Mert Lawwill Obituary; AMA Grand National Champion, Motorcycle Icon, and Suspension Pioneer Has Passed Away at 85

The motorcycle and mountain biking worlds are mourning the loss of Mert Lawwill, legendary racer, innovator, and cultural icon, who has passed away at the age of 85 in his home state of Idaho, surrounded by family and close friends. His death marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to speed, creativity, engineering, and a relentless passion for two wheels.

Mert Lawwill was far more than a champion rider. He was a pioneer whose influence stretched across generations of motorcycle racers, mountain bike enthusiasts, engineers, and adaptive athletes. Known worldwide as the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion and star of the iconic film On Any Sunday, Lawwill built a legacy that forever changed both motorcycle racing and bicycle technology.

Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Mert grew up in a hardworking and artistic family as one of seven children. The son of a house painter and a schoolteacher, he quickly developed an independent spirit and a gift for mechanical creativity. Friends and family often recalled how even as a young boy, he constantly searched for ways to turn ordinary moments into adventures. That rebellious ingenuity eventually found its perfect outlet when his older brother introduced him to motorcycles—a moment that would shape the rest of his life.

From local dirt tracks in Idaho to the national stage, Lawwill rose through the ranks with determination, skill, and a riding style that became legendary. Alongside lifelong friends and fellow racers, he immersed himself in the racing world before eventually becoming a factory rider for Harley-Davidson during one of the most competitive eras in American motorcycle history.

With support from Dudley Perkins in San Francisco, Mert pursued racing full-time and soon became one of the sport’s most respected competitors. His crowning achievement came in 1969 when he captured the AMA Grand National Championship, cementing his place among the all-time greats of American motorcycle racing. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and unmatched mechanical instincts, Lawwill was respected not only as a rider but also as a brilliant innovator who constantly worked to improve racing technology.

His fame expanded beyond racing circles through his unforgettable appearance in Bruce Brown’s landmark documentary On Any Sunday. The film introduced Lawwill to audiences around the globe and helped define motorcycle culture for generations. His authenticity, quiet confidence, and deep love for riding made him one of the film’s most admired personalities, creating a lasting connection between Mert and motorcycle fans worldwide.

Following his racing career, Mert Lawwill once again changed the future of two-wheel sports—this time in the mountain biking industry. Long before mountain bikes became mainstream, Lawwill was already experimenting with advanced bicycle design and suspension systems. In 1977, he produced one of the world’s earliest production mountain bikes, the PRO CRUISER, helping lay the groundwork for the future of the sport.

His innovative mind led to the creation of a patented four-bar suspension system that would later be adopted by major cycling brands including Yeti Cycles and Schwinn. He also developed the groundbreaking Lawwill Leader suspension fork, innovations that transformed modern mountain bike performance and influenced generations of bicycle engineering.

Yet despite his championships, inventions, and hall of fame honors, those closest to Mert say his proudest accomplishment came through helping others ride again. Inspired by his close friend Chris Draayer, who lost an arm in a racing accident but remained determined to continue riding, Mert designed a prosthetic device known as “Mert’s Hands.” The invention allowed amputee riders to maintain safe control of a motorcycle while still being able to release during a fall, opening doors for countless adaptive athletes around the world.

Friends, family, and fellow riders remember Mert Lawwill not only for his achievements but for the person he was—creative, humble, fiercely independent, and endlessly supportive of others. His son, Joe Lawwill, reflected on the deep admiration people held for his father while also remembering him as a constant source of encouragement and support throughout his own life and racing career.

Mert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June Lawwill.

He is survived by his son Joe Lawwill; daughter Marcella Lawwill; stepsons Rick, Mike, and Tim Suchomel; three grandchildren; extended family members; and an enormous global community of racers, riders, engineers, and fans inspired by his remarkable life and enduring legacy.

As tributes continue pouring in from across the motorcycle and cycling communities, many are reflecting on the immense impact Mert Lawwill had on motorsports, engineering, and the lives of those fortunate enough to know him personally. His legacy will continue every time a rider lines up at a dirt track, every time a mountain bike suspension absorbs a rough trail, and every time an adaptive athlete finds freedom on two wheels again.

Funeral arrangements and details regarding a celebration of life memorial service will be announced by the family at a later date.

Disclaimer: Official obituary, funeral arrangements, and memorial details will be shared by the Lawwill family once finalized. Information provided here is for general informational purposes only.

Mert Lawwill’s life was one of innovation, courage, freedom, and passion. Though he has passed away, his influence on the world of motorcycles and mountain biking will endure for generations to come.

May Mert Lawwill rest in peace.