S&S Cycle
US motorcycle parts manufacturer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
S&S Cycle is an American motorcycle engine and parts engineer and manufacturer. The company was founded in 1958 by George J. Smith and Stanley Stankos in Blue Island, Illinois.[1] The company started by selling high performance pushrods for Harley-Davidson motorcycles,[2] and today they still make parts for a variety of V-Twin bikes. The company's current president is Paul Skarie.[3][4]
| |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 |
| Founder | George J. Smith and Stanley Stankos |
| Headquarters | Viola, Wisconsin |
Key people | George J. Smith, Marjorie Smith, Stanley Stankos |
| Products | Motorcycle engines |
| Website | www.sscycle.com |
History
Soon after the formation of S&S, George's wife, Marjorie, bought out Stanley Stankos and Smith & Stankos became Smith & Smith.[5] In 1969, the company moved from Blue Island to establish a new headquarters in Viola, Wisconsin. S&S still operates at this location, but opened an additional facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 2004.[6]
In July 2007 S&S purchased the Flathead Power (FHP) brand name and intellectual property (trademarks, patents and designs) along with the remaining inventory of parts and tooling and is continuing the vintage brand;[7] the brand was resold in 2014 to the original owner.[citation needed]
In June 2008, the company held its 50th anniversary celebration in La Crosse. Over 28,000 motorcycle enthusiasts attended the celebration, according to the La Crosse Tribune.
Copying controversy
S&S attracted controversy in 2005 when Harley-Davidson filed a patent and trademark infringement lawsuit against the company along with fellow aftermarket engine manufacturer Delkron, Inc. Harley accused S&S and Delkron of copying parts for Twin Cam engines and using Harley trademarks without permission. S&S argued that the suit was without any legal basis, and asserted that "a mutually beneficial relationship existed" between them and Harley.[8]
Engine technology
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S&S Cycle develops performance replacement engines for V-twin motorcycles, most of which are replacement engines for Harley-Davidson models and are manufactured in the United States. In addition, S&S Cycle developed their own proprietary pushrod V-twin engine, dubbed the X-Wedge that features a 56° cylinder angle instead of the 45° angle used in Harley-Davidson V-twin engines, and which was developed with the custom motorcycle builder (OEM) in mind. The X-Wedge is the basis for the engine from a number of high end motorcycle manufacturers such as Confederate Motorcycle. The X-Wedge recently found a different kind of application, having been chosen to be the power plant utilized by Morgan Motor company, based in Worcestershire, England, for their development of the Morgan 3 wheeled car.
S&S was the first motorcycle engine manufacturer to produce pre-certified United States Environmental Protection Agency compliant engines,[9] lifting the burden and cost of performing the complicated EPA testing procedures from the companies and enthusiasts who buy S&S engines. The company also produces TÜV certified engines,[10] and has even succeeded in complying with California's emissions requirements.[11] S&S and V-Twin Manufacturing are the only motorcycle companies in the world to manufacture Knucklehead, Shovelhead, Panhead, Evolution-style engines and Twin-cam style engines. S&S manufactures the largest (143 cu in (2,340 cc)) engine to fit a stock Harley-Davidson frame.