This is the first time I've heard of this MC manufacturer (S&S of Wisconsin) and this is the first complete bike built by them. First glance has me drawn to the beautifully shaped tank and rear cowl. With 1900cc and 114.4 lb-ft of torque, this thing can win a tracker pull contest.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0904_ss_xw117_xwedge/index.htmlhttp://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0904_ss_xw117_xwedge/index.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0904_ss_xw117_xwedge/index.htmlhttp://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0904_ss_xw117_xwedge/index.html)
(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/18269541/122_0904_02_z+ss_xw117_xwedge+left_side_view.jpg)
Kind of looks like the one on Jaylenosgarage.com. I don't think I heard a price on it, probably stratospheric.
article said 50K for the one-off prototype and likely $25K if they can produce it.
Love the look of the bike but at that price they will be in a race with the new Norton Commando to see who sells the least bikes.
It is a positive sign to see American manufacturers looking beyond the Harleys of the 50's for design inspiration.
Quote from: Goat_Herder on June 09, 2009, 11:17:32 AM
This is the first time I've heard of this MC manufacturer (S&S of Wisconsin) and this is the first complete bike built by them.
They have been making high performance parts for Harley-Davidsons for over 50 years, but I wouldn't call them a MC manufacturer. That bike is probably just being used to showcase their latest engine, the X-Wedge.
Here is a video that Jay Leno did of this S&S motorcycle:
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=201499 (http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=201499)
I believe there was a "Builders Challenge" in which they all had to use the X-wedge motor in their project.....
So, do you think it runs like a Ducati, or runs like a Harley. Ducatis run like Harleys should. If Harleys ran like a Duc, I would actually own one. To date, I've ridden quite a few Harleys, but I haven't ridden one that runs like I feel a motorcycle should run.
Quote from: corndog67 on June 10, 2009, 06:11:17 PM
So, do you think it runs like a Ducati, or runs like a Harley. Ducatis run like Harleys should. If Harleys ran like a Duc, I would actually own one. To date, I've ridden quite a few Harleys, but I haven't ridden one that runs like I feel a motorcycle should run.
My H-D Street Rod was largely the reason I parted with my '94 M900. ;)
I like it.
And, if you like really tightly routed timing belts that need maintenance like Ducati, then the x-wedge just might be for you.
;D
(http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/X-wedgeMCUSA.0103.jpg)
mitt
that's ludicris. why didnt they just just gears only.
If you look around you'll see quite a few custom HD's that look like that. SnS has been making HD parts for a loooong time as someone has stated. I'm sure it runs exactly like a HD which is fine with me. There's one in the parking garage right outside my work.(my HD that is not the one pictured) I thought it might rain so I left the 1098 at home. ;D. I'm sure that bike is very fast of the line and pulls like hell. I imagine it redlines pretty low by duck standards.
Looks just like Leno's bike parked up at the lookout above the Rockstore on Mulholland Highway.
niiiiice!
I've always wanted to build a sportster-based custom w/an S&S motor in it... not too keen on the bigger framed cruisers
Roland Sands builds a lot of stuff like that, the BIG difference here is that you have a motor manufacturer building their own frame, that's a full on motorcycle manufacturer. I wonder if they will pursue it?
I've thought of using similar motors, but have always cringed at the thought of regressing to a cradle style frame.
Quote from: trouble on June 15, 2009, 08:00:23 AM
Looks just like Leno's bike parked up at the lookout above the Rockstore on Mulholland Highway.
there might be a reason for that:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0904_ss_xw117_xwedge/photo_03.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0904_ss_xw117_xwedge/photo_03.html)
(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/15696017+w750+st0/122_0904_03_z+ss_xw117_xwedge+jay_leno_sir_alan.jpg)
;D
looks lika a victory w/ an s&s motor!