SR500 Twin Head Phasar

The former owner, Ian Kew (pictured here inhis youth) 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 crotch 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.

SR500 Twin Head Phasar