Shop Talk: S&S Performance Cams for Milwaukee Eight Engines

S&S Cycle aims to give Harleys higher performance with bolt-in cams designed specifically with the Milwaukee Eight engine in mind.

It’s difficult to make a Harley-Davidson motorcycle better than it already is. But it is possible to add some polish to the brand’s proverbial crown via high-performance aftermarket products.

And now, one of our favorite go-to outlets, S&S Cycle, has set its sight specifically on the almighty 2017 Harley touring models with the Milwaukee Eight engine. The Wisconsin-based company is aiming to pump up performance and durability of these prized machines via its high-performance bolt-in cams. Their new 465 cam is available in chain or gear drive and S&S promises gains of 21HP and 21 ft-lb torque (coupled with S&S intake and exhaust).

Created specifically with Harley-Davidson’s new touring models in mind, the S&S Cycle cams are compatible with all stock components. “But for the cost of the labor to remove and reinstall the stock pushrods, you’ll be money ahead to cut them out and replace them with a set of the new S&S Quickee pushrods for M8 engines,” says S&S Cycle.

And if anyone knows a thing or two about making a great bike even better, it’s the motorcycle enthusiasts at S&S. The company grew to become the premiere V-Twin high-performance aftermarket source after its founder, George J. Smith, first decided to soup-up his own bike in 1958. Working on motorcycles in his garage inspired what has become one of the most successful brands in the business.

David Ciminelli

Los Angeles-based journalist David Ciminelli has covered everything from high-profile Lexus and Toyota reveals to reality TV show competitions focusing on custom automotive mods. He considers the "Droptops & Dirt" event in Malibu, “Luftgekühlt” and Sunset GT among his favorite automotive events to cover.

He has also interviewed artists like Megadeth and Jennifer Lopez, handled red carpet interviews at the MTV VMAs, and covered rock icons Rush getting a star on Hollywood Boulevard for media including The Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety, Out Magazine, IN Los Angeles and more. His byline has also appeared in Billboard, Ad Week, Backstage and Art Voice.

Currently, David contributes to over a dozen automotive websites, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Club Lexus, Rennlist, Chevrolet Forum, Corvette Forum, Team Speed and Harley-Davidson Forums.