Legendary H-D engine tuner dies in bike crash

  • Sep 3, 2014
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Harley-Davidson dealership owner and engine tuner Don Tilley was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. His wife was seriously wounded in the crash

Don Tilley and Robinette Tilley

Don Tilley, a legendary builder and tuner of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and H-D dealer was killed on Friday in a bike accident on the Blue Ridge Parkway.Tilley’s wife Robinette, who was with him on the bike, was seriously injured. The Tilleys owned two Harley-Davidson dealerships in Statesville and Salisbury, North Carolina. According to reports, 78-year-old Tilley and his wife were riding back from a Harley-Davidson dealer meeting when the crash occurred on Blue Ridge Parkway. The Tilleys’ bike was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

Don Tilley has been racing motorcycles and stock cars for more than 50 years.  His knowledge of tuning engines – for both motorcycles as well as cars – is widely known. The Tilleys opened their first store in 1972 – a humble business in Statesville. They later expanded and opened their first satellite store in Salisbury in 1999. One of the famous quotes attributed to Tilley is his disregard for pure horsepower numbers on the dyno. “Young fellas love those big dyno numbers. But it’s plain for all to see that what gets you to the next corner is averaged horsepower across the rpm range you’re actually in,” Tilley is quoted to have said in one report.

In addition to their booming business, the Tilleys were widely respected and loved for helping sponsor charity events to help people in need, including the Victory Junction Gang. The organization helps provide camping experiences to children who have serious illnesses. The family has asked that all donations and memorials be made to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The Blue Ridge Parkway - where the crash occurred – is a National Parkway noted for its scenic beauty.  The Parkway runs for 775 km through Virginia and North Carolina, mostly along the Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. It is considered one of the best biking roads in the entire United States.

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