In July of 2007 S&S published a release about the acquisition of Flathead Power. Suddenly many old school aficionados held their breath in anticipation of access to a long awaited, refined product line. A longstanding customer-vendor relationship between S&S and Flathead Power helped facilitate the deal for S&S. Senior Manager of Race and Customer Services, Charlie Hadayia, and Business Development Analyst, Tom Smith, brought the opportunity to the attention of then S&S president, Brett Smith, where it was quickly determined to research the opportunity and make an offer. The deal closed, July 25th, with Hadayia “on the ground” in Louisiana to package and load all the assets for shipment to the S&S facility in Viola, WI.
Since then, S&S researched Flathead Power, a company that serviced classic/vintage engine lines and components dating back to 1936. It was a perfect compliment for the S&S product line and brand and would ultimately fill a major void in the market, the hunger for engine parts and complete assemblies for vintage Knuckles, Pans, and Shovels.
“The acquisition of Flathead Power’s assets and trade-name allowed S&S to sell complete engine assemblies and aftermarket components from 1936 year groups through 2007,” said Michael Scaletta, “Few—if any—companies worldwide have, or will have, the breadth of coverage for v-twin performance aftermarket parts that we will following this deal. The classic/vintage market has been under-served, with pent up demand. S&S is committed to servicing this demand while producing quality Proven Performance products with a high level of customer service.”
S&S reintroduced the Flathead Power product line at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati in early February, 2008, and they stuck with the plan of introducing each vintage engine configuration as each product line was refined and mated with existing S&S components for the best possible performance configuration.
In 2009 then 2011 S&S unveiled the long-awaited Knucklehead series in three configurations: Two engine sizes in the classic kidney shaped cam cover style, and a KN-Kone 93-inch configuration.
S&S was recognized for their efforts at keeping the classic Knucklehead configuration alive at the V-Twin Expo, when they were given the Best Engine of the Year award.
“Granted, I may be partial, but S&S is in the best position to respond
to customer requests like this, our resources are second to none, we can marry the two designs together in Product Development, communicate that info to our Mfg Dept, and have quality inspected parts in a matter of days because everything is done right here in Viola Wisconsin, and with the majority of our vendors in the tri-state area, this is a product truly made in the USA,” said Eric Wangen, Flathead Power Product Line Manager.”Our KN-93 won Engine of the year in 2009 and its next generation KN-Kone engine winning two years later is really icing on the cake, and both coming from an industry event like the V-Twin Expo, shows that vintage never goes out of style.”
The cone motor aspect almost brings the Knucklehead up to Evo performance with the most simplistic and refined of all the standard V-twin configurations.
“This engine is a great combination of classic and cool,” said Scott Sjoval, VP S&S Product Development. “It fills a nitch in the custom world and the best part is that it was created
because our customers asked for it.”
Engine Descriptions
Flathead Power Kn-series Engines for 1936-1999 Chassis
Flathead Power KN-Series engines are very close in appearance to a stock
knucklehead engine, but offer a number of modern features for more
power, better engine life, and improved reliability. Aside from the much
larger 93″ displacement, the main improvement in design is the 1958-’65
style flywheel assembly, which uses a splined sprocket shaft and Timken®
sprocket shaft bearing. This necessitates the use of a 1955-’64 style inner
tin primary cover and primary chain sprocket. Flathead Power rocker arm
cover “tins” are another modern improvement. The KN93 is a standard
compression 93″ engine and is available with authentic generator style
crankcases for early style chassis, primary and transmissions, and with
alternator/generator style cases for use with 1970 and later primary covers
and late style transmissions.
Fitment
1936-’47 stock chassis –
will fit in 1948-’99 chassis with front
motor mount spacer (included)
1970-’99 Alternator/generator and alternator custom versions, custom bikes with 1970-’99 alternator style primary
Natural crankcases and black powdercoated cylinders and heads
Features
S&S Super E carb
S&S valve train – solid lifters
S&S Super Stock single fire ignition system and
polished billet timer
1936-‘47 models have correct length sprocket shaft for stock
primary and transmission.
Alternator and alternator/generator models have correct sprocket length sprocket shaft for 1970-up primary and transmission.
Alternator/generator engines include oil filter mount
for generator location One-year warranty
Options
93-inch standard compression, 74-inch in generator style only
Stock style generator or alternator/generator crankcases
Part numbers
Generator Style 93 ………………………….. 106-2161
Alternator/Generator Style 93 ………………….. 106-2560
S&S Kn-Series engine Specifications
KN93: 93-inch, 3-5/8 Bore, 4-1/2 Stroke, Super E, FHP 420 S&S, Forged 8.2:1 compression
KN74: 74-inch, 3-7/16 Bore, 3-31/32 Stroke, Super E, FHP 346, S&S Forged, 7.5:1 compression
“I have seen a few engines like this built in the past, but they were some real Frankensteins. More of a curiosity than something you could depend on. What makes this engine really special is that Eric designed this engine so that everything works like it should,” said Bruce Tessmer, S&S Marketing Manager. “For example, pushrod angles in this engine are correct because he machined the casesto accept real deal knuckle tappet guides. He also added all the latest cool stuff like the high evacuation breather gear and the low pressure oil pump. Not only will this thing run great, but it won’t leave an oil slick where ever it goes!”
Flathead Power Kn-Kone
Retro never gets old . The classic style of motorcycles of the past just can’t be beaten for coolness. Now, there’s a way to tap into the coolness of retro style. The new KN-Kone motor combines the look of a Knuckle, with the bullet-proof design and charging system of the 1970-’99 style alternator lower end. The KN-Kone motor features the S&S Super E carburetor and Super Stock single fire ignition system.
Fitment
1970-1998 big twin. 1999 chassis originally equipped with a Harley-Davidson Evolution engine.
Can also be installed in earlier chassis if a transmission with a 1970-up mainshaft is used.
Features and Benefits
S&S Super E carburetor
S&S Super Stock single fire ignition system
Alternator style crankcase – allows the use of modern primary, transmission, clutch components and electrical system
More simple exhaust fabrication
Part Number
KN-Kone 93-inch Engine …………………………. 310-0006
“I find particular pleasure in seeing the way Eric Wangen and Scott Sjovall have developed over the last 20 years. I hired those guys and spent a lot of time working with them, particularly Eric,” said George Smith, President of S&S. “It gives me great satisfaction to know that we’ve succeeded in fulfilling design capability succession to ensure S&S is here for another 50 years.”
