Quote:
Originally Posted by carpetmojo
I'd love to know how they could prove the difference between an (allegedly) "designed" 4-stroke engine sound and one that sounds similar purely because it has a particular cylinder layout, uses no supposedly sound-altering devices, and, say, straight pipes.
Rather strange how some other motors have a distinctive engine sound without any extra effort being made to enter a "sound boutique" competition.
Still, I suppose Harley had to find something radical and important to develop on their power plants .......  |
If the sound is completely natural they can't claim any form of infringement. They can if a pipe or expansion chamber is "tuned" to mimic their bikes. This was discussed in depth at the time when they took out the copyright. Yamaha Viragos had a modification kit that made the 1100cc models sound like Softails. That was in breach.
It is like the Cadbury "purple" I can paint my car that colour, but I couldn't sell block of chocolate in a wrapper that colour.
What fascinates me is the suggestion that a Harley had a washing machine motor. I can see some outlaw club members chocking on their colours.