American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 235 February 2019 | Page 20

IN PRAISE OF THE ‘EVO’
t’s hard to believe, but 2019 marks the
35th anniversary of Harley’s introduction
of the 80” ‘Evolution’! Though initially
not universally appreciated, it quickly
became the platform that revolutionized
Harley-Davidson’s finances and corporate
standing and did so much to fuel the
explosion of the market for aftermarket
engines and frames that is thought to have
peaked at around 60,000 custom bikes a
I
year in the USA alone by 2006. By the mid-
1990s, S&S Cycle had introduced a
comprehensive program of stock
replacement and upgrade parts for the
‘EVO’, and when Harley withdrew its crate
motor program in the mid-1990s, S&S
stepped up by introducing its first single
part number complete V-twin engine. S&S
complete engines could be built before, but
by ordering all the components and
EVO
assemblies individually
or as kits. In this first
of a series of ‘Product
Specials’ this year,
AMD pays homage to
the venerable ‘EVO’ with a whistle-stop tour
around a small selection of the current
product lines that S&S has on its books for
the 1984 - 1999 Big Twins …
See also this month’s Comment on page 4.
COMPLETE ENGINES
This is a selection of the complete Evo-style engine packages and finishes that S&S has in its current program of complete engines for 1984
through 1999 Big Twins, all with a two-year warranty. Check the S&S website and discuss precise requirements, availability and options,
including finishes, with your distributor or direct with the S&S sales team …
S&S Cycle 60th Anniversary
124” Engine
Perfect for the Evo chassis and with the required deck
height, the S&S Cycle limited edition 60th
Anniversary 124 incher is a thing of beauty, featuring
a brushed nickel finish. “We’ve always wanted to do
a brushed nickel finish,” says S&S President Paul
Langley, “but realized it would be tough to do in
quantity, so the anniversary gave us the ideal
opportunity. We’re only building 60 of these and will
never make them again.” Based on the proven V-
Series platform with a massive 124” displacement,
each Anniversary engine is hand-built and serial-
numbered 1-60, and each includes a matched engine
stand with corresponding serialized plaque. Serious
horsepower-capable, this S&S Cycle 124” engine
also features a long stroke crank, Super G carb and
electric compression release. At the time of writing a
small number remain available ...
http://www.sscycle.com/60thanniversaryengine
V80
The closest in this selection to an entry level complete
engine price point for 1984 - 1999 Big Twins. The
V80 is said to provide a performance solution for
those who don’t want to go “big inch”. With the
20