Motorcycle racer, dealer, and sponsor Devin Battley died December 3rd after an illness. He was 75 years old.
Over the years, Battley raced in AMA Pro, WERA and CCS events. Besides racing, Battley owned and operated Battley Cycles in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The shop sold Harley-Davidson and BMW motorcycles for 30 years before Battley sold it in 2018.
One of Battley’s claims to fame was taking Erik Buell with him on a 1987 Harley-Davidson dealer-incentive cruise. On the cruise ship, Battley convinced Harley-Davidson executives to commit to ordering enough motorcycles to make it possible for Erik Buell to launch the Buell Motorcycle Company.
Among others, Battley sponsored young Ukrainian racer Nick Kalinin in Red Bull Rookies Cup; Supersport300, a support class running with the Superbike World Championship; and other events. Battley was a frequent visitor to Ukraine, owned property there, and sponsored several Ukrainians who legally immigrated to the United States. He even adopted a family of three–parents and a young daughter who were admitted into the U.S. and moved into Battley’s large house in Maryland.
Battley also sold (and arranged shipment) of several high-end motorcycles to the King of Jordan and other royals.
Godspeed, Devin Battley.
(Additional information will be posted when and if it becomes available.)
