Mert Lawwill, a five-time Hall of Famer, has passed away in his home state of Idaho while surrounded by family and friends. He was 85 years old.
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Lawwill, one of seven children, made a major impact on the motorcycle racing after first being introduced to that world by older brother Roy. He became a factory rider for Harley-Davidson in the mid-1960s, and he won the 1969 AMA Grand National Championship. He also won AMA Most Popular Rider of the Year.
The Idaho native — and longtime San Francisco 49ers fan — accumulated 15 AMA Grand National victories during his Hall of Fame riding career.
Lawwill had competed for many years before he received a unique opportunity. Filmmaker Bruce Brown asked him to be a part of a documentary about motorcycle racing, On Any Sunday. He accepted and took part in this project also featuring Steve McQueen, Dave Aldana, and Mark Brelsford.
Mert Lawwill (Harley Davidson KR750) Daytona 1969 pic.twitter.com/LvcmtgpTE0
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The Idaho native did not simply race motorcycles. He also made an impact on motorcycle racing by developing his own chassis, which set the standard during the 1970s and 1980s.
He also moved into the world of mountain biking and pushed that sport into a new era with his builds. He particularly developed a four-bar suspension system that benefited such companies as Yeti Cycles and Schwinn. His work earned him induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.
The longtime racer and builder also drew inspiration from former teammate Chris Draayer, who lost an arm in a racing accident. Lawwill used his skills to develop "Mert's Hands," a device that snapped onto handlebars and helped amputees ride motorcycles and bicycles again.
According to Cloverdale Funeral Home, he is survived by his son, Joe Lawwill; his daughter, Marcella Lawwill; his stepsons, Rick, Mike, and Tim Suchomel; three grandchildren; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, June.
