HarleyTechTalk

Was checking them out as an option for a future project.  Dont seem able to find one on line that is a Twin Cam replacement?  The all seem to be of EVO design?
Am I missing something here?

Didn't Harley patent the TC engine?

Only Twin Cam replacement motors are from Jim's.  They have an agreement to produce with H/D. S&S makes a crate motor replacemnert for 99~06 Touring and aslo cases for 99~06 Touring.  They had to revise cases to settle lawsuit with H/D over patent infringement.

I've heard that Ultima has a twin cam replacement in the works, but I don't believe that it's on the market yet.

Quote from: smoserx1 on October 24, 2010, 05:59:36 AM
Didn't Harley patent the TC engine?

Well, you can't really patent an motor... You can patent certain design aspects that may make the motor hard to duplicate.. From what I've noticed most were in reference to the oiling system and the TC cam plate.. Some aspect of  dual scavenge system might have been done... Also I'm pretty sure that HD has some patent on the dual counter rotating balancer system that keeps others from copying the design..

Max

I believe basic patents on the TC are close to expiring. You might see some after market cases and some more parts start showing up on the market in a few years.  Also you might see HD coming out with a new engine to do the patent game again.. considering their hire a lawyer attitude in building a HD...

Quote from: RevFastEddy on October 24, 2010, 11:05:01 AM
I believe basic patents on the TC are close to expiring. You might see some after market cases and some more parts start showing up on the market in a few years.  Also you might see HD coming out with a new engine to do the patent game again.. considering their hire a lawyer attitude in building a HD...

Patents can be renewed.

Only by act of congress. One thing that can be done is to create a new patent based on an existing patent to carry the current patent further but I doubt the HD patent is innovative enough to do that or worth  pursuing.. Max

wouldn't be hard, change design to the cam area, move or add piston oilers, you can do a lot of little things
and change it to renew the patent...

Quote from: hotroadking on October 25, 2010, 01:34:09 PM
wouldn't be hard, change design to the cam area, move or add piston oilers, you can do a lot of little things
and change it to renew the patent...

Unless I'm mistaken, I believe that's a big reason why S&S came out with their own oiling system/cam plate/cams, etc for the twin cam. HD baffles me sometimes. They threaten S&S with legal action then jump in bed with them for the reman engine program...

it's all about control and the Benjamins..

I read that it took the MoCo a couple of years just to sort out the oil control in the twin cam, why would you want to allow anyone to copy your designs for free, then undercut you with pricing that doesnt include any R&D cost?