6 Facts About Billy Lane Choppers

William David Lane, founder of Choppers Inc, is renowned for his contributions to motorcycle culture and his controversial past. This article explores six key facts about his life and career.

William David Lane is the owner of Choppers Inc, born on February 6th, 1970, in Miami, Florida. He is a prominent motorcycle builder and the owner of Choppers in Melbourne, Florida. Lane is known for his involvement in a tragic drunk-driving incident that led to the death of another biker in 2006. He was convicted in 2009.

Billy Lane gained fame through his appearances on the Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-off" show. He authored two books: "Billy Lane’s Chop Fiction: It is not a Motorcycle, Baby, It’s a Chopper," published in 2004, and "Billy Lane’s How to Build Bobbers, Old School Choppers, and Customs," published in 2005. Lane earned an Associate’s Degree from the University of Florida and a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University in 1997.

Drunk-driving Fatal Crash in September 2006

On September 5th, 2006, while promoting a 2006 Dodge Ram on Route A1A in Florida, Lane crossed a double yellow line to overtake two cars, striking 56-year-old Gerald Morelock, a park ranger. Morelock, who was riding a 1983 Yamaha bike, died at the scene due to the collision.

Billy Lane turned himself in on September 21st in connection to the crash. He was charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence, with his blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. The family of Gerald Morelock filed a lawsuit against Chrysler and Lane. Billy Lane entered a not guilty plea on the day of his legal charge.

In 2009, Lane was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison, three years of supervised probation, and a lifetime revocation of his driver’s license. He was imprisoned at Avon Park Work Camp (APWC1) with an expected release date of October 20th, 2014. Lane was released from the Orlando Transition Center (OTC) on September 18th, 2014.

In June 2006, Lane was arrested by the North Carolina Highway Patrol for drunk-driving. He refused a breathalyzer test, resulting in his license being revoked in North Carolina. Lane was also barred from driving in Florida at the time of the fatal crash.