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Twin Head Phasar

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Sources
Name:             Twin Head Phasar
Built:            Late '80s
By:               Malcolm Newell
Numbers:          7?

Specification
Chassis:          Steel tube
Front Suspension: Twin Headstock
                  Standard with drag link
Rear Suspension:  Standard Swing arm
Drive train:      Yamaha SR500
Brakes:           Standard
Tyres:            Standard
Tank:             3 Gallons
Bodywork:         GRP

Dimensions
Wheelbase:        Lengthened
Width:            28"
Length:           Lengthened
Seat Height:      24"
Weight:           380lbs

Claimed Performance
Cruising Speed:   80 mph
Top Speed:        90 mph
Fuel Consumption: 50mpg

The builder Ian Kew writes:

Firstly there are a couple of shots of my SR500 THS Phasar as built by Malcolm in the mid eighties. The bike was horrendously unreliable - partly my fault for using a knackered SR500, I only used it because it was cheap, the engine was modified (better oil supply etc.) and it was fitted with twin front disks. My inspiration (in using a single), came from Royce's High Techati which I saw whilst he was creating it, and I still think any engine that is not a single, v-twin or in-line is really unsuitable for a FF machine - unless it is positioned somewhere away from the rider. I rode the Z1300 Quasar and I found the riding position really appalling.

As you can see the SR was a 2-seater and apart from the pillion footrests being a bit too low it was fine. I found the handling to be interesting, at speed it was stable and quite nimble (I once overtook a GPZ 900 on a winding country road and the rider was amazed when he found out my thing was just a SR 500!) but at low speed the long wheelbase and altered steering geometry made it quite a handful. I did not find the linkages to be too much of a problem except that the lower tie-bar would clout the faring while turning. With the air box removed a K&N airfilter was positioned pointing towards my crutch which was interesting when the motor spat back!

I used the bike intermittently for a year or so and left it standing (outside) while I went to the USA for a year. On my return the thing was in a sorry state and I was in need of instant transport so it had to go. I sold it to a local guy who was going to try to rebuild it - I don't think he ever did and I doubt if any parts still remain, but I'll try to track him down and if they do I'll let you know.

Copyright © 1997; Ian Kew