I remember that.

They went to patent "potato-potato" in order to try and stop the Japanese from making Harley clones ... but the Irish government put in an official complaint against it instead, on the grounds of prior art.

Cue Dublin accent, "What's fer dener, ma?".

 

A different take on the original poster's question that has veered a bit off course...

If funds were unlimited and y'all could have any Harley you wanted (new or old), which generation (engine)and model would you buy right now today and why?

 

For style and panache, it would have to be a '56 Panhead, but for practicality, and given my experience with it over the years, I'll take a NEW '94 FLSTN, to go, please.

 

1963 Duo-Glide (red/white)

 

Nice, (see below)

I'd commission Howard at Motorcycle Metal to make a Road Glide special with an alloy frame and carbon fibre wheels, 6 speed RSD Baker transmission and all the usual suspension upgrades, with a modestly healthy S&S engine (or similar). And a carb.

It doesn't need a ton of power, just a lot less weight all round.

If it was for play ... there are some guys in Europe reviving board track racing, so one of them.

 

Wow! Stunning. Is that yours?

 

I have a similar take.

If I had an unlimited budget, someone would be building me a gloriously hot-rodded FXR with all sorts of nifty stuff (big S&S motor, Baker 6 speed, inverted forks, four pot Brembos, etc, etc, etc).

As things stand, I'm quite happy where I am.

 

I have a friend here in town that has that same bike believe it is a 65, in maroon with white seat and bags. Was in a barn since 1983, guy brought it to him to work on the clutch, long story short he now owns it and rides it quite a lot.

 

As a bit of background, patents only last a few years, a maximum of 12 IIRC. So if the MoCo had been awarded a patent in 1980 it would have expired at the latest in 1992, but possibly as early as 1984. However to be frank I don't see any features in it's design that would be patentable. It is derived from the shovel, using a perfectly conventional and well established design for all the 'new' features. In contrast the Rushmore heads, with their exhaust port cooling, use a novel approach which IMHO is eminently patentable.

In the case of the twincams, the under-trans oil reservoir and means of bolting the engine and trans casings together are also not new, so I would be surprised it there is any scope for patents with them. It's all been done before, in the distant past! I understand H-D issued a licence to JIMS to copy their design, which may use copywrite rather than a patent to provide a degree of protection.

 

That is just SO difficult to answer! I loved my shovel in it's day, but haven't ridden one since I sold it. I was a bit disappointed by my Evo in it's early life, but have grown to love it. I had a TC88 and after a few simple mods that was fine as well, although now sold.

My Evo's primary casings are off at present and looking at the way the engine and trans are joined is not a good experience! By contrast the TC96 and later design, with integrated oilways, is far superior, streets better. On the other hand the current touring frames have short-comings I don't like, which compromise the fine principle employed in the design of the original rubber-mount frame.

So if I could have a touring Harley with a 124" S&S Evo engine with the TC96 style trans arrangement in a late version of the older style frame, that would be pretty darned close. I might be prepared to compromise with a TC 124, if that makes things easier. Thanks!