AN OIL worker died instantly when he came off his powerful motorcycle after it hit a kerb on the central reservation of the Dorset Way dual carriageway at more than 80mph.

An inquest at Bournemouth heard that 37-year-old technician Scott MacGregor was on his way to start a night shift at BP's Wytch Farm installation when the accident happened at 6pm on March 30.

The father-of-one had only passed his motorcycle test in August and was riding his 1300cc Suzuki GSX Hayabusa, which had a top speed of 189mph.

His widow Janet MacGregor, of Herbert Avenue, Poole, said: "He bought it for its size, not the power."

Friend Michael McVitie, who helped Mr MacGregor learn to ride, said his cornering had been poor, but he was improving.

A few weeks before the crash, he had undertaken a line of cars on the A338. "I was furious. I had a heated discussion with him afterwards."

On the day of the accident, Mr McVitie met up with Mr MacGregor and colleague James Hope. Mr McVitie was driving his car, but the other two rode their motorcycles.

As they approached the Fleetsbridge slip road, Mr MacGregor and Mr Hope overtook the car. Mr McVitie saw what looked like a cloud of smoke 300-400 yards in front.

"I thought a bike had blown up... I stopped, ran forward and realised it was Scott."

Mr Hope told police his friend had hit the kerb.

District coroner Sheriff Payne recorded a verdict of accidental death.