local bikers in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Already with a core of dedicated posters, Belfast Bikers aim is to provide a platform for bike enthusiasts to talk about bikes, share advice on buying, selling or fixing bikes.

Belfast bikers has also teamed up with a number of sponsors allowing you to get special discounts on a range of bike products as well as all the latest news about upcoming bike events.

The original concept behind the site was to create a central point in order to produce a simple yet effective link between all bikers and bike services in the area.

The "bolted on" forum is the backbone of the site enabling the area’s two-wheeled community to share experiences and make friends with people who share the same passion.

The forum has a dedicated section aptly named "Biker Watchdog" which Belfast Bikers says, “Is there to identify just who is giving great service and of course, who isn't!”

Apart from General Bike Talk and Chit Chat topics there are, real write ups by Belfast’s own riders, tips on servicing and repairs, Ride Outs, Events, Meets dates and information and a whole lot more.

Belfast Bikers are always looking for new members, so hopefully this point in their direction will see the forum grow and we wish Belfast Bikers all the success for the future.

www.belfastbikers.co.uk

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the full reopening of the legendary North Circular Road premises in 2001, Ace Cafe London will form an integral part of the new and exciting event held on the weekend of 25th & 26th June, at the Circuit Carole, Paris.

The Ace Cafe London Ace Corner display stand and presence will include merchandise, the launch of the new Ace Times book about the cafe and its history, the T3 Racing built Ace 904S Thruxton Special motorcycle, rock n' roll stage and, for the first time in France, is to feature a Rockers Cafe !

This all new, Paris based, Iron Bikers event is about having fun and enjoyment on two wheels, including track rides, test rides on new models, special guests and is dedicated to all who love classic motorcycles, from the 1950s through to the 1980s, showcasing race bikes, specials, collectors machines, replicas and cafe racers.

www.ironbikers.fr

At the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is North Yorkshire’s 1st purpose built Motorcycle Cafe. Located in the converted Manor Farm Courtyard in Bellerby, near Leyburn.

Surrounded by beautiful unspoilt scenery, on what are also some of the best roads in the UK. With ample off street parking in our converted farm courtyard, comfortable warm indoor seating and plenty of outdoor seating, the Manor is the ideal place for bikers to ‘meet and eat’. The menu will be a good mix of traditional British and Continental food, all cooked fresh on the premises with locally sourced ingredients.
 
The Manor Motorcycle Cafe will be opening Easter 2011. Owned and operated by motorcycle owners and enthusiasts.

www.manor-cafe.co.uk

Figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) show that motorcycle and scooters sales are increasing.

The total number of motorcycle, mopeds and scooter sales increased In February by 23% according to the year to date statistics, a real boost to the industry.

Motorcycles saw an even greater increase of 25.8% on the year to date figures with Mopeds increasing by 12.5% .

Many of the motorcycle styles have had a significant burst of growth and the top three styles are; Scooter (50.7%),  Supersport (43.9%) and Naked ( 37.6%) which just topped sales of Sport/ Tourer ( 37.1%).

The manufacturers who are top of the table are Yamaha, Honda and Piaggio. The machine that sold in the highest number in February is the Honda scooter style motorcycle the WW 125 EX2.

Rising costs of car ownership, as fuel prices rise to their highest levels ever and increasing insurance premiums are a huge incentive for people to switch to two wheels, especially for commuters and younger people who are being hit hard by these costs.

Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented " The motorcycle industry has been working hard over the last year to combat the decline in motorcycle sales and expand it's customer base by introducing people to bikes and scooters through the Get On campaign.

"The campaign which is attracting new riders by offering a free one-hour ride with a trainer to anyone over the age of 16years who wants to have a go is really starting to bear fruit".

"The styles of bikes and smaller capacity engine machines that are ideal for entry level riders confirm that those people who have had a go, are taking it onto the next level, by getting fully trained and purchasing their first bike."

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Get On campaign or who wants to book a free session can go to www.geton.co.uk.