We're sad to report that well known motorcyclist Don Tilley, 78 has died in an accident Friday night on the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 394. His wife Robinette is in the hospital in critical condition. The couple was returning from the HD dealer meeting in Nashville. Tilley was the owner of Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville and according to a report in Dealer News, was "perhaps best known for the championships he earned as tuner of Lucifer’s Hammer, an ex-factory Harley-Davidson XR1000, that Gene Church rode to three consecutive AMA Battle of the Twins Championships in the mid-1980s."
Tilley was also well known in the NASCAR community. Kyle Petty wrote on Twitter, “God speed, @don_tilley. Don taught me how to ride long distance, love Harleys & most importantly how to be a friend.”
15 comments
Rest in pease.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Don , He was well known in the biker community, We here @ American Legion Riders Post 252 Williamstown Nj Send Our Condolences & Prayers to the Tilley Family & Our Prayers go Out To Mrs Tilley God Speed
Special harley wings for you,,,join up with the open arms of fallen American Legion Riders,,,
My son was recentlykilled in a motorcycle accident in ayia napa(he was british working over there)James Haggerty He collected his fiance mariel from the airport.they had a tragic road accident and now mariel who was on the back of the bike is in a coma in her home town of malmoa in sweden.My heart goes out to you. So sad geoff haggerty ( james dad )
Ride in peace with all the other riders there. Healing thoughts for Robinette and hopes for a speedy recovery.