1980 Quasar-Suzuki 850cc

Hailed as the 'Bike of the Future' back in 1977, the inimitable Quasar remains streets ahead of the most advanced of current designs almost 50 years on. Aided by engineer Ken Leaman, designer Malcolm Newell abandoned motorcycling convention, adopting a radical feet-forwards design which solved many of the problems associated with the motorcycle's historical origin as a powered bicycle. Tubular-steel spaceframe; enveloping glassfibre body; four-cylinder water-cooled engine; electric starter; leading-link front suspension; alloy wheels; triple disc brakes; shaft drive; halogen headlamps; heater and de-mister; lockable luggage compartment - the Quasar had it all and more.

Superlatively equipped, Newell's creation was also no mean performer. Acceleration was never going to be startling with 41 Reliant horsepower propelling more than 600lbs, but the Quasar could cruise economically all day at 90mph and was good for a ton plus. More importantly perhaps, in bad weather the rider stayed warm and dry while his pursuers - and the ease with which the Quasar dismissed the best of its conventional contemporaries was often remarked upon - got wet and froze. Sadly, the ultimate Grand Touring motorcycle was destined for commercial failure: it is estimated that as few as 30 of all types were built, which is perhaps not surprising as the Quasar was twice as expensive as a top-of-the range BMW.

That first Quasar was powered by a Reliant car engine, while later versions employed a variety of motorcycle power units, as seen in the Suzuki GS850-powered example offered here. Number '22', this Quasar was part built by Malcolm Newell and only completed in 2022 by amphibious vehicle specialist, Mike Ryan. There is an image on file, taken in 2009, showing the Quasar in an unfinished state. The machine was the subject of an article in Motor Cycle News in 2022.

Our private vendor advises us that the Boyer Bransden ignition has been fitted; the carburettors restored; the dashboard improved; and crash bobbins and a moving handle added. The Quasar was last used in July 2026. It should be noted that there is an electrical charging issue: according to the vendor, charging is fine when the lights are on but the system over-charges when the lights are off. Accordingly, this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, usage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. Registered as a Suzuki, this rare and collectible Quasar comes with an old/current V5C Registration Certificates. It should be noted that the V5C omits the 'GS850' prefix on the engine number and the HPI database records the previous colour as blue.

Offered with key