Motorcyclist dies after crashing into tree

Police examine the scene of the bike crash. Photo / Sarah Ivey.

A motorcyclist was fatally injured when his bike hit a tree in suburban Hamilton yesterday.

The man was riding southbound on an unwarranted 750cc Ducati road bike in a 50km/h zone when he left the road and hit the tree in Hamilton East, shortly before 1pm.

It is understood that he suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene.

Waikato police communications manager Andrew McAlley said police were still investigating the cause of the crash. He could not say if alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Several neighbours, one of whom claimed to be the man's cousin, were intoxicated and shouted obscenities at media representatives at the scene.

Waikato's road toll is 16, compared with 21 for the same period last year.

Yesterday's fatality was the first road death in Hamilton City this year.

Meanwhile, police have named a Te Kuiti man killed on Tuesday night in an accident near Pirongia, about 30km southwest of Hamilton.

Anthony Whareroangatapara Marsh, 22, died after the car he was driving failed to take a bend and hit a tree.