I never met Kevin Ash (frequently, American journalists and European journalists occupy separate “waves” at press launches), but he had a sterling reputation among the motorcycle press. The 53 year old British correspondent for The Daily Telegraph succumbed to injuries sustained yesterday in South Africa while testing the new BMW R1200GS with other journalists.
Mr. Ash was a test rider for British publication MCN before moving over to the Telegraph roughly 15 years ago. We understand he is survived by his wife and three daughters. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. You might be interested in reading a short article in remembrance of Mr. Ash written by one of his colleagues at The Telegraph here.
What a tragedy. Kevin Ash was one of the finest motorcycle journalists out there, and his website offered unbiased reviews and created stimulating dialogue. I loyally read his website. The motorcycle community is losing so much—but that’s nothing compared to the loss that his family has to endure.
Caroline Ash, you and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences to his family and co-workers
I’ve read a lot of Mr. Ash’s articles, reviews and editorials. Very eloquent, and seemed like he would be a genuinely nice bloke in the flesh as well. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Such a loss to the motorcycling genre. R.I.P Kevin Ash.
I understand that BMW and the Daily Telegraph are not giving out further information about his accident in order to respect the privacy of his remaining family during this period of grief, but does anyone know if this involved another vehicle, or was it just rider error or a malfunction of some sort? We don’t even know whether it was on public roads or closed circuit testing. Like John states in the opening comment, there’s nothing scarier than an expert dying on a motorcycle. Puts things in perspective for the rest of us.
I hope you good folks @ MD will post details as and when you get them.
From what I have gathered so far, it happened off road, on a straight gravel road and another rider went down (suspected humerus or shoulder fracture). Don’t know more at this stage…
Ninou
BIG bike. Lots of power. Dirt road. Physics. Like my friend’s Harley Road King on pavement, get it a bit off line and it was OFF line. Wonderful machines, the both of them, but having crashed several bicycles and motorcycles in my day, when it starts going over, or something gets in the way, that was it. – Really liked Kevin’s writing a lot. He had a fresh, honest, personal perspective to his reviews. He loved his work. Doing what he loved. Gave up the “safe” office life years ago. He was a giant amongst collegues, family and friends. – Neil Peart has ridden a GS well over 300,000 miles all around the world as the drummer for the band RUSH and in his free time. Tried and true machine. RIP Kevin.
There’s nothing more scary to me that a total expert dying on a motorcycle.
What a terrible way to launch a new motorcycle.
ironically, though not during a press launch or anything, a similiar freak accident like this occured when the original 12GS arrived back in ’04. it resulted in the fatality of a dealer principle. RIP K. Ash, RIP L. Cann.
Kevin was the best. Great rider, awesome journalist and the nicest guy.
RIP Kevin.
Kevin is someone I’d hoped to meet. Perhaps in a different place.
Godspeed.
My sincerest condolences to Kevin’s family. I always respected his opinions and will miss him as a resource.
To the rest of us, the lesson is to keep in mind when street riding job #1 is never crash. Ride within a wide margin of safety. There are constant intrusions and unexpected events that can make that margin “just enough.” I’m not saying Kevin didn’t do this, but motorcycle riding may be unforgiving when the unintended happens.
R.I.P., Kevin Ash.
My condolencess to his wife, children too.
I quit riding dirt bikes because I always came back home hurt while trying to get the most I could from the bikes. Been riding 50 years on street bikes and until recently hardly been hurt on them.
RIP my condolences to his loved ones
What a shame. Was just reading one of Kevin’s reviews yesterday. dangerous thing sometimes riding these 2 wheelers.
RIP Kevin