General Category => Introductions => Topic started by: Hot Rod Harry on January 23, 2014, 09:12:30 AM

Title: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Hot Rod Harry on January 23, 2014, 09:12:30 AM
Hi Everyone, I am new to this site and I have a question about any knowledge concerning patents on the Simplex motorcycles. Anyone with info please reply. I own a 1948 with a title and I am looking to manufacture components. Thanks.........Hot Rod Harry
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: kartjockey on January 23, 2014, 09:38:23 AM
Welcome to the site Harry!
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Mike Sal on January 23, 2014, 10:25:19 AM
Harry, I'm not aware of any valid patents that apply to the servi-cycle.  If there were any, they may have been assigned to Gary Wollard & he's no longer with us. 

You should call & get to know Wayne Mahaffey, our one & only parts vendor (located in Alabama).  He can give you a list of what's already on the market (he's made a lot of repop parts) and what still needs to be tooled to help support the brand.
I wish you a lot of success.  We need more parts!!!
Mike Sal
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: oil-lamp on January 23, 2014, 10:29:04 AM
Hi Hot Rod Harry,
What parts are you wanting to make? Wayne has several that he carries. Parts needed are metal gas tanks, fenders front and rear, and maybe luggage racks. Thats my thoughts.  ???
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Mike Sal on January 23, 2014, 10:40:04 AM
I know that Wayne makes luggage racks.  He'll send you a catalog of what's available if you ask (The items aren't marked if they are original used parts or re-pops).
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: oil-lamp on January 23, 2014, 11:56:13 AM
Oh a 12 volt lighting coil.   ;D
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Sonrisers on January 23, 2014, 05:36:32 PM
You could always make me a luggage rack...I'll put it on my bike and see if anyone sues me ;)lol
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Bruce on January 23, 2014, 05:39:53 PM
Mold a cheaper tire!!   Tank,rack and fenders next....stretch the frame for giggles too...5-6 inches.   May as well cast some cylinders  ;D...just teasing....tire is good
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Ricks on January 23, 2014, 05:57:15 PM
Mold a cheaper tire!!   Tank,rack and fenders next....stretch the frame for giggles too...5-6 inches.   May as well cast some cylinders  ;D...just teasing....tire is good

With the cost of a tire mold, there is ZERO chance of anyone making a cheaper tire!  25 years ago a few guys put up $10,000 to have Coker make the mold. 
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Bruce on January 23, 2014, 06:28:27 PM
Mold a cheaper tire!!   Tank,rack and fenders next....stretch the frame for giggles too...5-6 inches.   May as well cast some cylinders  ;D...just teasing....tire is good

With the cost of a tire mold, there is ZERO chance of anyone making a cheaper tire!  25 years ago a few guys put up $10,000 to have Coker make the mold. 
.  Ouch!    Okay....racks
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Hot Rod Harry on January 24, 2014, 12:49:21 PM
Thanks guys for the imput. I have been in contact with Wayne and he's a great guy. I am looking at reproducing the entire bike. I have already started on rims and have contracted a company in Detroit to stamp the tanks and will be going ahead with the rims next. We have already measured for the frame. I will be looking to do the Zephyr tail light if possible. I am also looking at tires as well. (Coker sure is making a killing on these.) We have mocked up a bike using Honda motors and I am also looking at the 200cc Lifkin 5 speed motors too. I have to meet with the attoroney to make sure I have crossed my T's and dotted my i's. THat is why I have asked about patents. Thanks...Hot Rod Harry
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: pd on January 24, 2014, 03:34:46 PM
Interesting , Harry .

Sounds like you're going to be rather busy . Could you please post a few pics of your 'mocked up ' bike ?

I'm sure all of us will be interested in your progress .

Pete . :)
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: old servi on January 24, 2014, 03:39:34 PM
There is a guy in ohio named Ollie who makes a molded tail light lens. He has some sort of a home made glass pour set up and sells lens from many old cars such as fords etc. Some of his molded lens do show that they are not top original quality however.
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Ricks on January 24, 2014, 03:59:43 PM
There is an old timer in Florida that had the Zephyr lens reproduced.  His name escapes me at the moment, but I wonder if he still sells them.  I think they were made of glass like the original.
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Sonrisers on January 24, 2014, 08:26:51 PM
Sounds really interesting, please keep us posted on the whole process and give us updates from time to time. Will you  be selling parts, or just the whole bike?
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Mike Sal on January 24, 2014, 08:27:57 PM
Be wary of the hand made repop lenses (poured resin vs. injected molded).  Unless the materials have improved over the last few years, they don't hold up well to the hot sun in the summertime.
Mike Sal
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Stafford on February 05, 2014, 02:40:07 PM
Hi Guys,
Just curious if anyone has heard from Hot Rod Harry about progress on his bike.
Did he ever send a pic. of the mock up? I guess I missed my chance on the first reproduction of the Simplex.
I would be interested in a new one that I could ride daily and not need to worry about parts and such.
I owned a reproduction Messerschmitt for 12 years. It used a Honda drivetrain so it was dependable and parts was never a problem. I drove it everywhere and never had a problem. It had the look and feel of a true classic with the dependability of a Honda. I think a Simplex with a little more hp. would be nice too. So it could pull my fat butt up a hill.  (;-{)>
Just checking; let me know if you hear anything.
Cheers
Stafford
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: admin on February 05, 2014, 04:35:12 PM
Hi Guys,
Just curious if anyone has heard from Hot Rod Harry about progress on his bike.
Did he ever send a pic. of the mock up? I guess I missed my chance on the first reproduction of the Simplex.
I would be interested in a new one that I could ride daily and not need to worry about parts and such.
I owned a reproduction Messerschmitt for 12 years. It used a Honda drivetrain so it was dependable and parts was never a problem. I drove it everywhere and never had a problem. It had the look and feel of a true classic with the dependability of a Honda. I think a Simplex with a little more hp. would be nice too. So it could pull my fat butt up a hill.  (;-{)>
Just checking; let me know if you hear anything.


Just build a real simplex with a Honda gc190 engine.  Plenty of power to go 50 mph and there are a ton of simplex frames out there without engines.
Cheers
Stafford

Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Stafford on February 05, 2014, 05:08:51 PM
Hi Ricks,
Thought about that myself. I'll be watching for a worthy candidate.
Did you leave it belt drive or did you change it to chain.
If you don't mind, I would love to see a few pic. of it.
Cheers
Stafford
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: admin on February 05, 2014, 06:04:33 PM
Hi Ricks,
Thought about that myself. I'll be watching for a worthy candidate.
Did you leave it belt drive or did you change it to chain.
If you don't mind, I would love to see a few pic. of it.
Cheers
Stafford

I have not done a 2 wheel conversion, but I did do a 3 wheel truck with a Honda gx200 electric start. I used all belt drive.  There is a complete build thread on here.

http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?topic=13.0

I have another bike waiting for a Gc190 conversion, and it will be belt drive with a torque convertor. I am currently working on a late model simplex sportsman, and that will be ready for the VMBC show in Portland this year.
Title: Re: Question about patents on Simplex Servi-cycles from a new member
Post by: Ricks on February 21, 2014, 01:44:47 PM
Any updates Hot Rod Harry?