A motorcycle crash near Tamworth on Saturday has left a man with life-threatening injuries.

A 44-year-old man was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in a group of friends on Topdale Road, Niangala, about 4pm on Saturday

About 2km east of Niangala Road, the rider allegedly failed to negotiate a right hand bend and the motorcycle left the road.

Police have been told the motorbike travelled about 100 metres along the road shoulder before the rider hit low hanging branches and came off his bike, sliding across the road.

Emergency services attended the scene and took the rider to Tamworth Base Hospital in a critical but stable condition with a ruptured spleen. His injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, pleaded for motorcyclists to ensure they are fully rested before embarking on a ride.

“If riders feel fatigued for any reason, I encourage them to pull over and rest at least every two hours and then continue their journey,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“So far this year, 17 motorcycle riders have lost their lives on NSW roads. While this is down from 22 at the same time last year, it’s a clear message that riders need to take extra care when setting out on a long distance ride. 

“There is nothing more upsetting for other riders in the group than to see a friend come off their bike with serious injuries or worse,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.