Coroner blasts bike dealer over full power motorcycle sale

A STAFFORDSHIRE bike dealer has come under fire from a coroner for selling a full power motorcycle to a man with a restricted licence, who was later involved in a fatal bike smash.

Gareth Bowen, 20, from Meir, was killed on the A518 The Dove Way, Uttoxeter, on July 2. Mr Bowen bought the Suzuki Bandit from DK Motorcycles, but the bike had not been fitted with a power restrictor, as ordered. It's understood Mr Bowen only held a licence to ride a restricted machine, reports the Sentinel newspaper.

Earlier this week, an inquest at Cannock Coroner's Court heard Mr Bowen died after losing control of his motorbike when an overtaking manoeuvre went wrong. Mr Bowen's uncle, John Brindley, said: "The bike should not have left the premises. We have written to trading standards about it."

The Police have spoken to DK Motorcycles, but say no crime had been committed.

Mr Haig, South Staffordshire coroner, recording a verdict of accidental death, said:

"I propose writing to DK Motorcycles to seek some assurances it will not sell motorbikes to people without a restrictor. That would appear to be poor practice."

A Trading Standards spokesman said: "Under the Road Traffic Act there is no offence selling a motorcycle without a restrictor fitted. The offence is driving not in accordance with the driver's licence – driving without a restrictor."