Biker busted 101km/h over limit on ‘test ride’

A WINCHELSEA man’s risky test-drive of his newly-repaired motorcycle has proven an “expensive exercise”, according to a Magistrate.
Geelong Magistrate’s Court this week heard that police detected Steven Fenske, 36, of Casboults Rd, at a speed of 161km/h in a 60km/h zone.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kerrie Moroney said Fenske’s reason to police for excess speed was: “I had no idea I was going that fast. I was just going around the block to test the bike”.
Snr Const Moroney said Fenske was speeding along High St, Moolap, between Wattle Park Ave and Moolap Station Rd at 3.50pm on October 4.
The area was mostly industrial but a primary school was nearby, she said.
Fenske failed to produce a driver’s licence but police later found he held current full motorcycle and motor vehicle licenses.
His motorcycle was impounded for 30 days.
Duncan Ferguson, for Fenske, said his client “got a bit carried away” but was only speeding on that section of road.
“He didn’t realise it was a 60 zone. It’s an industrial area, so he thought it would be 80 or even 100.”
Mr Ferguson said Fenske had purchased the 1994 Fireblade CBR 900 about six or seven years ago but it had been off the road the entire time.
“He purchased it as damaged and it had just been repaired. On that day he took it to the panel beaters’ on a trailer who gave him plates so he could ride for the first time around the block.”
Mr Ferguson submitted that Magistrate Stephen Myall contain Fenske’s licence suspension to 12 months.
“He is in a de facto relationship and they have the care of his partner’s 10-year-old child. His current employment will probably be in jeopardy.”
Mr Myall said exceeding a speed limit by more than 45km/h required “some moderation above 12 months”.
“Given that it’s occurred in an industrial area I’m prepared to moderate that.”
Mr Myall convicted and fined Fenske $750 and ordered a 14-month licence suspension.