Four Generations of Service: How S&S Cycle Honors Its Military Roots with American-Made Performance
Cycle Source Magazine has always had a deep respect for companies that not only make killer products but also represent the true grit and backbone of America. S&S Cycle is one of those rare gems, rooted in the heartland and steeped in values that scream Made in the USA. From their founder George J. Smith, a WWII Army veteran, to the generations of Smiths who’ve followed in his footsteps—both in military service and in building top-notch performance parts—this is a company with red, white, and blue running through its veins. Their dedication to country, community, and motorcycles is second to none, and we’re damn proud to shine a spotlight on them.
[November 21, 2024 Viola, WI] — The military roots of S&S Cycle go back longer than
the company itself. Founder George J. Smith was a proud WWII Army Veteran who, like
many, formed a love of performance motorcycles. That dedication to both performance
and country has been passed on through the four generations of the company.
George’s son Ken Smith followed in his footsteps, and he also served in the Army. Grandson
Brett Smith served at Fort Bragg after graduating from Westpoint. The fourth generation
of the Smith family service members include Ryan Smith, a proud service member and
West Point graduate Evan Smith, now stationed at Fort Bliss after a tour in Korea and
Jackson Scaletta is a cadet at the Air Force Academy.
The pride of serving the country extends throughout the entire company, as nearly every
department at S&S Cycle has proud servicemen and women are producing proven
performance parts.
Why do we share this long history of service? Not only is the crew at S&S Cycle very
proud of supporting the country with American-made performance, but they also support
those who serve this country. S&S Cycle is excited to announce that, through a
partnership with the verification services of ID.me, we will now be offering a special
discount to all members of our military community, both active duty and retired, as well
as our first responders. This discount is available on our website www.sscycle.com,
where you will find the link to establish or verify your ID.me account on checkout. We
thank you for your service and want to show respect by offering this program.
About S&S Cycle:
For over 65 years, S&S Cycle has been the leading manufacturer of Proven Performance motorcycle
components, engines, and exhaust. George Smith and Stanley Stankos founded the company in 1958 in Blue Island, Illinois. Shortly after the founding of S&S, George and his wife Marjorie (whose maiden name was also Smith) bought out Stanley, and Smith & Stankos became Smith & Smith (S&S). In 1969, S&S moved from Blue Island to Viola, Wisconsin, and expanded to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 2004. The
technology has changed, but one thing remains: S&S Cycle is dedicated to delivering the ultimate
customer experience in the powersports industry through proven performance.
For further information, please visit www.SSCycle.com
