New ideas for these Old things

If you are anything like me, and have owned your old bike for a dozen years (or so)...you may have had an idea (or two) that improves the way it works.
I am there too, but keeping some improvements a secret...when so many other KZ zeek's would benefit from them as well, seems selfish.
But here's the rub...some ideas you can't just give away. Kind of like telling everyone about your favorite Walleye fishing hole. They are worth much more than the time invested, especially when considering they are proven, fully functional, and working.

So, what's the point?

I don't know...except that I've got to start making some money (somehow), or I'll be having an extra (small) helmet if I don't.

Just like any idea that has the potential of making money, you should have it patented so only you will have the legal right to profit. From a scientific perspective, you should post your ideas in a journal or forum (what better forum than KZR?) for your peers to review. Thereby, the they may point out it has already been done. Or, they can test your ideas and confirm your results can be replicated. This may save you a lot of time in the long run. Good luck.

I post pretty much any idea or knowledge that I think will help.

I'd rather help people to maintain these bikes in running condition for as little money as possible. That will keep more of these bikes on the road.

Dear KZJOE900,

Thank you for the thoughtful suggestions. How would you suggest exposing an idea on this (wonderful!) forum? I have no desire or resources to pursue a patent, and believe the market for this particular idea would be limited.

Please view at my post on the Carburator subject of "Pods vs. Air Box"

A friend of mine was converting his lawn mower to propane, and I described to him a simple way to make a propane mixer. It worked great and cost virtually nothing. He posted it and someone used that to start selling instructions, on paper, on ebay. That guy has made a few bucks selling the plans.

You could try that.

The plans the guy sells are nothing earth shattering, and someone could easily piece it together through a bunch of google searches, but it would take a long time. I guess what he's really selling is a condensed set of information as a time saver.

Not to sound xenophobic, but I wouldn't bother patenting anything because the countries that ignore patent laws (CHINA) will just rip it off anyway and sell it here for two cents each.

Unless I can make it better!

If you plan to try to sell performance improvements I respectfully suggest you first provide dyno sheets that show the results of your improvements. Some folks honestly believe they have stumbled on a magic bullet when in fact they have simply made changes that improved the performance of a bike that was under-performing to start with and is now performing as well as a stock bike. Please understand that I’m not implying that is the case with you; it’s just that there are so many bogus "improvements" being offered in the auto/bike world that without some 3rd party evidence folks may doubt your claims. Ed

Actually its much easier and cheaper to copyright an idea then patent it, and easier to enforce if need be. Although I haven't done so myself I am also aware of more then a few patents , once issued , recieved a simple letter form the government stating in the interest of national security , you maynot persue marketing of this product, and thats legally binding. I don't believe thats an issue with a copyright.
I also know that people can sell plans for products that other people have a patent on and they can't be touched, again not so with a copyright.

Godfrey

okay i'm game and... i'll buy two ,how much?

Cheap easy semi binding copyright. detail your plan hand written and typed Take Photos with a Film camera enclose a notarized copy (optional) stuff it all including negetives in an envelope Mail it to yourself. Then start marketing and showing people it works soliciting orders or improvement ideas.

If someone rips it off and makes millions, send them a registered letter indicating they are producing a product, design, or whatever the case. after you have designed and started marketing it.

if they dont respond let a bulldog lawyer take it from there. Dont forget noone opens the letter after you receive it so make copies.

a music industry buddy of mine did that with his music, another friend had Coca Cola settle with him on a bottle design

Just a thought. Me i'm not that ambitious

Sharing is caring! If it's knowladge that would benefit the KZ comunity as a whole I would just share it, if it was some typ of product that requiers a level of manufacutrin that most people don't posess I would maybe try and sell either the product or the rights to manaufacutr it.

The thing is, if it's easy enough to make it yourself at least someone at some point will share the knowladge, and the it can be copied for ones own use without patent laws or copyright dito would enforce anything.