S&S Cycle has been helping the motorcycle industry navigate emissions testing and certification for nearly two decades, but it is a part of the company many riders and even industry insiders may not know much about.
The S&S Cycle Emissions Lab has been operating since 2007, building on the company’s emissions compliance work that dates back to the 1990s. S&S began obtaining California Air Resources Board Executive Orders for its products in 1994 and had fully compliant engines available by 1998. That experience ultimately led the company to build its own emissions testing facility in Viola, Wisconsin.
A Long-Term Commitment to Emissions Compliance
For S&S, the lab is more than a response to changing regulations. It has become part of the company’s long-term strategy for keeping performance products available in states with strict emissions requirements.
“Irrespective of the ebb and flow of environmental regulation, it is a core competency and strategic imperative for S&S Cycle to remain committed and engaged with emissions testing and certification.”
— Brett Smith, Director and Owner, S&S Cycle
Smith added that the lab has become a reliable source of testing and certification for the motorcycle industry and continues to work with both industry partners and competitors to help bring emissions-compliant products to market.
CARB- and EPA-Recognized Testing
The S&S Emissions Lab is recognized by both CARB and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to perform complete tailpipe emissions testing for motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, along with California evaporative emissions testing.
S&S says the lab has generated more than 110 CARB Executive Orders for its own products and has supported original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket component companies with emissions certification work since 2008.
Services Available Through the S&S Cycle Emissions Lab
- Emissions testing for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, go-karts and trikes
- OEM vehicle emissions testing
- Aftermarket emissions testing
- FTP tailpipe emissions testing
- California evaporative emissions testing
- Consulting for EPA certification and CARB Executive Orders
- Service accumulation using the Durability Driving Schedule
One of the more interesting parts of the program is that S&S also works with other aftermarket manufacturers, including companies that may compete directly with S&S products. Those projects are handled under strict confidentiality agreements.
According to the company, that approach comes from a simple belief that a healthy motorcycle industry needs competition. With decades of compliance experience behind it, S&S can help manufacturers work through the certification process while looking for efficient and economical ways to meet regulatory requirements.
Keeping Performance Products Available
Howard Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for S&S Cycle, ties the emissions program back to the company’s original mission.
“The S&S Cycle Emissions Lab is the logical continuance of George Smith’s original plan where he said, ‘I want to make all motorcycles go faster.’”
— Howard Kelly, Vice President of Marketing, S&S Cycle
For dealers and riders in states with emissions compliance laws, that testing work can make the difference between a performance part being available for sale or disappearing from the shelf entirely.
Manufacturers and industry companies looking for emissions testing or certification assistance can contact the S&S Cycle emissions team through the company’s emissions certification services page.
About S&S Cycle
Founded in 1958, S&S Cycle has spent more than 65 years manufacturing performance motorcycle components, engines and exhaust systems. Originally founded in Blue Island, Illinois, the company moved to Viola, Wisconsin, in 1969 and later expanded into La Crosse, Wisconsin. Today, S&S continues to develop performance products while supporting the technical and regulatory work required to keep those products on the road.
