The Complete History of S&S

The Complete History of S&S Engines

The Birth of a Legacy (1958)

S&S Cycle was founded in 1958 by George J. Smith and Stanley Stankos in Blue Island, Illinois. Initially, the company focused on producing high-performance pushrods for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These pushrods were designed to improve engine efficiency and durability, making them a popular aftermarket upgrade.

Soon after its founding, Marjorie Smith, George’s wife, bought out Stanley Stankos, and the company transitioned from Smith & Stankos to Smith & Smith. This marked the beginning of a family-driven business that would revolutionize the V-twin performance industry.

Expansion and Innovation (1960s–1980s)

During the 1960s and 1970s, S&S Cycle introduced stroker flywheels, larger carburetors, and stronger connecting rods, allowing Harley-Davidson engines to achieve greater displacement and power. The iconic teardrop air cleaner cover became a recognizable symbol of S&S performance.

By the early 1980s, S&S had developed big bore cylinders and pistons, further enhancing the power output of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The company also introduced high-performance carburetors, such as the Super B, Super E, and Super G, which became staples in the motorcycle community.

Becoming an Engine Manufacturer (1990s)

By the early 1990s, S&S had developed enough components to assemble complete V-twin engines, marking a shift from being just a parts manufacturer to a full-fledged engine builder. The introduction of Long Block Engines allowed custom motorcycle builders to bypass long wait times for Harley-Davidson bikes and opt for S&S-powered custom builds.

During this period, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were becoming increasingly popular, leading to long wait times for new bikes—sometimes up to 18 to 24 months. This demand created an opportunity for custom motorcycle manufacturers, who turned to S&S for high-performance engines. As a result, S&S became the go-to engine supplier for many custom bike builders.

S&S Engines in Indian Motorcycles (1999–2003)

S&S engines played a significant role in Indian Motorcycles during the Gilroy era (1999–2003). When the Gilroy-based Indian Motorcycle Company revived the brand, they initially relied on S&S engines for their Chief and Scout models.

The S&S 88ci engine was commonly found in 1999 Indian Chiefs, praised for its reliability and performance. However, after 2002, Indian Motorcycles moved away from S&S engines and introduced the PowerPlus 100 engine, which unfortunately had a high failure rate. The shift away from S&S engines contributed to some of the company’s challenges during this period.

Innovation and Modernization (2000s–Present)

S&S Cycle continued to innovate, introducing high-performance engines such as the X-Wedge, which featured a 56° cylinder angle instead of the traditional 45° V-twin design. This engine was adopted by Confederate Motorcycle and even found its way into the Morgan three-wheeler.

The company also became the first motorcycle engine manufacturer to produce pre-certified EPA-compliant engines, reducing the burden of emissions testing for custom builders. This was a significant milestone, as it allowed motorcycle enthusiasts to build custom bikes without worrying about complex emissions regulations.

In 2007, S&S purchased the Flathead Power (FHP) brand, which specialized in vintage motorcycle engines. This acquisition allowed S&S to expand its offerings to include classic engine designs, catering to enthusiasts who wanted to restore or build vintage-style motorcycles.

Today, S&S Cycle remains a leader in V-twin performance, offering bolt-in replacements, racing engines, and custom configurations. The company continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle engineering, ensuring that riders have access to high-performance, reliable engines.

The Legacy Continues

From its humble beginnings as a pushrod manufacturer to becoming a dominant force in V-twin performance, S&S Cycle has cemented its place in motorcycle history. Whether you're a racer, custom builder, or Harley enthusiast, S&S engines continue to deliver power, reliability, and innovation.