David rejoins biker clan after accident 20 years ago

Jul 16 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

Son's accident drove invention

ALAN MARTIN formed his innovative motorcycle company after his son was disabled by a skiing accident more than a decade ago.

At 21, his son found his active lifestyle restricted and Mr Martin, 66, immediately set about designing a concept bike that would give him the opportunity to take to the road.

After initial funding from Sir Frank Williams, the principal of the BMW-Williams Formula 1 Team, the company now produces between 45 and 70 specially modified bikes a year. Martin Conquest managing director Graeme McFarlane said: "The aim is just to allow disabled people to use motorbikes. Once we drive costs down, we can start selling them cheaper and offer them to more people."

David Burdus last week presented one of the high-power trikes to two-time Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd, who is also the patron of New Zealand disability charity CatWalk.

The vehicle will make its way to the horse-rider’s native New Zealand where it will tour the country before being auctioned to raise funds for the charity.