Billy Lane

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Billy Lane

Born February 6, 1970
Miami, Florida
Nationality American
Alma mater Florida State University
Florida International University
Known for Being an actor, and motorcycle mogul

William David (Billy) Lane (born February 6, 1970 in Miami, Florida) builds custom motorcycles (choppers) and is the owner of Choppers Inc. in Melbourne, Florida. He has become well known due to his appearances in numerous shows on the Discovery Channel, mainly Biker Build-Off. He holds seven US patents on motorcycle parts and accessories. Lane has authored two books, an autobiography, Billy Lane's Chop Fiction: It's not a Motorcycle, Baby, It's a Chopper (2004, Motorbooks International) and Billy Lane's How to Build Old School Choppers, Bobbers And Customs (2005, Motorbooks International). Lane also holds an Associate in Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University as well as a Bachelor in Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University, graduating in 1997.

Contents

[edit] September 2006 Florida Accident

ChoppersInc Logo
ChoppersInc Logo

On September 5, 2006, Billy Lane, driving a promotional 2006 Dodge Ram on Florida Route A1A, crossed a double yellow line to pass two cars -- striking head-on the 1983 Yamaha scooter ridden by 56-year old Gerald Morelock, traveling in the oncoming lane. Morelock suffered extensive injuries during the collision with the vehicle driven by Lane and was pronounced dead at the scene.[1] Lane turned himself in Monday, September 25th in connection with the accident and faces charges that include driving under influence and manslaughter. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) spokeswoman, Kim Miller said Lane’s blood alcohol level was .192 when the accident occurred. The legal limit in Florida is 0.08.[2] The family of victim has filed a lawsuit against Lane and DaimlerChrysler.[3] Billy Lane entered a plea of "not guilty" the day he was officially charged with the second-degree felony.[4] The incident has polarized the biker community, with some motorcyclists calling for stiffer penalties because he is a biker, as well as other motorcyclists calling for leniency because he is a biker.[5]

Lane's lawyers are currently attempting to get Lane's blood evidence excluded from the case. Prosecutors contend that Lane's blood alcohol limit should be admissable but defense attorneys believe poor handling of the samples by police may have led to contamination and created a false high alcohol level[6]. On Jan. 18 2008 a Brevard County judge will hear the defense’s request to send Lane’s blood samples to Colorado for testing during a motion hearing[7].


In June 2006, Lane had been arrested by the North Carolina Highway Patrol and charged with drunk driving. He was eventually found to be not guilty.[8]

Closures at his shop, Choppers, Inc., around the time of his arrests were merely coincidental. Choppers, Inc.'s retail location has been upgraded to better accommodate walk-in traffic. The closures were due to this upgrade.[9]

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Patents

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gallop, J.D (2006-09-11). Chopper builder hurt in fatal crash.
  2. ^ Gallop, J.D (2006-09-25). Billy Lane faces charges in fatal crash.
  3. ^ Torres, John (2006-10-06). Bike-builder Lane faces lawsuit.
  4. ^ Discovery Channel Star Pleads Not Guilty In Biker's Death (2006-10-20).
  5. ^ Billy Lane Crash Coverage (2006-09-09).
  6. ^ Lawyers want Billy Lane's blood tested in Colorado.
  7. ^ Lawyers want Billy Lane's blood tested in Colorado.
  8. ^ Moore, Kimberly (2006-10-06). Biker cleared in N.C. case.
  9. ^ Newbern, Michael (2006-09-28). Business as Usual at Choppers Inc.

[edit] External links

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Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off
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Kevin Alsop • Mitch Bergeron • Roger Bourget • Mike Brown • Gypsy Charro • Chica • Jerry Covington • Scotty Cox • Detroit Brothers • Rick Fairless • Ron Finch • Cole Foster • Roger Goldammer • Eric Gorges • Jason Hart • Matt Hotch • Indian Larry • Kendall Johnson • Jason Kangas • Shinya Kimura • Brian Klock • Billy Lane • Larry Linkogle • Mike Long • Scott Long • Joe Martin • Mike Metzger • Russell Mitchell • Mondo • Arlen Ness • Cory Ness • Dave Perewitz • Ell Pitts • Harold Pontarelli • Michael Prugh • Mike Pugliese • Jesse Rooke • Roland Sands • Kim Suter • Ivy Tosclair • Trevelene • Eddie Trotta • Warren Vesely • Marcus Walz • Craig Whitford • Paul Yaffee • Hank Young
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