Monday, October 8, 2007 3:13 am

‘Legendary rider’ Norick Abe dies in motorbike, truck collision

Norifumi “Norick” Abe, one of Japan’s most successful motorcycle road racers, collided with a truck while riding a motorbike in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, and died from the resulting injuries after having been taken to hospital Sunday afternoon, the Asahi Shimbun reports. Abe was 32 years old.

Local police say the collision occurred on a four-lane municipal road, when the driver of the truck made an illegal U-turn, colliding with Abe who was closing in on the truck from behind on its righ-hand side.

The truck driver told police he realized he had mistakenly taken the wrong way, and tried to get back on track.

Norifumi Abe was born to the auto racer Mitsuo Abe, and sat on a bike for the first time when he was 5. After finishing elementary school, he spent two years in the United States, perfecting his skills. Abe made his world championship debut in 1994 as a wild card at the Japanese Grand Prix, and won his first Grand Prix title 1996. He would conquer the title twice more, in 1999 and in 2000.

Abe, who was also known as Norrick Abe in the English-speaking world and as “the legendary rider” in Japan, had many fans in Japan as well as worldwide.

Related posts

 2 middle school girls hit by truck, killed
 Yakuza pair arrested for ramming truck into sumo stable
 ‘Trivia no Izumi’ narrator Shinji Nakae dies at 72
 Ishiba to punish some 80 deputies over collision, scandals
 Defense Ministry admits MSDF at fault for destroyer’s collision with fishing boat

Japan News Review
© All rights reserved

133 responses to “‘Legendary rider’ Norick Abe dies in motorbike, truck collision”

Norifumi Abe muore in un incidente stradale, Oct 08 at 4:05 am :

[…] Giappone purtroppo ci giunge una notizia drammatica. Norick Abe, pilota che ha corso negli ultimi 10 anni […]

RIFLEMAN, Oct 08 at 4:15 am :

A damn shame. Nothing more to say. GodSpeed Norifumi

Ray Von, Oct 08 at 4:39 am :

Terrible news, Norick was an exciting rider and always seemed to enjoy his racing. He was ever popular in europe and will be sadly missed, condolences to his family & friends.

bjorn (holland), Oct 08 at 4:43 am :

RIp norick:(

fran, Oct 08 at 4:49 am :

terrible news, Abe was a fast rider, another “blind driver”…?

Moke, Oct 08 at 4:57 am :

The grand prix world has suffered a real loss!

Moke, Oct 08 at 4:58 am :

Anyone remember the 1994 grandprix round 11?

Skinny, Oct 08 at 5:39 am :

RIP Norick. A damn waste.

Marcio, Oct 08 at 5:40 am :

Terrible notice. He was a great pilot. A great loss for grand prix

Henrik (Denmark), Oct 08 at 5:51 am :

NO! I cannot believe it! This is just so unfair and this really makes me sad. Great rider, who rode like the devil. Condolences to his relatives. Rest in Peace Norrick :’(

Paride, Oct 08 at 6:15 am :

Addio Norick, flat out in motorcycle paradise.

Barry Miller, England, Oct 08 at 6:31 am :

I am really Sad to hear this bad news, RIP Norrick

Andrew, Oct 08 at 6:44 am :

Hurts hear another rider down RIP makes me want to not ride anymore.

Daniel, Oct 08 at 7:12 am :

i wish his family all the strength they need to get through this. it’s really a shame that somebody so talented had to leave so early.

Jim Taylor - USA, Oct 08 at 7:23 am :

I am very saddened to hear this terrible news. My heart goes out to his friends and family. RIP Norrick

pascui- spain, Oct 08 at 7:28 am :

rip Norick.great pilot and better person

djjames, Oct 08 at 7:31 am :

RIP Nori i strech my respect for a friend who past away one of japan’s best racer we will miss you. we will burn out for you at the race trax …….

Gene- Minnesota, USA, Oct 08 at 7:54 am :

A terrible lose, for the entire motorcycle world. RIP

Mike -Tucson,AZ,USA, Oct 08 at 10:19 am :

Very sad to hear. These mistakes happen too often and as we see even the best of riders are no match for the bad judgement of others around us.

motogeisha - California, Oct 08 at 10:21 am :

Godspeed, Nori - our hearts are heavy…

Netherlands Antilles, Oct 08 at 11:49 am :

Very sad notice. Always a great and fast rider. Condolences to his Family and friends. RIP ABE, I will burn some rubber in your name at the track, coz i know you always loved racing.

DooMEX Malaysia, Oct 08 at 12:15 pm :

I am very saddened to hear this terrible news. RIP Norifume Abe ..

AAA, Oct 08 at 1:23 pm :

RIP..Norick…

JAY DENVER,CO USA, Oct 08 at 2:01 pm :

VERY SAD DAY FOR ME & MOTO RACE FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD. I WILL NEVER FORGET ATTENDING & WATCHING NORICK & DAIJIRO CHASE DOWN THE NEW 4-STROKES AT THE 2002 FRENCH GRANDPRIX. THESE 2 CHAMPIONS & CHILDHOOD FRIENDS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS

Selamat Jalan Norifumi Abe « Final Destination..the next step, Oct 08 at 2:28 pm :

[…] ‘Norick’ Abe..ternyata telah tiada pada hari Minggu, 7 Oktober 2007 karena kecelakaan motor yang […]

Anonymous, Oct 08 at 2:30 pm :

RIP Norick-san! I’m so sad!

rully, Oct 08 at 3:47 pm :

rest in peace Norrick! i’ll always remember you as a rider that too tall for his bike…!

david, Oct 08 at 3:48 pm :

RIP Norifumi YOU WILL BE REMEMEBERD FOR THE JOY YOU BROUGHT INTO OUR LIFES AS YOUR FANS. (Another death caused by a non thinking driver)

Lucandrea (Italy), Oct 08 at 4:06 pm :

Norifumi-san we’ll miss you a lot.Now I know you are racing on haven’s track..RIP! You’ll be a Winner 4ever!

Mimix (Italy), Oct 08 at 4:22 pm :

Riposa in pace Norick…

rene' 9ball champ, Oct 08 at 4:24 pm :

SO SAD !!

Daniel - Switzerland, Oct 08 at 5:06 pm :

It makes me feel very bad to hear that one of the greatest rider died - it’s hard to believe this tragedy… My deepest condolence to the family! RIP Norick-san

Elmacker, Oct 08 at 5:39 pm :

So so sad, its unbelievable. My sincer condolences to his family and friends. He has the best riding style I have ever seen. Rest in peace.

Chiel (Holland), Oct 08 at 6:12 pm :

Yeah, remember 1994 GP debut. Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan never knew what hit them…

macca, Oct 08 at 7:21 pm :

Another talent left…RIP

ayoama, Oct 08 at 7:46 pm :

RIP Norick

Lee (England), Oct 08 at 8:19 pm :

Such a shame, Motorcycle racing has lost a great rider. RIP Norick

Judd, Oct 08 at 9:25 pm :

so so sad enjoy the many Philip Island’s in heaven!

Reg, Oct 08 at 9:36 pm :

Thanks Norick, good bye.

japan, Oct 08 at 9:53 pm :

oh my god

Ben, Oct 08 at 10:24 pm :

RIP YZR Pilot : (

Eric Caprin_Indonesia, Oct 08 at 10:25 pm :

So sad to hear that.. Stupid truck driver!

Annika; from Holland, Oct 08 at 10:25 pm :

I wish the family of Abe-san all the best in this difficult time. Take care.

ossie england, Oct 08 at 11:07 pm :

great exciting rider,crazy hair!god bless Norick.

L'Maxou19, Oct 08 at 11:46 pm :

That’s really sad. I’ll always remember him

Stephen, from the USA, Oct 09 at 12:33 am :

All the strength to Norick’s family in this time of need. The motorcycling community is with you all , and saddened by this great loss to us all.

J.Sylvester, Oct 09 at 1:16 am :

I’m so very sorry that Norifumi is gone but I am happy that I was able to witness his passion and joy for a sport both he and I love.

martijn, Oct 09 at 1:34 am :

very sad news rip Norick

Lampion31 - France, Oct 09 at 1:58 am :

Terrible! So sad news and great loss! rest in Peace Norick. :((((( You ll stay a legendary BIG Rider through the eyes of competitors.

jr wong, Oct 09 at 2:34 am :

RIP Norick. Your fans in Malaysia will miss you.

Brian Porpealia - Vancouver Canada, Oct 09 at 2:52 am :

Norifumi san, you will be missed by everyone in the world of motorcycle racing. Your spirit lives in all of us and we are thankful for what you contributed and shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Danny, Oct 09 at 3:03 am :

Have a save journey, Norrick. W’ll never forget you!!!

ＪＰ, Oct 09 at 3:52 am :

nori.. why dead? nori————-

mladen, Oct 09 at 3:55 am :

good bye Norick , Fan from Slowenia

Lolly, England, Oct 09 at 4:26 am :

Such a sad day.Motorcycle racing has lost one of the most exciting riders of his time,such a character.A tragic way to go just like the late great Mike Hailwood,Colin Mcrae and TT legend Steve Hislop amongst others. RIP Nori.x

Paul, England, Oct 09 at 4:46 am :

Terrible news, gone before your time. Thanks for the memories. Condolances to Norifumi’s family, words will never be enough…

Pipe Dream, Oct 09 at 4:50 am :

That’s just wrong and unjust!!!!! Where’s the time machine when you need it? RIP Nori, you will be sorely missed!!!

almir croatia, Oct 09 at 5:10 am :

great driver,RIP

Paco (firefox) Gran Canaria, Oct 09 at 6:40 am :

My heart goes out to his friends and family. RIP Norick

Blackbird Owners (territorio del pajaro negro) España, Oct 09 at 6:45 am :

Our heart goes out to his friends and family. RIP Norick

edd, Oct 09 at 7:37 am :

gutted! abe had real bollocks! RIP cool dude

adib, Oct 09 at 9:16 am :

RIP….NORIFUMI ABE

Arry-Indonesia, Oct 09 at 9:36 am :

RIP Norick Abe.

Gianba, Oct 09 at 11:23 am :

NITRONORY FOREVER!!!

James L., Oct 09 at 11:45 am :

GodSpeed Abe-san. You will live on in our hearts and minds. Our prayers are with you and your Family.

Arr0n, Oct 09 at 12:16 pm :

R.I.P Abe! You’re a good motogp rider and we will remember you.

juan davila san jose california, Oct 09 at 12:57 pm :

Your long hair flowing in the wind, was iconic in the world of motorcycle racing and life itself, RIP Norick, we will miss you.

Lunk, Oct 09 at 2:07 pm :

in my heart you are always one of my idol it just rip my heart to hear that news rest in peace Norifumi san

agus nugroho, Oct 09 at 2:13 pm :

one more a great rider pass away…..:(:(:(:( Outstanding for KINGU SUZUKA fans from Indonesia

Markus B., Oct 09 at 2:34 pm :

Norick was a great rider and it is so sad that he had to die so young. Condolences to his family. He was very popular here in germany. Rest in Peace Norifumi !!!

Ahmad Nadzri Ahamd Suri-Malaysia, Oct 09 at 4:03 pm :

Sayonara Norrick

Anonymous, Oct 09 at 4:53 pm :

Goodbye .may god take care of you.

ultraman13, Oct 09 at 4:57 pm :

Abe Your stay in my memories.

Hugo Ovalle (Spain), Oct 09 at 5:02 pm :

I didn’t still belive… I’m completly sure that u are in our riders\ motorcyclist’s heaven. Two wheels family from Spain sends their condolences to Norick’s family. Descanse en paz.

Fuxifumi (Germany), Oct 09 at 5:23 pm :

Will never forget you, legendary Norick.

awe, Oct 09 at 5:45 pm :

norick was a great rider ever.

johann (indonesia), Oct 09 at 6:30 pm :

great rider, with superb skill.. i’m one of his biggest fan..

fazzer, Oct 09 at 6:42 pm :

u are indeed a great racer!!rest in peace Norick…

gnimmy(italy), Oct 09 at 7:26 pm :

bye norik, ride with katoh in heaven

Kevin - Australia, Oct 09 at 7:41 pm :

A legend that I admired for his style speed grace and pose. To be taken in such a way at such a young age. RIP Abe san

Daniele (Italy), Oct 09 at 7:59 pm :

And yet again, wondrous drivers are taken due to the incompetence of brainless road users. Thanks for everything, Norifumi. You made our hearts feel what beating was like. Thank you. I still can’t believe it.

Jaume, Oct 09 at 8:34 pm :

RIP Norick. I’ll always remenber you and your wins Condolences to his family and friends Descansa en pau

Andy-Yamaha, Oct 09 at 9:16 pm :

What a great loss! World motor avid, MotoGP fans will suffer your leaving and mark your name on every track you have been race through…Condolence to Abe-san’s relatives and family…take care…

Roberto (Tokio), Oct 09 at 11:10 pm :

RIP Abe san ,we won’t forget you

maca liverpool uk, Oct 09 at 11:16 pm :

what a fast rider may god take care of you r i p norick

Stu Holloway UK, Oct 10 at 2:17 am :

I remember Abe swearing by mistake on live TV after winning a race back in 2000, how i laughed as did everyone else…RIP

Ed, Oct 10 at 2:59 am :

Did he have a wife? Children? So sad. Such a loss. May he rest in peace.

Mira J. Czech Republic, Oct 10 at 4:07 am :

Have a save journey.Norick…Good bye

Krassi Delfinski, Oct 10 at 4:07 am :

From all Bulgarian fans: “Rest In Peace Norifumi San”

Mira Jab. Louny Czech Republic, Oct 10 at 4:10 am :

My heart goes out to his friends and family. RIP Norick.Goodbye .may god take care of you.

Rich, Cradiff, Wales, UK, Oct 10 at 4:20 am :

God speed, Norrick san. Such a sad loss to his family and to motorcycling. He was a true racer and had such style. A Japanese hero who mill be sorely missed.

Zoe, England, Oct 10 at 7:34 am :

Always a smiling face that will be greatly missed

Fajar, Oct 10 at 10:17 am :

RIP, Abe~san…

King Brutal - Malaysia, Oct 10 at 11:23 am :

Shocking and a truly sad news. Abe-san… thank you for all the wonderful moments you brought us when you were riding, those memories will always be treasured forever. To his family, my deepest condolonce and heartfelt thank you for giving us Nori to share all this while. RIP my brother.

matz, Oct 10 at 12:47 pm :

bye norick, greats from germany

wharoko-malaysia, Oct 10 at 12:49 pm :

My deepest sympathy to his family. Norrick was exceptional. His performance on the track was truly inspiring. It was a real shocker to hear about his sad passing. A big loss for the motorcycle racing community. Will always be remembered as long haired rider with great skills. RIP.

R-1 Steve- Modesto, CA. USA, Oct 10 at 1:23 pm :

Godspeed, Norrick

kei, Oct 10 at 2:15 pm :

sayounara, abe-san, mata kondo aimashou.. even if you don’t have much win title, i always enjoy how you ride the bike, it gives much inspiration..

Cici, Oct 10 at 2:48 pm :

Will always fondly remember you Norick. Rest In Peace.

KRISTINA, Oct 10 at 6:40 pm :

I love you, Norick! REST IN PEACE!

Roel, Oct 10 at 9:58 pm :

Absolutely brilliant rider who will be sorely missed. RIP Norrick

eddy (INA), Oct 10 at 10:52 pm :

U looks good in theree rick…Ur Legend Rick…GBU

mike guess england, Oct 10 at 11:43 pm :

RIP good bye you go and race with the other legends. STUPID TRUCK DRIVER.

Freeman, Oct 11 at 3:23 am :

I was a boy and I saw him on his first race at 500cc making sparks with the footholders….. No words to describe this loss.

chris uk, Oct 11 at 5:43 am :

one of the best 500 riders Ive ever seen .gone to soon .god be with your family

Julie L Australia, Oct 11 at 10:32 am :

I will always remember his long hair and scarf flowing behind his helmet. God be with you.

Lee(Malaysia), Oct 11 at 1:47 pm :

What a bad news. ABE… You’re always a hero in my mind and heart. You are my legend on 1994 and always. God be with you. ABE SAN,SAYONARA MY HERO.

Christian / Germany, Oct 11 at 2:12 pm :

A great rider / RIP Norick My deepest condolences to his family.

garfield.scotland, Oct 11 at 5:50 pm :

what a loss to all his family and freinds,and to the racing world.rip norick,always remembered never forgotten

Mr mobk5/Singapore, Oct 11 at 11:00 pm :

it is hard for me to accept his death.I still feel like crying when i remember Abe san. U r a great rider whom i admired . I reali like your riding style. May god be with you. RIP my Norick Abe san.

Gambrell(TOKYO), Oct 12 at 6:49 am :

My condolences..,never will their be such an exciting rider. RIP

fabysp2, Oct 12 at 6:23 pm :

Je n’arrive pas à croire que tu nous aies quitté Norick! Tu es un pilote que j’admire beaucoup,je prend souvent de tes nouvelles sur ton superbe site web! C’est la première fois pour moi que je suis aussi triste de voir partir un pilote moto,bien que ce ne soit jamais facile!! Tu es un grand homme sur et en dehors des circuits,et c’est ce qui fait que j’ai du mal à te laisser partir! C’est toujours les plus gentils qui nous quitte trop vite! Que ça fait mal de savoir que tu ne sois plus là! Je ne t’oublirai jamais,condoléances à toutes ta famille!!

Johan (INDIA), Oct 12 at 6:26 pm :

Rest in Peace Abe San my Deepest condolences to his family

pursang/Austria, Oct 13 at 1:58 am :

Farewell in Bikers Heaven,Norick! I am always remember me on the fantastical Races from you in the 500 cc and in SBK ! REST IN PEACE,NORICK!

ian (england), Oct 13 at 3:10 am :

What can i say sad sad times you were one of the best and a nice guy i cry for you and your family you can now meet up with Kato-san for the big race in the sky we will never forget you. Rest In Peace Abe-San.

darryl (australia), Oct 13 at 1:34 pm :

abe san-please rest in peace-i am saddened by this great loss of a wonderful person- my deppest condolences to your family — rest in peace abe san

Renn B. (Australia), Oct 13 at 6:52 pm :

I was so saddened when I heard this news. He was such a great rider and a lovely person. I feel privileged to have met and chatted with him on the few occasions that I did and I still value highly the autograph that he gave me on one of those occasions. I also have a beautiful Shoei “Norick” replica helmet and wearing it will never be the same. I would also like to pass on my deepest condolences to his family and all others involved. You were an inspiration and you will not be forgotten. Good luck and my best wishes for you on your new journey. Sayonara Norifumi Goodbye and R.I.P.

stan, Oct 13 at 10:56 pm :

Tiger leave with it’s stripes, Norifumi leave with his name. RIP, NORICK SAN

Nena,SLOVENIA, Oct 13 at 11:22 pm :

We always remeber you.RIP ABE!!!

Juan Larronde, Argentina, Oct 13 at 11:58 pm :

Ride a cloud, pass closely to others in heaven´s roads, wave to the stands, and be with God. No one dies if remains in others memories. See you, Norifumi-san.

victorio, indonedia, Oct 14 at 3:22 am :

norick is my hero…like him so much on his bike !!! very sad for the world to lost a great man like him… deepest condolences from me & all norick fans from indonesia…to his family & friends !!! we miss him !!! RIP & godspeed norick abe !!!

paul, Oct 14 at 6:56 am :

shocked and devestated, RIP Nori

Napster/uk, Oct 14 at 7:41 am :

Legends never die they live on in our memories forever…. r.i.p. Nori

Mark - Australia, Oct 14 at 12:22 pm :

To be remembered through the ages, you must have first lived a life worth living,- I Belive Norick Abe had it in spades…, I will never forget you norick san!! you are still my hero and always will be!, God be with you and your Family,freinds and fans. RIP Norick Abe

lars, Denmark, Oct 14 at 1:43 pm :

RIP Abe Norifumi

Jakob (Danish) Bangladesh, Oct 14 at 3:03 pm :

What a sad story! Norick; you lived flat out and you left this world the same way! I hope you find peace now!

Andy, San Franciso, USA, Oct 14 at 5:21 pm :

Total shock! I don’t know what to say. Rode like a devil on two wheels….no one knew what hit them when you first showed up at the scene back in ‘94. I wasn’t a big motoGP fan until you came along. Thanks for the memories. You are irreplaceable and will be missed.

Alan-Australia,oct 15 at 5;15, Oct 15 at 4:45 pm :

so sad to hear the news of your death,i saw you ride quite a few times and thought you were great,rest in peace friend.

Henri, South Africa, Oct 15 at 6:01 pm :

This is tragic news indeed. My condolences to those who survive him, his family and friends.

François, Oct 15 at 11:08 pm :

Always riding with style, cool rider, nice guy, very sad..

Angelo, Los Angeles USA, Oct 16 at 8:27 am :

Godspeed Abe.

David, Australia, Oct 16 at 10:18 am :

The motorcycling world will be in shock with this loss, Abe was always there giving it his best, this is a historic loss. RIP

Jose, Oct 16 at 12:09 pm :

Norick you will always be rememberd as one of the greatest riders in this sport. You did things that many of us will never do. You lived your life the way you wanted to. We will miss you!