Retiree nabbed for 145 mph superbike ride

German cops pulled over a biker for speeding at 145mph (234 kph) and were shocked to find he was a 68-year-old retiree.

Stunned lawmen expected they were on the tail of a young speed freak as they raced after the leather-clad figure on the A 555 highway near Cologne in western Germany.

But when they finally caught up with him and demanded he remove his helmet, they discovered they were dealing with a rather more mature offender, the German daily said.

The biker - dubbed "Cologne's fastest retiree" - was riding a Suzuki Hayabusa, which is the world's fastest production bike and is capable of speeds of up to 198 mph.

The retiree was banned from driving for several months and was fined €680 ($939), Bild said.