Police attempted to stop a motorbike on King Street in Hamilton, around 4km from Newcastle’s CBD, about 7pm as it didn’t have number plates.
The motorbike allegedly did not stop and a pursuit commenced, police said.
Police followed the motorcyclist as it travelled south on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, before the male rider came off the bike.
Witnesses reported that the motorbike was travelling at high speed before losing control, 9News understands.
The rider, a man aged in his 20s, was treated by paramedics however he died at the scene.
Police have established a crime scene and a critical incident team from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will investigate the incident.
The investigation will also be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.