Vehicle fell onto U.S. 41, Highway Patrol says
A 28-year-old Venice man who riding a motorcycle north on the sidewalk on the east side of U.S. 41 was killed early in the morning of Friday, Aug. 14, when he was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and it fell onto the road, the Florida Highway Patrol has reported.
The victim, who was pronounced deceased at a hospital, was not identified in a Highway Patrol (FHP) news release.
The incident occurred at 1:40 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 and East Baffin Drive, the release added.
The motorcycle was a 2008 Honda CRF, the release noted.
Baffin Drive is east of Caspersen Beach and the South Venice Yacht Club, a map shows.
The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit was continuing to investigate the crash when the news release was published, the release said.
A Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office alert issued at 3:10 a.m. on Aug. 14 reported that the agency was assisting the FHP at the accident scene, with U.S. 41 at Baffin Drive shut down for all northbound travel lanes.
At 5:07 a.m., Lt. Sean Brophy of the Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory noting that all northbound lanes were open.
In a 2013 online review, Motorcyclist reported, “The 2008 Honda CRF is an excellent option for new, young bikers. The CRF combines easy to use power with a firm suspension for a fun ride. Its strong and robust engine delivers smooth power that is controlled by the three-speed manual transmission with automatic clutch. The bike is a decent enough choice for adults too, since its adjustable throttle limiter allows the rider to tailor the necessary power according to skill level.”
That review added, “The 2008 Honda CRF is one of the more popular and successful dirt bikes used in track racing, especially at the lower engine ranges.”
The curb weight of the 2008 Honda CRF is 49.9 pounds, Motorcyclist says. The wheelbase is 36 inches, it adds.