A pair of Bradford motorbike enthusiasts and entrepreneurs are hoping to move into the fast lane with the start of a -joint business venture.

David Whitaker and former Isle of Man TT rider Nigel Worthington have joined forces and opened a new one-stop bike shop in Saltaire.

The new business, BFM202, officially opened at the weekend in Saltaire Road, formerly home to dealer Allan Jefferies.

The venture came about after the two men met about three months ago. Mr Whitaker had set-up his own business, 202 Motorcycles. com, which sells new and used motorbikes, after 16 years in the industry.

Mr Worthington started his business, BFM, about three years ago after the former bike rider teamed-up with sidecar racer Peter Hallam. It specialises in the sale of motorbike accessories such as tyres and specialist clothing and has a team of mechanics.

Mr Whitaker, 35, of Wilsden, said it made sense to bring the two businesses together in the new venture. They will have a combined staff of about 12 people and the premises will house a workshop as well as the showroom.

"It is about two separate companies doing what they specialise in while working together for the public," said Mr Whitaker, a motorbike enthusiast since the age of 18.

"When you meet somebody like Nigel then you instantly get the feeling for what their objectives are. He has been successful and is very forward-thinking and we are both really excited about the future.

"We are both fairly young and ambitious and want to bring a bit of excitement back into the industry."

Cathy Kaye, of BFM, said the firm had been set up after Mr Worthington, of Baildon, became frustrated at the high cost of accessories for motorcyclists.

She said: "We hope that this venture will help us build

on what we have already established."