Faulty Harley-Davidson may have led to man’s unexpected death while out riding in Derwent Valley

A Derwent Valley man died unexpectedly in hospital last November after a crash on a faulty Harley-Davidson. Here’s what the coroner found.

A Derwent Valley man died after a crash on a faulty Harley-Davidson.

A Derwent Valley man died unexpectedly in hospital last November after a crash on a faulty Harley-Davidson.

In her newly-published findings, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Lance Royal Smith, 62, had purchased an unregistered Harley with several mechanical defects, and that it was not compliant with requirements for registration.

On November 4 last year, three months after the purchase, he took the motorbike out for what was meant to be a “test drive”.

But while riding on Plenty Valley Road, Glenfern, Mr Smith failed to negotiate a right-hand corner, likely travelling at a speed of 100km/h or more, and went over an embankment.

Mr Smith fell from the Harley and was helped by a passing motorist.

He was conscious and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital, with bleeding surrounding the brain, lung and heart injuries, multiple rib fractures and spine fractures.

Ms McTaggart said despite treatment and normal recovery over the coming week, Mr Smith died unexpectedly in hospital on November 12.

A forensic pathologist found he had been suffering advanced heart disease, which ultimately caused his death in hospital.

However, Ms McTaggart said it was unlikely he would have died from his heart disease had it not been for the motorcycle crash.

She noted the speed at which he was travelling, the faulty condition of the motorbike and the fact he’d consumed cannabis before riding as possible contributors to the crash.

Ms McTaggart also said the care and treatment he’d received in hospital was of a good standard.

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