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S&S Cycle Engines: A Comprehensive Guide

S&S Cycle engines are V-twin engines that are commonly used to replace or upgrade stock Harley-Davidson engines. S&S stands for George Smith & Stanley Stankos, the founders of the company in 1958. Based out of Wisconsin, S&S Cycle has become one of the most trusted names in V-twin performance engines.

 

There are several reasons why S&S Cycle engines have become a popular engine of choice:

  • Increased horsepower and torque over stock engines
  • Better performance for racing, drag racing, and stunts
  • More customization and engine configuration options
  • Engine reliability with proper maintenance
  • Bolt-in replacement for many Harley-Davidson models
 
S&S Cycle produces different engine types including – Evolution, Sidewinder, SuperSidewinder, X-Wedge, Panhead, Shovelhead, and Twin Cam engines. Read on to learn more about the S&S Cycle family and how to choose the right engine for your motorcycle.

Key Takeaways

Key PointsDetails
Popular ChoiceS&S Cycle engines are a preferred option for Harley-Davidson upgrades due to increased horsepower and torque.
Diverse OptionsThe engine lineup includes Evolution, Sidewinder, SuperSidewinder, X-Wedge, Panhead, Shovelhead, and Twin Cam Engines.
History & LegacyFounded in 1958, S&S Cycle has a rich history, evolving from producing high-performance pushrods to complete engines.
Performance AdvantagesS&S engines boast impressive specs, offering high horsepower, torque, and customization options.
Reliability FocusDespite the power, S&S engines maintain reliability through quality materials, manufacturing, and rigorous testing.
Applications & UsageWidely used in racing, drag bikes, stunting, and custom choppers, S&S engines cater to diverse motorcycle enthusiasts.
Maintenance GuidelinesFollowing recommended maintenance, including oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections, is crucial for engine longevity.
User SatisfactionEnthusiasts praise S&S engines for delivering exceptional power, reliability, and performance in various riding scenarios.

History of S&S Cycle

 

S&S Cycle was founded in 1958 by George Smith and Stanley Stankos in Blue Island, Illinois. The company began by producing high-performance pushrods for flathead V-twin engines. When Harley-Davidson introduced the Evolution engine in 1984, S&S focused its efforts on making performance parts for the new Evo V-twin.

In 1990, S&S released its first complete V-twin engine, the 1200cc Shovelhead. The first S&S engine designed from scratch was the 98 cubic inch Sidewinder introduced in 1993. Through the 1990s and 2000s, S&S continued expanding its engine line with new offerings like the X-Wedge, SuperSidewinder, and Twin Cam engines.

Today, S&S produces some of the largest displacement air-cooled V-twin engines on the market up to 140 cubic inches. The company is still family-owned and proudly manufactures its engines and components at its Wisconsin headquarters.

S&S Cycle Engine Types

 

S&S Cycle offers a wide range of V-twin engine options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular S&S engine types:

Panhead

Engines

 
  • Designed to replace vintage Harley-Davidson Panhead engines
  • Old-school look with modern performance and reliability
  • Available in 93 cubic inch displacement.
  • Perfect for custom bike builds needing more power

Shovelhead

Engines

 
  • Designed to replace vintage Harley-Davidson Shovel engines
  • Old-school look with modern performance and reliability
  • Available in 93 cubic inch displacement.
  • Perfect for custom bike builds needing more power

Evo SuperSidewinder Engines

  • Available in displacements from 96 to 124 cubic inches
  • The main S&S replacement for Harley-Davidson Evolution engines
  • Puts out up to 150 horsepower and massive torque
  •  Made for those looking to push the performance envelope

Twin Cam

Engines

  • Available in 111ci, 124ci or 143ci
  • Engines are protected by super tough powder coat finishes
  • These engines produce huge power & torque
  • With different compression ratios available you can choose one to suit your riding style

BENEFITS OF S&S CYCLE ENGINES
There are many great reasons to choose an S&S Cycle engine for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle:

Increased Horsepower & Torque

S&S engines deliver significant horsepower and torque gains over a stock Harley engine. Depending on the engine, you can get 80+ horsepower out of the box. Larger engines like the 131ci SuperSidewinder put out over 150 hp.


Bolt-In Replacements

Many S&S engines are designed as bolt-in replacements for the stock Evo and Twin Cam engines. This makes the swap much simpler compared to designing a whole custom engine setup.


Reliability

While aftermarket engines are often seen as less reliable, S&S engines are robustly made with quality components for excellent durability. With proper maintenance, an S&S Engine can last longer than as a stock engine, as they are engineered to withstand more power.

Customization

There are many options for customizing S&S engines including displacement, compression ratio, cams, cylinders, pistons, heads, and much more. Work with your engine builder to design the perfect setup.

 

Performance Applications

With their high-performance specs, S&S Cycle engines excel in applications like racing, drag bikes, stunting, and more.

 

Improved Airflow

S&S heads like the Super Stock feature better ports and airflow so the larger engines can breathe better at high RPMs. This results in better efficiency.

 

 

S&S Engine Applications

S&S V-twin engines are commonly used as replacements or upgrades for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Here are some of the most popular uses and applications:

Racing & Competition

 

With their performance-driven designs, S&S engines are ideal for motorcycle racing like flat track, road racing, land speed racing, and drag racing. More power and torque gives a strong advantage on the track.

Drag Bikes

 

Drag bikes require immense power and acceleration off the line. Large displacement S&S engines like the SuperSidewinder excel in this application, allowing drag bikes to shred quarter-mile times.

Stunting

 

S&S engines provide the ideal performance for bike stunting and wheelies. The abundance of low-end torque lets riders power up onto one wheel more easily for sustained wheelies.

 

Custom Choppers

 

S&S engines are commonly found powering flashy custom choppers. Their polished cases and heads look beautiful in custom frames. And they provide plenty of power to match the custom attitude.

 

S&S Engine Performance Specs

 

The wide range of S&S engine configurations allows for some seriously impressive performance specs. Here’s an overview of some of the key performance numbers:

 

  • Horsepower: From 75 hp for smaller builds up to 155+ hp for the maxed-out 131ci SuperSidewinder
  • Torque: Up to 155 ft-lbs of torque depending on the exact engine setup
  • Displacement: Available from 88 cubic inches up to 131 cubic inches
  • Compression Ratio: Total compression ratios ranging from 8:1 up to 11:1
  • Cylinders: Twin-cylinder design provides the iconic V-twin rumble
  • Cams: High-performance cams with options for more lift, duration, and overlap
  • Heads: S&S Super Stock heads for improved airflow and cylinder fill
  • Pistons: Forged pistons built for high cylinder pressures and RPMs
  • Crankshaft: Forged and heat-treated crankshafts for high horsepower applications

     

Properly built S&S engines can handle RPMs over 7,000 allowing for maximum power output. With custom tuning and the right setup, S&S engines can put down seriously competitive performance numbers.

S&S Engine Reliability

While aftermarket engines are sometimes considered less reliable than stock engines, S&S V-twins are robustly engineered for long-lasting durability. Here are some of the factors that contribute to S&S engine reliability:

Quality Materials

S&S uses high-grade metals for components like forged crankshafts, cylinders, and pistons that can handle high pressures and heat. This improves strength and resilience.

Precise Manufacturing

With state-of-the-art manufacturing at their Wisconsin facility, S&S engines are machined and assembled to precise tolerances for reduced wear.

Rigorous Testing

Extensive dyno and real-world testing ensures S&S engines perform reliably in demanding operating conditions. Any issues are identified prior to production.

Proper Maintenance

Like any engine, following the maintenance schedule and guidelines in your S&S owner’s manual is crucial for longevity. This includes tune-ups, oil changes, and regular inspections.

Experienced Builders

Having an experienced engine builder handle any performance build or installation work helps ensure your S&S engine sees maximum reliability.

Upgrade Internals

For high-performance builds, using upgraded internal parts like forged rods and pistons increases strength for reliability under extreme stress.

When properly maintained and paired with high-quality components, S&S V-twin engines offer incredible reliability even with all their added power and torque. Many S&S engines log over 100,000 miles on Street Glide models and other Harley tourers.

S&S Engine Maintenance
To get the most life and performance out of your S&S engine, follow these key maintenance recommendations:

Oil Changes

  • Change engine oil at recommended intervals, typically every 5,000 miles depending on the use
  • Use high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oil designed for air-cooled V-twins
  • Inspect the oil filter and drain plug gasket during changes

     

Tune-Ups

  • Perform tune-ups every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually
  • Check and adjust valve clearances to specification
  • Clean air filter element and inspect all filters (fuel, oil, transmission)
  • Replace spark plugs with recommended heat range plugs

     

Compression Checks

  • Test cylinder compression annually to check engine health
  • Look for compression values within 10% across both cylinders
  • Low compression can indicate worn piston rings or leaking valves

Inspect Mounts

  • Check engine mounts for cracking or deterioration from vibration
  • Replace deteriorated mounts to reduce the risk of cracking from excessive engine movement

Chain Maintenance

  • Clean and lube drive chain and sprockets
  • Check chain slack and alignment frequently
  • Replace worn chain and sprockets to avoid drivetrain damage

Review Owner’s Manual

  • Consult the S&S owner’s manual for model-specific guidelines
  • Follow all break-in procedures for new or rebuilt engines

Regular maintenance keeps your S&S running smoothly and prevents minor issues from becoming major problems down the road. Work with your dealer or engine builder for service and support.

S&S Engine Reviews

 

S&S engines have earned a sterling reputation for quality, performance, and reliability from motorcycle enthusiasts. Here’s what riders have to say about these venerable V-twin powerplants:

 

“I installed a 111ci S&S Twin Cam in my Dyna street bob and it completely transformed the bike. Tons more power across the whole RPM range.” – Brad R.

 

“I’ve logged over 50,000 hard miles on an S&S 113” stroker Evo engine without a single issue. These things are built rock solid.” – Jimmy R.

 

“I went with an S&S 96 ci Panhead style engine for my retro-style custom bobber build. It looks old school but has modern power and reliability.” – Chris W.

 

“The 131 ci SuperSidewinder in my drag bike has run 9-second quarter miles with a best ET of 9.82 @ 144 mph. It’s an absolute beast!” – Gary S.

 

The consensus among riders is that S&S engines deliver incredible power and performance gains without compromising on durability. When treated right, they can log hundreds of thousands of trouble-free miles.

Conclusion


With their race-driven pedigree, S&S Cycle engines offer unmatched performance and power for V-twin motorcycles. From old-school Panheads to the extreme 131ci SuperSidewinder, S&S produces proven engine packages to suit any rider’s needs.

Their bolt-in simplicity combined with impressive reliability makes an S&S engine an appealing upgrade for both weekend warriors and professional racers alike. If you’re looking to extract more horses, torque, and excitement out of your Harley-Davidson, S&S has the engine to get you there.

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