Police clock 'suicidal' motorcyclist at 214kmh

The police officer said he initially saw the radar speed gun show 226kmh. Photo / File

Police have described the actions of a motorcyclist who drove at more than 200kmh as "suicidal'' and "unbelievable''.

Senior Constable John Mawhinney, of Tapanui, managed to register the motorcyclist travelling at 214kmh but said he initially saw the radar speed gun show 226kmh.

"At that sort of speed you can't even tell what sort of bike it is.''

The rider was travelling towards Tapanui on State Highway 90, near Waikaka Valley, when he overtook another group of motorcycles about 3pm last Friday.

Snr Const Mawhinney pursued the motorcyclist but gave up the chase when it became clear the rider had no intention of slowing or stopping.

The speed itself signified how much of an idiot the rider was, Snr Const Mawhinney said.

"It's unbelievable.''

Other road users expected everyone to adhere to the speed limit and there was no hope for anyone if they collided head-on at that speed.

"He's obviously a competent rider, if you can travel at that speed, but he's suicidal, in my mind,'' Snr Const Mawhinney said.

It was only a matter of time before he ended up killing himself or someone else.

"I don't know what you can do to get through to these people.''

Snr Const Mawhinney was disappointed in the actions of the rider.

"Over the long weekend there were 11 deaths and it's a miracle he was not one of them,'' he said.