8/5/2009
Crane Cams Reopens Under Ownership of S&S Cycle
Company currently manufacturing ignition and motorcycle products
Performance industry icon Crane Cams
has reopened under the new ownership of S&S Cycle, and is actively
engaged in manufacturing and sales operations of its ignition and
motorcycle lines. The company, founded by Harvey J. Crane in 1953, is
newly housed in a facility at 1640 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach, and a
number of long-term Crane employees have joined the revitalized company.
S&S Cycle acquired Crane’s intellectual properties, patents,
trademarks, camshaft masters, inventory and some equipment in April
2009. S&S is best known for its broad line of components for V-Twin
motorcycle applications. The 50-year-old company boasts extensive
R&D and manufacturing capabilities, including a complete in-house
50-state Emissions Certification Lab.
Crane Product Manager Terry Johnson, a 12-year vet, said, “We have
already ramped up production of the motorcycle valve train and ignition
products, as well as the automotive ignition line. Many of the top
NASCAR teams use Crane ignition products, so maintaining continuity for
these customers is top priority.”
The company says production of automotive valve train components may take longer. Chase
Knight, who has over 40 years of Crane experience, has resumed his role
as Valve Train Product Manager. According to Knight, “While we know the
market is very hungry for our cam and valve train product lines, we
want to make sure the parts we ship exceed the quality and performance
expectations of our customers. At this point we can’t put firm timeline
as to when everything will be fully up to speed. We want to be sure to
get this right!”
Many of the experienced techs who have helped racers over the years are
back on the phones and can be reached toll-free at 866-388-5120, or
386-628-0197 locally.