Boss Hoss - Engines

Engines

From the creation in 1990, the Boss Hoss bikes were all "kit" bikes meaning a frame and other equipment were shipped to the consumer from Boss Hoss. The consumer was then responsible for adding their own engine and additional touches that allowed them to customize the bike. In 1996 Boss Hoss started to manufacture the bikes from their own factory and headquarters located in Dyersburg, TN. From that point no more "kit" bikes were sold. The "kit bikes" were titled as BHC-2 bikes while the factory built bikes were titled as BHC-3 bikes. The titling difference made a large difference with insurance companies due to liability concerns.

In 1996, the Chevrolet ZZ4, a 350 cu in (5,700 cc) crate motor, was the standard issue engine in the bikes. The standard block is primarily made of cast iron while the heads are aluminum. A factory option for the bike also includes a GM "hot cam" which replaces the camshaft, pushrods, rocker arms, and springs in the heads. In 2000, Boss Hoss added the "Stud Hoss" to their line-up which was a 502 cu in (8,230 cc) Chevrolet big block. The "Stud Hoss" 502 was removed from the Boss Hoss line-up in 2007.

In 1997 and 1998 models years, Boss Hoss offered a 4.0 L Chevrolet V6 engine in the bikes. They narrowed and shortened the frame for the conversion but sold very few bikes due to the popularity of the larger power engines.

The engines have always been mounted longitudinally, with the crank pointed to the back of the bike.