No. 002 - RWS 881S

Malcolm Newell with RWS 881S - Note the lack of rear indicator pods.

Date of Registration 10/03/1978

Purchased new from Wilsons by Frank Leighton.  

Frank, who was known as 'The Travelling Gourmet' had, for a while, run the Ace Cafe on the A40.  

This was the only Quasar present at Malcolm's Funeral. Ironically, it broke down with an electronic ignition fault a little way short of Heddington and had to be trailered the last few miles.

The engine's been replaced by one built and tuned by formula 750 race club tuner Richard Owen, and it was fitted with a twin-choke Dellorto carb and four-branch exhaust.

After a period of 'resting' in Franks garage, it was sold to Nick Roche of Eastbourne in June 2000 and he sorted the bike out and got it back on the road. Nick's modifications to the bike  included 'raising the roof' in order to get more headroom.

Nick Roche at Beaulieu.                      (Photo Courtesy of Paul Blezard).

Nick died suddenly of a heart attack in December 2003 and his funeral was a memorable affair, with Nick being carried down to Eastbourne by side-car for one last ride, accompanied by Paul Blezard and myself riding matching red Quasars behind the hearse.  A fitting send-off.

(Photo Courtesy of Paul Blezard).

In Print :-

Magazines

Road tested in 'Classic and Motorcycle Mechanics' No 185, March 2003, by Roland Brown.  Five page article with a selection of photos.

Books

'The History of British Bikes', by Roland Brown, published 2001.  ISBN 0-75256-696-2.  One full page, 2 colour photos, one with Malcolm Newell in the foreground and one of Mike Scott. 

Last Updated 5th May '05