|
|
 |
In the Name of the Father
|
|
|
|
|
|
George Smith, the founder of S&S Cycles
David Morris
11/01/2006
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
As he sees it, this advocacy is another facet of his intense focus on the
customer. “We’ve developed proprietary engine designs that will help OE
manufacturers meet new and future restrictions,” Smith notes. “We recognize that
we need to answer the concerns of the non-riding public. Our new quieter exhaust
design was backed by an advertising campaign headlined ‘Sometimes Quiet Is
Better’, promoting a responsible approach to cycle noise.”
The original S&S Cycle research and development bike.
Nevertheless,
S&S makes a big noise in the racing world. “Our commitment to racing is also
a commitment to our roots. It’s where we made our reputation,” Smith observes,
“and where we connect with our base.” An S&S engine was the first V-twin
ever to reach the magic 200 mph mark and, throughout the 1980s and ’90s, S&S
teams set numerous records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Its engines for the
NHRA Championship Drag Racing and All Harley Drag Racing Association series have
had a visible impact and four S&S-powered NHRA Buells have been among the
top qualifiers.
Smith aims for a balance of passion and discipline in his
business, tempering his legacy of history and emotion with analysis and
methodology. “I set goals for us that would make S&S number one in terms of
its business practice in the V-twin industry. We identified three areas as key
to our core business: product expertise, high-performance racing and
industry leadership,” he explains. This also led to the creation of the first
Training andCertification Program and Facility in the V-Twin industry, where
dealers can attend classes and acquire certification in the company’s products.
The plant expansion and optimization of supply chain management have resulted in
production capacity being doubled along with distribution capacity.
 A craftsman assembles an S&S motor by hand. (Click image to enlarge)
Looking
ahead, Smith is preparing S&S for shifts in the marketplace. He is recasting
the identity of the com-pany from the traditional perception of custom engine
builder to a high-performance engineering firm. The company’s potential in the
sportbike segment, he feels, is significant. Smith also alludes to applications
for full-dress touring bikes. “Our new proprietary engine is going to redefine
the V-twin industry” he says. “It will be a powerful, low-vibration,
low-emissions, high-performance powerplant, unlike any pushrod air-cooled V-twin
that we’re aware of.”
“We provide custom builders with an opportunity to
become part of the motorcycle industry mainstream,” Smith adds. “We are the only
engine manufacturer that produces complete service manuals, and provides a full
warranty. We’re also looking at producing clutches, transmissions and exhausts,
and may also answer the demand for quality frames, which will drive our engine
sales. There are additional possibilities in the growing customization of
off-road motorcycles, ATVs and quads.” Smith’s panoramic view also flirts with
automotive, marine and aviation applications. “This strategic development can
take S&S to a whole new level,” he continues. “All of this will have a
positive impact on the value of machines built with our technology and,
logically, on the financing and insurance for motor-cycles by builders who use
S&S components extensively. While keeping our eye firmly on our core
competencies, these can be leveraged in a broader business model. I see us
eventually becoming a total powersports company.”
Staying true to the words
of the founder to “make all bikes go faster,” grandson Brett appears ready to
apply that philosophy in bigger ways—making S&S’s business grow
faster.
www.sscycle.com | 608.627.2080
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
