In 1958, George Smith and his wife Marjorie started a small company in Blue Lake, Illinois, dedicated to making motorcycles go faster. Now, on the threshold of their 50th anniversary, Wisconsin-based S&S Cycle has grown to become the world’s most respected manufacturer of high performance engines and components for American V-twins. In order to celebrate their first 50 years, S&S partnered with ExxonMobil to create a motorcycle for Jay, the first to include S&S’s third-generation “performance cruiser” chassis/powertrain kit, featuring their much anticipated, 49-state approved X-Wedge engine.

Although it’s sexy and powerful, the 117-inch X-Wedge meets all new 2008 CARB and 2010 EPA emissions standards, providing significant reduction in noise and gas emissions. The design of the engine is a departure from S&S’ traditional engine design, one they hope is a step toward the future of air-cooled, pushrod operated V-Twins. Jay claims the bike feels as tight and quiet as one that is liquid cooled, and rides like one of his favorite bikes, the Vincent Black Shadow, with great maneuverability and comfort on long rides.

The motorcycle weighs less than 550 pounds, has a wheelbase of around 60 inches, a 28 degree rake, and a trail of 5.2 inches. The chassis is TIG welded, 1020 DOM steel tubular frame with a modular rear subframe. Traction shouldn’t be a problem with 17" Michelin Pilot tires. The binders are road race spec Brembo radials. Damping is done with Ohlins, both front and rear.

This cruiser also features high end components and controls, and a special edition paint job by Dougz Custom Paint, featuring Mobil 1 and highlighting S&S’ 50th Anniversary. The celebration will kick off in La Crosse, Wisconsin this June with the 50 Builder/50 Bike Build-Off for $50,000, and Jay’s bike will be displayed at Sturgis 2008.