George J. Smith, SR

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George Smith Sr.: The Innovator Behind S&S Cycle and a Drag Racing Legend

George Smith Sr. was more than just a drag racer; he was a pioneer in the motorcycle industry whose contributions to high-performance V-twin engines and aftermarket motorcycle parts continue to resonate today. As the founder of S&S Cycle, Smith played a crucial role in setting speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, forever altering the landscape of motorcycle racing and aftermarket tuning.

A Passion for Speed

Born on November 21, 1921, in the Chicago area, Smith was a mechanical prodigy with an insatiable "need for speed." His formative years were marked by a series of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including a 1911 model and a late-1930s 61 c.i. Knucklehead. Although not an outstanding student, his knack for mechanical engineering would set him on a path to greatness.

After beginning an apprenticeship as a die-sinker in the early 1940s, Smith's mechanical talents flourished. Although he trained as a pilot during World War II, the war ended before he saw combat, allowing him to refocus on his true passion—motorcycles.

Drag Racing Breakthroughs

Smith’s initial foray into racing came through midget cars, but he quickly shifted his focus back to motorcycles. He built a drag bike named “Tramp,” starting with a 1939 61 c.i. Knucklehead. Smith's modifications transformed Tramp into an 80 cubic inch powerhouse equipped with twin-carb heads and Riley carbs. Racing at Half Day Drag Strip, he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor.

In the nascent world of drag racing, Smith experimented with nitromethane and alcohol fuel mixtures. By 1952, Tramp consistently clocked quarter-mile runs at speeds around 125 mph, an impressive feat in an era before wheelie bars and specialized motorcycle drag slicks. His talent culminated in winning the Midwest National Drag Championship.

Building a Legacy

While weekends were dedicated to racing, Smith worked during the week at the Wyman-Gordon Company, a manufacturer of crankshafts for heavy machinery. This experience honed his skills, leading to innovative ideas that would eventually propel S&S Cycle into the spotlight.

In 1954, friends Stanley Stankos and Leo Spindler approached Smith to build a Bonneville record racer using Tramp as a foundation. After extensive modifications, Smith raced the newly designed 92 c.i. bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats, achieving an astonishing top speed of 152.02 mph on pure alcohol.

The Birth of S&S Cycle

By 1958, Smith and Stankos’ expertise in high-performance motorcycle parts was in high demand. Recognizing this opportunity, they established S&S Cycle, initially offering lightweight aluminum pushrods and solid lifter conversion kits. When Stankos sold his share of the business, Smith, supported by his wife Marge, took full ownership. The couple retained the S&S name, marking the beginning of a family legacy.

As S&S Cycle grew, so did its product line, fueled by investments in precision manufacturing equipment. In 1969, the company relocated to Viola, Wisconsin, where they returned to Bonneville in 1970, witnessing racer Leo Payne break the 200 mph barrier on a non-streamliner bike—a historic moment in motorcycle racing.

Records and Achievements

S&S Cycle's innovations continued to shine, particularly when Cal Rayborn set a new land speed record for single-engine streamliners at Bonneville, powered by an S&S-equipped Riley motor and tuned by Smith. This record-setting machine now resides in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, a testament to Smith's engineering prowess.

As the late 1970s approached, Smith's sons and sons-in-law joined the family business, making S&S Cycle a true family operation. Tragically, on August 1, 1980, George Smith Sr. passed away from heart failure, leaving a legacy that his family vowed to uphold.

Continuation of a Legacy

Under Marge's strong leadership, S&S Cycle continued to thrive throughout the 1980s, capitalizing on the rising popularity of V-twin motorcycles. Marge's dedication ensured the company remained a key player in the motorcycle performance market until her passing in 1992.

Today, S&S Cycle stands as a testament to George Smith Sr.’s vision, innovation, and passion for motorcycling. His legacy lives on through the products he developed, the records he set, and the family that continues to carry forward his commitment to excellence in the motorcycle industry. George Smith Sr. will always be remembered as a true icon in the world of motorcycle racing and performance engineering.